Trauma Informed, Faith Based, Victim Centered

 JACQUEL BROWN

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jacquel Brown is the Founder and Executive Director of Turning It Around, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking cycles of violence, trauma, and poverty through advocacy, mentorship, education, and healing.

After losing her son to gun violence, Jacquel turned personal tragedy into a mission of

transformation. Today,

she leads a powerful movement that brings hope and support to families and youth across underserved communities. Through programs like the W.A.Y. Youth Summit and community wellness outreach, Jacquel is helping others turn pain into purpose-one life at a time.Losing a child is an unimaginable tragedy but there is a space for resiliency. Healing doesn't happen overnight, but with proper support, faith, coaching and vision, one can turn tragedy into triumph.

The Mission: To advocate for justice, to restore hope, promote healing, and empower individuals-especially youth, victims of violence, and communities through advocacy, outreach, education, and faith-driven support.”

Vision: To create a healed, empowered, and purpose driven community where every individual- especially youth and survivors of trauma- can rise above adversity and become agents of change in their own lives and neighborhood. 

Candace Sims is the co-founder who discovered Advocacy is what she was doing even before she was considered an Advocate. A Professional Speaker and Certified End of Life Coach, I thought my life was through when I lost my son Marcus Reid to senseless gun violence. I never thought in a million years that I would be so passionate about serving the community by leaning into Grief and Trauma. Walking into a Grief Support group called The Compassionate Friends would not only change my life; but also give me life.  I went from being a member of a Support group to Hosting Support group on a monthly basis for years. 

The Promise: Death will allow you to live better if you will allow. Find a program or resource that connects with your pain; and do the work. Know that your life has changed; it's okay. Your circle of support will change, your interests will change, and you will find you are living the life you were destined to live.

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