RAWtools Philly

RAWtools gets its name from flipping “WAR” around. We are committed to building a world free of violence. We do that by working to address the root causes of violence, both locally and globally – as we like to say “healing hearts, healing streets, healing the world.” We create income opportunities primarily for people who have been directly impacted by gun violence and the opioid crisis – including artists (who paint murals), musicians (who create songs and poetry to perform publicly at our events), testimonials (of survivors and family members of the deceased). We prioritize youth who are at risk, formerly incarcerated individuals, and persons recovering from substance addiction. Most of our resources go towards materials and equipment needed to turn guns into art. We are now establishing a mobile unit that can travel more easily to events in neighborhoods throughout Kensington and beyond and bring the message of hope and healing. We also dedicate most of our proceeds that we make from sales of products made from guns towards suicide prevention, gun violence prevention, recovery efforts and other life-giving services. This budget includes expanded programming to do more of what we are already doing and has proved so effective.