One Lexington highlights their Crisis Response Advocates

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — In a recent social media post, One Lexington highlighted the important — and often unseen — role its “credible messengers” play in preventing gun violence across the city.

According to the organization, credible messengers are individuals with lived experience or strong personal ties to the communities most impacted by gun violence. Their work focuses on building trust, reducing conflict, and stepping in during moments of crisis.

One Lexington says its crisis response advocates and survivor support liaison respond directly when shootings occur. That response can include mediating conflicts, supporting victims’ families, and helping connect people to community resources and services.

Organizers say these efforts are a key part of Lexington’s broader violence intervention strategy, even though much of the work happens quietly and out of public view.

The group emphasized that credible messengers often play a crucial role in calming tense situations and helping prevent retaliation, making their presence an important part of the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence.