SNUG Street Outreach

The SNUG Street Outreach program uses a public health approach to address gun violence by identifying the source, interrupting the transmission, and treating individuals, families and communities affected by the violence. SNUG programs employ outreach workers, social workers, case managers and hospital responders who work in neighborhoods experiencing elevated levels of gun violence in those communities. 

The DCJS Center for Safer Communities funds and supports SNUG programs in 14 communities: Albany, the Bronx, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mt. Vernon, Newburgh, Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Rochester, Syracuse, Troy, Utica, Wyandanch, and Yonkers.
 

Program Design

Social workers and case managers at SNUG sites provide those affected by gun violence or other crimes in the communities with trauma-informed counseling, support groups, advocacy and assistance with filing victim compensation applications with the state Office of Victim Services, and referrals for other services as needed; and offer support and guidance to SNUG team members.

SNUG programs also engage the community, faith-based partners, and local businesses by sponsoring anti-violence marches, job fairs, block parties, sporting events and other community gatherings. Comprehensive training, site visits and support from DCJS Center for Safer Communities helps ensure program consistency among partners operating each SNUG site.

Street Outreach Teams

SNUG street outreach workers are credible messengers because they live in the communities in which they work, and some have been involved with the criminal justice system or lost loved ones to violence. They work with teens and young adults to detect and defuse disputes before they escalate; respond to shootings to prevent retaliation through mediation and assist family members of those who have been injured or killed; and mentor youth involved with the program to set goals and connect them with educational and job opportunities as well as other services.
 

Hospital-Based Teams

The program also embeds social workers at trauma centers in Albany, Rochester and Syracuse who work with individual and families in the aftermath of a violent incident to offer support, services and connect them to the SNUG program in their communities for additional assistance.

Syracuse

The SNUG social work and case management team was highly active this summer, providing critical support to families and the broader community following several high-profile homicides. In response to a particularly traumatic incident, the team facilitated a support group for lifeguards who witnessed a homicide at their workplace, offering a space for processing and healing. The team also established a new partnership with Hillbrook Juvenile Detention Center to strengthen reentry planning and increase referrals for youth returning to Syracuse. As part of this collaboration, both outreach and social work/case management staff are now visiting the facility on a weekly basis.

Buffalo

The SNUG social worker planned and facilitated several creative, community-based participant groups last quarter, including a healthy living group hosted at the Farmer’s Market, a job readiness group at the Northland Workforce Training Center, and a financial literacy session featuring a guest speaker on life insurance and retirement planning. 

Bronx

This quarter, the team worked intensively to engage several high-risk patients from 2025 into SUV’s anti-gun violence employment program. Through coordinated outreach efforts and the use of motivational interviewing, five former shooting victims from 2024–2025 were successfully enrolled. All participants are now building meaningful relationships with peers and staff at SUV while developing critical job-readiness skills to support their successful reentry into the workforce. This initiative reflects a strong, collaborative approach to long-term violence prevention, recovery, and economic stability.

Wyandanch

Following a home invasion and assault, a survivor was discharged from long-term care without in-home services, placing significant strain on his family. His wife was left to manage his extensive care needs alone. In response, the SNUG social worker partnered with Northwell Health to coordinate admission to an acute rehabilitation facility closer to the family’s home, where he is now receiving comprehensive medical and rehabilitative care. The social worker continues to build a strong, sustainable support network to address the family’s long-term needs.

Yonkers

An outreach worker successfully re-engaged Participant #392, a gang-affiliated high school junior who had disengaged from school. Through consistent outreach, relationship-building, and ongoing invitations to SNUG events, the participant reconnected with support services. He ultimately graduated from The Barack Obama School of Social Justice and remains in regular contact with his outreach worker for continued guidance, mentorship, and support.

Troy

Client #175 secured his first job, opened both checking and savings accounts, and began exploring new career pathways. He is now considering returning to school and is actively saving toward his first apartment after distancing himself from negative peer influences. Client #174 has maintained two steady jobs and recently achieved the significant milestone of moving into his first apartment with support from the SNUG program. Client #187 obtained a new job and is planning to return to school for security training, while saving toward the purchase of a vehicle to support reliable transportation to work.