S.W.A.G Victim Support Services

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Lexington nonprofit has special plans to help families affected by gun violence.

What You Need To Know

• Lexington nonprofit SWAG, which helps families affected by gun violence, is starting a new initiative 
• The group was awarded $15,000 from national nonprofit Cities United 
• The nonprofit offers resources and connections such as in-school mentoring, peer-to-peer help and annual events
• Those interested in services can reach out to swagsisters859@gmail.com or call 859-382-0053

Andrea Crocker, mother and member of Sisters and Supporters Working Against Gun Violence (SWAG), said she has dealt with an unexpected amount of loss because of gun violence, including her two sons.

"One of them was an accidental shooting and the other one was intentional,” Crocker said.

She said those losses have caused challenging moments in life.

“It's affected me in a way that I understand where ... you need funding, you need help, you need my job," she said. "I lost a job of 20 years." 

Fortunately, groups like SWAG have provided healing, she said. The nonprofit offers resources and connections for those affected by gun violence and last year recognized the 11th anniversary of those services, which also include in-school mentoring, peer-to-peer help and annual events.  

Now, thanks to a $15,000 grant from national nonprofit Cities United, its support will include a new financial initiative.

"With that money, we're going to (help) families that are dealing with a crisis or a hardship that have been impacted by gun violence," said Tonya Lindsey, who founded SWAG after the death of her child, Ezavion Lindsey. "The funds are limited, but we are going to get them out and disperse to families that are in dire need of it because we do know what that looks like."

Lindsey said there will be some limitations, such as whether a candidate has received significant funds from other city-based and sponsored organizations. The goal is to reach families who have not received help since their loss. 

“We do realize what we stand for, that we are out here doing the work behind the scenes ... and people need to realize that we are victims ourselves," she said. 

To apply or learn more about SWAG, reach out at swagsisters859@gmail.com or 859-382-0053.