empowered people empower people
Untrapped Ministries is a community-focused organization committed to combatting gun violence and building and sustaining healthy communities throughout Rochester, NY.
We have collaborated with local organizations to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities.
People of all ages and backgrounds have come together, united in the cause to protect our youth. We have teamed up with groups of committed mediators, counselors, intervention strategists and restorative trainers with over 30+ years of experience.
MEET OUR TEAM
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Justin B Morris
Founder + CEO
Justin is an ordained minister and certified New York State gang specialist/expert and violence intervention strategist and has been named one of eight Most Impactful Young People in the City of Rochester.
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Clayton Lyons
Director of Programming
Clayton leads the Community Vanguard program, co-leads the Rise & Thrive GED program at the RCSD Restorative Hub, hosts weekly community circle, and supports the UM team with whatever is needed.
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Mike Patterson
Advocate
Mike is a practicing mediator with the Center for Dispute Settlement (CDS). Michael also leads healing circles for gunshot wound victims.
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Shaheen Johnson
Street Navigator
Shaheen is a gun violence navigator and outreach worker. His role is to connect with individuals who themselves are affected by street violence in order to bring them into programming.
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Robert Carlos
Outreach Director
Pheon co-leads the Rise & Thrive partnership with RCSD’s Restorative Hub, leads all outreach initiatives, and serves as a Credible Messenger for youth aftercare initiatives. Pheon is an accomplished musical artist and manager. He was also an Olympic boxer.
