Barbershop Community Safe Haven
Jorge Sierra

The spreading harm of gun violence across a community was a pandemic long before the coronavirus reached the U.S., says Jorge Sierra, MVP Barbershop owner, public speaker and passionate advocate for youth.

Gunned down at 17 in front of the Bristol, Connecticut courthouse, Jorge tells everyone he meets that gun violence is no solution. Now 44, he speaks from his wheelchair to groups – in schools and job centers and now through videoconference platforms – about the personal decisions that can help young people reach their goals.

His story is how his gang involvement ended with jumping in front of his mother outside that courthouse, shielding her from a shooter across the street. How he rebuilt his life by building a career as a licensed barber, growing to serve on the statewide Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, and opening MVP Barbershop on Grafton Street in Worcester – a place that serves as a resource and safe haven for the community.

Jorge is just one person, but the impact of his work goes far beyond his own story. His motivational approach supports the fact that Violence Is Not Normal and Worcester can reduce the incidence of gun violence as a community, together.

Violence Is Not Normal is funded through the Massachusetts Gun Violence Prevention Program, which works with grantees in 15 communities across the Commonwealth to help youth avoid violent conflict and injury. Through a racial equity and trauma-informed lens, funded partners provide critical supports, such as close connections with trustworthy adults, opportunities to learn new skills, and access to the job market. Learn more at Mass.gov/DPH