In response to these sad facts, Hadiya’s parents, Cleopatra and Nathaniel Pendleton, are choosing to do something. In 2014 they launched Hadiya’s Promise an initiative of Hadiya's Foundation with a mission focused on addressing one of the nation’s most pressing problems ⎯ gun violence and those who are often the perpetrators of gun violence disaffected youth. Hadiya’s Promise believes there are mi
llions of like minded individuals who are inspired to action by the lost promise of too many gun violence victims in this country and are seeking not only smart on crime responses from their elected officials but the investments necessary to bring back the “it takes a village” concept necessary to ensure we lessen the number of disaffected youth who might perpetrate or become the victims of gun violence. Hadiya’s Promise will utilize strategies to:
• Inform the general public on the causes of gun violence and the best practice interventions shown to have a positive impact on disaffected youth by providing high quality information and analyses and convening issue-focused programming focused on promoting change to public awareness and attitudes around gun violence and its impact
• Influence key decision-makers and stakeholders by promoting a presence and participation in policy and advocacy work, and;
• Build a pipeline of leaders, fostering leadership on issue content and advocacy, developing relationships with key issue area advocates to promote community-level changes and promoting best practice programming that supports and inspires disaffected youth to achieve their full potential and live productive lives.
• Convene local and national experts to identify sensible community-based solutions, programs and best practices.
• Promote and disseminate these programs through families, communities, faith institutions, law enforcement and schools allowing them to take action and end gun violence.
