Amo Secures $311,000 for Providence’s Nonviolence Institute to Make Communities Safer

PROVIDENCE, RI –  TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI-01) celebrated the $311,000 in Community Project Funding he fought to bring home for the Nonviolence Institute in Providence. This money will fund three victim advocates and a case manager who will provide crisis intervention, home visits, and long-term support for victims.

“I’m proud to bring home $311,000 in federal funds for the Nonviolence Institute to make sure no Rhode Islander has to walk the path of healing alone,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “The institute has been at the frontline of helping Rhode Island recover after the shootings at Brown University, the Lynch Arena, and countless other incidents in our communities. I look forward to seeing this investment make a real difference in supporting safety, protecting victims, and starting the process of renewal and restoration when our community is impacted by violence.”

“30 years ago, I lost my brother. I know what is needed during such difficult times,” said Nonviolence Institute Executive Director Lisa Pina-Warren. “Programs like ours help ensure that after a tragedy, resources are available to help people heal. But this work is not possible without partnership, so I am deeply grateful to Congressman Amo for helping secure this funding so we can get back into the community and help break the cycle of violence.”

“The ongoing collaboration between Brown University Health and the Nonviolence Institute reflects a shared commitment to meeting people in moments of profound vulnerability with dignity, compassion, and meaningful support,” said Megan Mack, MSW, LICSW, CCM, Director of Clinical Social Work, Brown University Health. “Healing violence requires more than medical care—it requires partnership, advocacy, and community. Our work with the Nonviolence Institute ensures those impacted are supported with compassion, safety, and dignity from the moment they enter our hospital and beyond.”

“Community policing is partnerships, problem solving and prevention, as exemplified by our Providence Police Department partnership with the Nonviolence Institute,” said Major Roger Aspinall, Director of the Uniform Division of the Providence Police Department. “The Nonviolence Institute’s increased capacity will strengthen this partnership as we work together to reduce crimes, stop further violence, and help impacted individuals. So on behalf of the Providence Police Department, thank you Congressman, for your help and your support.” 
 

Background

In total, Congressman Amo secured $11 million in Community Funding Project for projects across Rhode Island’s First Congressional District.

Funding for the Nonviolence Institute comes in the wake of two devastating shootings in Rhode Island. 

In December 2025, two students died, and nine others were injured in a shooting on campus at Brown University in Providence, RI. After the shooting at Brown University, the Nonviolence Institute outreach and victim services teams immediately responded to Rhode Island Hospital to support victims and their families. 

In February 2026, a shooter killed three people and injured two others before dying by suicide during a high school hockey game at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, RI. 

A member of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention task force, Congressman Amo has led the fight for accountability and transparency in response to the back-to-back tragedies. 
 

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