About Us

At Jared’s Heart of Success Inc., we lead with a community violence intervention (CVI) approach to break cycles of violence and foster healing in communities most affected by trauma. Our work centers on prevention, early intervention, and restorative strategies that empower youth and families to create lasting change.

Through mentoring, peer mediation, conflict resolution, and mental wellness support, we equip individuals with the tools to navigate challenges, build resilience, and resolve conflict peacefully. Our trauma-informed programs are rooted in lived experience and driven by a commitment to community-based solutions.

As a trusted CVI organization, we are dedicated to advancing safety, healing, and equity—ensuring every life is valued and every voice has the power to lead.

Saving Lives. Building Futures.

JHOSI takes a public health approach to addressing gun violence through prevention, education, and empowerment programs. Grounded in evidence-informed strategies, our programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of youth and adults of all genders, focusing on reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors within individuals and communities.

Our initiatives inspire personal growth, build self-confidence, and promote educational and social development. By addressing gun violence as a public health crisis, we are committed to creating safer, healthier environments where individuals can thrive, and communities can flourish. Together, we are shaping a future where safety and opportunity go hand in hand.

About the Founder

Sharmaine Brown is the Founder and Executive Director of Jared’s Heart of Success, Inc. (JHOSI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to community violence intervention, youth empowerment, and trauma-informed support across Georgia and South Carolina.

A survivor and passionate advocate, Mrs. Brown founded JHOSI in memory of her son Jared, whose life was tragically taken by gun violence. Her leadership is rooted in lived experience and a deep commitment to breaking cycles of violence, fostering healing, and building safer, more resilient communities.

She partners with school districts, afterschool programs, and grassroots organizations to deliver impactful programming in mentoring, peer mediation, conflict resolution, mental wellness, and youth leadership development. In addition to her community-based work, she advocates at the local and national levels for public safety, equitable resources, and long-term violence prevention strategies.

Mrs. Brown is a proud graduate of the Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy (CVILA) at the University of Chicago Crime Lab—a first-of-its-kind education program designed to deepen the leadership and management practices of senior CVI leaders.

Founder & CEO of JHOSI

Sharmaine S. Brown, CIC-CSp. GC-C

Partner Affiliations

Activist Dekalb County GVIP
Advocate for Gun Violence Prevention
Everytown Faith Advisory Council Member
Former School Advisory Council Member Sandy Hook
GSAN Afterschool Community Champion
GUIDE Prevention Advisory Board Member
Moms Demand Action East-Atlanta Metro Lead
2022 Civic Innovation Fellow

Meet the Team

Executive Director

Sharmaine Brown

Vice Chair

Rovina Terry Billingslea

Secretary

Yolanda Hatch

Committee Member

Ashley Smith

Board Advisor

Diana Gregory

Treasurer

James Brown

Advocacy and Prevention

At Jared’s Heart of Success, advocacy and prevention are at the core of our mission to end violence before it begins. We raise awareness, mobilize youth and families, and push for community-driven solutions that address the root causes of violence.

Through education, outreach, and policy engagement, we amplify the voices of those most impacted by trauma and injustice—empowering them to lead change, promote healing, and create safer, more equitable communities.

We strive to foster a community where gun violence is prevented through education, empowerment, and self-advocacy. By building resilient, informed, and empowered communities, we aim to create a future where every individual feels safe, valued, and equipped to thrive.

“Transforming communities. . .one person, one family, one community at a time.”

Awards and Recognitions

Sharmaine also shares her personal story nationally with others through the Everytown Survivor Network, inviting them to join the movement to ending gun violence. She has been featured in VOGUE, Voyage ATL, VoyageSC and seen on several news outlets speaking on gun violence prevention and has spoken to legislators on Capitol Hill.

Sharmaine has received the following awards:

2024 Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy (CVILA).
2023 Featured in Arts ATL.
2022 Outstanding Leadership and Dedication to youth safety Sandy Hook Promise.
2021 Outstanding Leadership and Dedication to youth safety Sandy Hook Promise.
2020 Adult Advisor of the Year from Guide, Inc.
2019 Jared’s Heart of Success Inc- Youth Action Team of the Year from Guide, Inc.
2018 Unsung Heroine Public Service award from Saving Our Children and Families, Inc.
2017 Bold and Fearless award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.