The Legal Aid Society’s Community Justice Unit, a Crisis Management System (CMS) provider, joined 28 other organizations in receiving the Keys to the City at a City Hall ceremony.

The event recognized and celebrated CMS providers’ collective daily efforts on the front lines of violence prevention, including de-escalating conflict, supporting healing after trauma, and strengthening safety and trust in communities across the city.

“This honor belongs to the communities we serve and to the dedicated people who show up every day to keep one another safe,” said Anthony Posada, Supervising Attorney with the Community Justice Unit.

“As part of New York City’s Crisis Management System, we are proud to work alongside trusted community partners to prevent violence, support healing after trauma, and build safety rooted in care, dignity, and trust,” he continued. “This work saves lives and strengthens neighborhoods across our city.”

In 2012, under the leadership of then–City Council Member Jumaane Williams, New York City established the CMS. The program equips trusted community members with resources to mediate conflicts, prevent retaliation, and address the root causes of violence through a public health approach. Today, CMS encompasses 29 crisis intervention organizations that combat gun violence through de-escalation, conflict mediation, and social service delivery.