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Three people standing beside a black Civilians Against Violence Cleveland van.
CIVILIANS AGAINST VIOLENCEWE STAND TOGETHER.

Cleveland’s streets. Cleveland’s youth. Cleveland’s future.

WE SHOW UP.
WE STAND TOGETHER.
WE BUILD SAFETY.

CAV works with Cleveland’s young people and families through violence intervention, mentoring, Safe Passage partnerships, and opportunities to earn and learn.

Explore Our ProgramsGet Involved ↗
INTERVENTIONPREVENTIONPROGRESS

01 — OUR MISSION

Peace is built by people who refuse to give up on their community.

CAV works alongside young people, families, and community partners to prevent violence and create opportunities through education, mentoring, and neighborhood outreach.

We meet people where they are with compassion, accountability, and the belief that every young person deserves support and a chance to thrive.

Community members standing together outdoors with a Civilians Against Violence banner.

SAFE PASSAGE PARTNERSHIP

Working together for
safer school journeys.

COMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIP
CAV·IRSJA·NEW GEN
FRONTLINE 216

CAV is a community partner in IRSJA’s Safe Passage initiative, working alongside the New Gen Frontline 216 youth team to support Cleveland students during arrival and dismissal.

A group standing outside a building, including people wearing safety vests.

Student support

A caring presence during school arrival and dismissal.

Community connection

Adults and young people working together across partner organizations.

Practical help

Helping calm conflicts and connecting families with community resources.

Teams provide a visible community presence around participating schools and help share safety concerns with the appropriate partners.

Learn about IRSJA

RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY ACTION

2024 Neighborhood
Safety Fund Grantee

In June 2024, the City of Cleveland named CAV among the Neighborhood Safety Fund grantees for its Community Policing Neighborhood Safety Program.

Read the City’s announcement

OUR PROGRAMS

From prevention
to possibility.

CAV connects young people and families with caring mentors, help navigating conflict, and opportunities to learn and work.

01

Violence Intervention

Community members help calm tensions and connect residents with support before conflict escalates.

02

Safe Passage

CAV works with partners to support students during school arrival and dismissal and share neighborhood safety concerns.

03

Youth Mentoring

Young people build life skills, explore their goals, and connect with caring mentors. Contact CAV to ask about current programs and eligibility.

04

S.O.A.R.

Salary Opportunities Around the Region connects young people with Northeast Ohio businesses for opportunities to earn while they learn.

A group holding handmade signs calling for peace and an end to violence.
WE STAND TOGETHERWE END VIOLENCEWE BUILD FUTURES

IN THE COMMUNITY

The people.
The purpose.

Faces and moments from the community.

Six people standing on a grassy field in Civilians Against Violence clothing and reflective vests.
A person wearing a Civilians Against Violence shirt under an outdoor canopy.
Four people holding a Civilians Against Violence banner outdoors in the evening.
A person in boxing gloves and headgear with another person beside the ring.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Local roots.
Lasting commitment.

Meet the founders behind CAV’s work with Cleveland’s young people and families.

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Apostle Andre
Dodson Sr.

Apostle Andre Dodson Sr. is CAV’s founder and director. A chaplain, community activist, and mentor, he helped create youth-focused programs in response to violence in the surrounding community. His approach emphasizes early intervention and connecting young people with mentors. Through education and guidance, Andre works to help the next generation recognize their potential and see possibilities for their future.

CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Katricia
Dodson

Born and raised in Cleveland, Katricia Dodson experienced the value of youth programs at the Fairfax Recreation Center. The volunteers there helped her develop life skills she continued to draw on as an adult. That experience inspires her commitment to supporting the next generation. As CAV’s co-founder and executive director, Katricia helps develop educational and community programs that create opportunities and improve quality of life.

Meet CAV’s founders

CAV IN THE NEWS

Stories from
the community.

Local reporting on CAV’s founders, youth programs, and commitment to Cleveland families.

News 5 Cleveland

A family’s loss and a commitment to keep serving

Andre and Katricia speak about losing their grandson Nathan and continuing their work with young people.

Read the story

Spectrum News 1 · June 13, 2026

Youth mentoring and community safety

A profile of CAV’s youth academy, neighborhood patrols, and commitment to helping young people see alternatives to violence.

Read the story

News 5 Cleveland

Speaking up for young people and families

The Dodsons discuss youth mentoring, parent involvement, and their response to violence in Cleveland neighborhoods.

Read the story
People carrying boxes beside a vehicle at an outdoor gathering.

STAND WITH CLEVELAND

We all have a role
in ending violence.

Ask about youth programs, mentoring, volunteering, or partnering with CAV. Call or email us to learn about current opportunities.

Email CAVCall 216-215-7206