The Community G.R.I.E.V.E.
Grieving Relatives In Every Violent Event — support and resources for families who've lost a loved one to homicide, suicide, gang violence, domestic violence, or substance abuse.
Our mission
G.R.I.E.V.E. offers support and resources with compassion for grieving families, while advocating for improved law-enforcement communication, services, and ordinances. The program works with families, schools, churches, and civic groups on non-violence and conflict-resolution methods, and educates youth about the risks of drugs, alcohol, gangs, and teen violence. The goal is to uncover the root cause of violent behavior through therapy and introduce positive alternatives to violence.
Program founder
Betty Garner Maddox
Betty founded G.R.I.E.V.E. after losing her son to gun violence in May 1993. She spent 25 years as a Crime Scene Investigator with the Special Investigation Division of the DeKalb County Police Department, and 5 years as a Public Education Specialist with DeKalb County Fire and Rescue. She also serves as Vice President of the DeKalb County Regional Youth Detention Center.
If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to violence, reach out to us or call (423) 206-2866.