Atlanta Mom Turns Tragedy Into Hope, Helping Kids Heal From Gun Violence

Charmaine Brown founded Jared's Heart of Success to guide Atlanta youth away from danger and toward brighter futures after losing her son to gun violence.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a pitch-black background, the harsh flash illuminating the metallic texture and form of the object in a stark, investigative manner that conveys the serious, gritty nature of the story's subject matter.A stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence, this close-up of a bullet casing captures the grim reality that inspired one Atlanta mother to create hope and healing for her community's youth.Atlanta Today

After losing her son Jared to gun violence in 2015, Charmaine Brown founded the nonprofit Jared's Heart of Success to work with children in Georgia and South Carolina. Through the organization, Brown raises awareness about gun violence, involves kids in community service projects, and provides them with life skills and mental health resources.

Why it matters

Gun violence has devastated many communities, and Brown's story highlights how individuals can turn personal tragedy into positive change. Jared's Heart of Success is providing critical support and opportunities for young people in Atlanta and beyond to heal, grow, and make a difference in their neighborhoods.

The details

Jared, Brown's 24-year-old son, was killed by a stray bullet in southwest Atlanta in 2015 when a shooter was having a disagreement with Jared's friend. Channeling her grief into action, Brown launched Jared's Heart of Success the following year. The nonprofit works with children on community service projects, promotes reading through a free little library, and advocates for better safety features in a local park. Participants like high school senior Ian Terrell and sixth-grader Kallie Arkue say the organization has given them meaningful ways to get involved and make a positive impact.

  • Jared was killed by a stray bullet in southwest Atlanta just weeks before his 24th birthday in 2015.
  • Brown launched Jared's Heart of Success the following year in 2016.

The players

Charmaine Brown

The founder of Jared's Heart of Success, a nonprofit that works with children in Georgia and South Carolina to raise awareness about gun violence, involve kids in community service projects, and support them with life skills and mental health resources.

Jared

Brown's 24-year-old son who was killed by a stray bullet in southwest Atlanta in 2015.

Ian Terrell

A high school senior who participated in Jared's Heart of Success and was able to promote reading in his neighborhood through a free little library project.

Kallie Arkue

A sixth-grader who participates in Jared's Heart of Success youth programs and has helped the organization spread its message and work to improve the community.

Khloe Reynolds

A high school freshman who says Jared's Heart has helped her branch out and continue her passion for community service.

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What they’re saying

“Just fun, loving, kind. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. He was the type of person that—he was not a stranger to anyone.”

— Charmaine Brown, Jared's mother

“Through Ms. Sharmaine, I was able to do that for my Eagle project and build a free little library for kids to come, take a book and leave a book. It was really fun being able to share that.”

— Ian Terrell, High school senior

“We try to spread the message, we try to get people involved and, you know, come out. Help the community. See how we can help this community get better.”

— Kallie Arkue, Sixth-grader

“It's always been a big part of my life. This organization has just helped me branch out more. I think it's something I'm going to continue throughout high school and college and even in my adulthood.”

— Khloe Reynolds, High school freshman

“Being out in the community, working with the youth and young adults, has really sustained me. To see the changes that have taken place in their individual lives is what gives me the fuel to keep going.”

— Charmaine Brown, Founder, Jared's Heart of Success

What’s next

Jared's Heart of Success plans to continue expanding its programs and reach to support more young people in Atlanta and the surrounding region, with a focus on providing mental health resources, life skills training, and community engagement opportunities.

The takeaway

Charmaine Brown's story demonstrates the power of turning personal tragedy into positive change. By founding Jared's Heart of Success, she has created an organization that is not only helping young people in Atlanta heal from the impacts of gun violence, but also empowering them to become leaders and make a difference in their communities.