By: AJIOS Foundation | August 5, 2026
CLARKSDALE, Miss. — A Journey In Our Shoes (AJIOS) Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with the University of Mississippi’s Community First Research Center for Wellbeing & Creative Achievement (CREW), marking an exciting milestone in the organization’s mission to reduce violence, empower youth, and strengthen communities throughout Coahoma County and the Mississippi Delta.
This collaboration brings together AJIOS’ grassroots leadership and lived experience with the University of Mississippi CREW team’s expertise in community partnerships, research, creative storytelling, and program development. Together, the organizations will strengthen violence prevention efforts by developing innovative educational programming, expanding community partnerships, and identifying resources that support long-term sustainability.
A primary focus of the partnership is the continued development of AJIOS’ signature initiative, Choose Peace Over Violence, an educational and theatrical curriculum designed to engage middle and high school students in meaningful conversations about conflict resolution, peer pressure, trauma, leadership, accountability, and the lifelong consequences of violence. Through interactive discussions, dramatic performances, and real-life experiences, the curriculum encourages young people to become leaders and peacemakers within their schools and communities.
“Our vision has always been to create programs that save lives by giving young people hope, purpose, and practical tools to choose a different path,” said Rose Jordan, co-founder of A Journey In Our Shoes Foundation. “Partnering with the University of Mississippi CREW strengthens our work by bringing additional expertise, creative resources, and meaningful community connections that will help us expand our impact.”
“This collaboration allows us to build stronger programs, create new opportunities for our youth, and work alongside respected partners who share our vision of safer, healthier communities,” said LeKitha Hill, co-founder of A Journey In Our Shoes Foundation. “Together, we can help young people see that there is always a better path than violence.”
The partnership will also create opportunities to connect AJIOS with statewide leaders, funding resources, creative professionals, and organizations dedicated to improving community well-being. The leadership team at CREW has already begun identifying potential collaborators and introducing AJIOS to partners who may assist with program development, technical support, media production, evaluation, and future funding opportunities.
Meagan Rosenthal of UM CREW shared her excitement about the collaboration, stating:
“We are excited and honored to partner with the team at A Journey In Our Shoes Foundation to support their incredibly important mission. UM CREW’s primary goal is to connect community partners with university collaborators to solve important problems in a community-focused way. We are confident this partnership will make a difference in Coahoma County and the Delta.”
Together, Rose Jordan and LeKitha Hill—mothers whose lives have been profoundly impacted by gun violence—have transformed their grief into a mission of hope, healing, and action. Through A Journey In Our Shoes Foundation, they are committed to preventing violence, supporting survivors, mentoring youth, and empowering communities by providing education, resources, and opportunities that encourage young people to choose peace over violence.
AJIOS plans to launch the theatrical presentation of Choose Peace Over Violence later this year, with the long-term goal of bringing the program to schools, churches, community organizations, and youth groups across Mississippi. The partnership with the University of Mississippi CREW Initiative represents an important step toward making that vision a reality by combining community leadership with academic collaboration and creative innovation.
Founded by mothers whose lives have been forever changed by gun violence, A Journey In Our Shoes Foundation is dedicated to preventing violence, supporting survivors, mentoring youth, and promoting healing throughout the Mississippi Delta. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, the organization works to empower individuals, strengthen neighborhoods, and inspire lasting change.
As the partnership grows, AJIOS and the University of Mississippi CREW Initiative will continue exploring innovative ways to combine community knowledge, academic resources, and creative storytelling to build safer, healthier communities for future generations.
“Together, we are building a future where our youth choose peace over violence and every family has hope for tomorrow.”