About Us

At Jared's Heart of Success Inc., we are dedicated to addressing all forms of violence, including gun violence, and building stronger, safer communities. Through our programs, we equip individuals with the skills and resources they need to navigate challenges, build resilience, and create positive change in their lives and communities. By providing mentorship, conflict resolution training, STEM education, financial literacy, and mental wellness support, we empower youth and adults to grow in confidence, develop critical life skills, and foster healthier relationships. As a community-focused organization, we are committed to fostering opportunities for growth, healing, and a brighter future for all.

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 of Jared's Heart of Success, Inc. (JHOSI) a 501 (c) 3 Nonprofit providing gun and group violence intervention to the communities in Georgia and South Carolina. Mrs. Brown is a passionate leader for change in her community, partnering with local school districts and after school programs to provide programs and counseling for youth.

Mrs. Brown is an advocate for public safety measures with a strong desire to protect people from all forms of violence, As the CEO, Mrs. Brown also partners and advocates with other organizations locally and nationally.

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

Founder & CEO of JHOSI

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

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

Jared's Heart of Success is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and empowerment. We collaborate with organizations that promote public safety measures to protect people from all forms of violence, including gun violence. In addition to advocating for systemic change, we equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to advocate for themselves and their communities.

Our goal is 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 safe and thriving future for all.

“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.