about us
Community Youth Against Violence (CYAV) was founded by Pastor Lorenzo Johnson Sr. with a mission to restore and uplift South Florida’s Black neighborhoods. CYAV was created with the goal of decreasing crime rates in Black communities and other areas in need, by focusing on Developing and Creating Mindsets that steer youth away from violence and toward positive, productive futures. Through this transformative approach, CYAV seeks to build stronger, safer communities for everyone.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see a future where youth violence no longer claims the lives of our young people, and where every child has the support, tools, and community they need to make positive choices. We envision a community where young people feel empowered to pursue their dreams and break free from the cycles of violence, crime, and aggression.
We are working toward a world where the phrase “enough is enough” isn’t just a rallying cry but a reality – where our efforts have contributed to fewer acts of violence, more peaceful resolutions to conflict, and stronger relationships within families and communities.
Empower
Growth
We believe that change is possible – but we can’t do it alone. CYAV invites you to join us in our mission to stop youth violence and empower our young people to build a brighter future. We offer a variety of programs and we are working with community leaders on several projects centered abound the growth of our community and its youth.
Together, we can create a safer, more hopeful future for our youth and our community.