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In a powerful and moving interview with Rev. Dr. Philippe SHOCK Matthews, psychologist and community leader Jevon Diming shared her journey from Chicago’s South Side to founding Pierre Outreach Safe House, an innovative program transforming how we address generational trauma among young Black girls in Madison, Wisconsin.
A Mission Born from Personal Loss
Diming’s story begins with profound loss. In 1994, at just 13 years old, she lost two beloved cousins to gun violence – Larry and Maurice Mitchell. These devastating losses shaped her understanding of how trauma ripples through families and communities. But it was the 2012 murder of her nephew, William Pierre Cook Jr. (known as “Mookie”), that ultimately catalyzed her mission. Shot through a window at her mother’s home shortly after his high school graduation, Mookie’s death became the namesake and inspiration for Pierre Outreach Safe House.
“That is who Pierre Outreach Safe House is named for,” Diming explained, emotion clear in her voice. “They murdered my nephew in our house while my mother, almost legally blind, tried to pour pressure to stop the bleeding.”
Understanding the Roots of Trauma
Through her work and research, Diming has developed a deep understanding of how trauma perpetuates itself in Black communities. She points to what she calls the “culture of poverty” – not just economic poverty, but a poverty mindset that can trap generations in cycles of trauma.
“When we do not give proper attention to our babies growing up in their trauma culture, it gets worse,” Diming explained. She emphasized how trauma doesn’t just affect individuals but becomes embedded in family systems and community structures. “Because of the epigenetic memory… whether you’re a woman or a man, we’re at a deficit in the womb before we even get here.”
A Revolutionary Approach
Pierre Outreach Safe House represents a radical departure from traditional intervention programs. Its model integrates three key components:
- 24/7 Comprehensive Support: “We’re saying that we are going to be with them 24 hours a day,” Diming explained. “We are going to be at the schoolhouse. When they leave the schoolhouse, they come to our house, and when they leave our house, they come into your house.”
- The Wellness Lab: A dedicated space where Black women and girls can openly discuss their experiences and work through trauma in a supportive environment. Operating every Saturday, the Wellness Lab provides a crucial platform for healing and community building.
- Family Integration: Unlike many programs, Pierre Outreach requires parent participation. “The black mothers have to, if you sign your daughter up for our program, you have to talk to us. You have to go through the program just like your daughter.”
Breaking New Ground
What makes Diming’s approach unique is her deep understanding of community dynamics. Having lived through similar experiences herself, she brings authenticity and cultural competency to her work. “I am that person that raises the standards for you, my sisters. I am that person to raise the standards the way we treat our babies.”
Her work has gained validation from established programs, including Maya Angelo’s Residential Academy in Washington DC, which confirmed she was “on the right track.” However, Diming’s vision goes further – while Maya Angelo’s program focuses on their students, Pierre Outreach aims to serve all Black youth in Dane County who need support.
The Challenge of Recognition
Despite the program’s impact, Diming has operated largely without recognition or substantial funding. She’s intentionally maintained a low profile, prioritizing the privacy and dignity of the families she serves over publicity. “Because of the stories that comes behind my work… I don’t want my families to see I’m promoting something,” she explained.
Looking Forward
The need for programs like Pierre Outreach Safe House has never been more urgent. Diming points to concerning trends among young people, particularly the intersection of social media, materialism, and trauma. “This generation of kids are some new black kids… This social media and material… is just out of control.”
But Diming remains hopeful. Her work demonstrates that with the right approach and dedicated support, cycles of trauma can be broken. “I am here to let you know that you are the all and be all of your reality. You become your own leader. You fix this because can’t nobody fix your story more than you.”
For those interested in supporting or learning more about Pierre Outreach Safe House, Diming maintains a careful vetting process to ensure the safety and integrity of her program. The organization can be reached through their website at POSSH.org.
A Legacy of Healing
What stands out most about Jevon Diming’s work is her profound understanding that healing generational trauma requires more than just individual intervention – it demands a comprehensive approach that addresses family systems, community structures, and cultural patterns. Her work represents not just a program, but a movement toward healing and transformation in Black communities.
As she puts it, “We have to be realistic… how are we going to help your child when we know that you are potentially contributing to her feeling the way she’s feeling?” This honest, holistic approach sets Pierre Outreach Safe House apart and offers a model for addressing generational trauma that could transform lives across America.
Through her work, Diming honors the memory of her lost family members while creating a legacy of healing that will impact generations to come. Her story reminds us that sometimes the most powerful solutions come from those who have walked through the fire themselves and emerged determined to ensure others don’t have to face those flames alone.
The interview concluded with Diming’s powerful reminder that this work isn’t just about creating programs – it’s about transforming communities from within. “We have our own institution,” she noted, speaking of Black communities. “And if you’re trying to build a program and you don’t know what you’re doing in regards to that space, you’re hurting more than helping.”
As communities across America grapple with trauma and its generational impacts, Jevon Diming’s work offers both hope and a practical roadmap for change. Her story reminds us that healing is possible, but it requires commitment, understanding, and a willingness to address the deep roots of trauma in our communities.
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