The End Violence Project is a non-profit organization created by Mahin Bina and a group of people with the shared vision of ending violence without violence. Our programs help inmates and ex-offenders successfully transition from prison life to their families and communities, which, in turn, fosters community healing, safer neighborhoods and streets.

The inmates and ex-offenders we work with have a strong commitment to living a positive life and ending the cycle of violence and incarceration. Inmates choose to participate in our 6-month Leadership Program and become End Violence facilitators in their communities. In the Leadership Program, inmates and ex-offenders learn a variety of skills to prepare them for a life committed to benefiting the society in which they live, wherever they live.

Some of our graduates have become public speakers. With courage and determination they speak at high school, middle school and community programs about their experience in the cycle of violence and incarceration and the impact it has had on their lives. Others have created projects, such as tennis camps, to provide youth a safe and stimulating place to be after school. Most all of our graduates create community conversations about the possibility of a life and a society free from violence.

In addition to programs offered inside of prisons, the End Violence Project also works with the residents of Community Correction Centers (previously known as Halfway Houses) in the Philadelphia area. Here we continue to support leadership training for ex-offenders committed to staying free and being leaders in their communities. We provide opportunities for our participants to experience leadership by helping other ex-offenders to be leaders in their communities. In addition to ongoing training the program in Community Correction Centers also provides much needed practical assistance including assistance in obtaining proper identification, transportation passes, clothing, and support in finding legal employment.

Staff and volunteers of the End Violence Project:

• Are committed to bringing the idea of a world free from violence from a vision to a reality
• Declare that each and every human being is a distinct contribution to humanity
• Stand for integrity, empowerment, responsibility, compassion and forgiveness
• Provide a structure for ongoing support for projects related to the end of violence
• Offer growth and development programs and networking opportunities for community leaders committed to ending violence without violence

Partners of the End Violence Project who share the vision of ending violence are:

• Operation Peace Philadelphia
• Congresso Latino Anti-Violence Project
• Pennsylvania Prison society
• Philadelphia Young Playwrights Festival