FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation Activates Crisis Support and Emergency Fundraiser Following Lexington Shooting
Dallas, Texas — August 16, 2026 — The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, is a national student advocacy and violence prevention nonprofit formed following the May 2022 mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The Foundation works to prevent violence, support students and families, respond to crises and assist communities affected by violence.
Following Saturday evening’s shooting at Charles Young Park in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, the Foundation has activated its Community Crisis Response Initiative and launched an emergency fundraiser for people affected by the shooting.
Five people were shot, including two children, ages 4 and 14. One victim died at a hospital, according to Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers and the Fayette County Coroner’s Office. The other four victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Police responded to the area of Midland Avenue and East Short Street at approximately 6:48 p.m. Saturday. Police said there is no ongoing threat to the public and are asking anyone with information to contact the Lexington Police Department.
“Our hearts are with the family that lost a loved one and with everyone who was injured, especially the two children,” said Daniel “Bodhi” Chapin, Founder and National Director of the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation.
“Children should be able to go to a park and take part in a community event without being caught in gunfire. Our immediate concern is helping the people and families affected by what happened.”
Crisis Support Activated
The Foundation has activated its Community Crisis Response Initiative for people affected by the shooting.
Support is available to children, students, parents, families, witnesses, first responders and others dealing with the aftermath.
The Foundation can provide trauma-informed crisis support, peer-to-peer assistance and help connect people with appropriate local resources.
“Something like this doesn’t end when the police leave the scene,” Chapin said. “People who saw what happened, parents trying to help their children understand it, and families worried about someone who was there may need support. We’re here for them.”
Emergency Fundraiser Launched
The Foundation has also launched an emergency fundraiser to help people affected by the shooting.
Information about the fundraiser has been provided to local law enforcement so authorities are aware of the effort and its intended purpose. The Foundation said it is taking that step to provide transparency and help ensure that funds raised are directed to people and families affected by the shooting.
“We want people who donate to know that we’re taking this seriously,” Chapin said. “We’ve made local law enforcement aware of the fundraiser and what we’re trying to accomplish. When people give money after a tragedy, they deserve to know that it is being handled responsibly.”
The Foundation is encouraging supporters to continue sharing the fundraiser and participating in legitimate community-led efforts.
Donations can be made through the Foundation’s secure PayPal donation page:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G88KEWBWBVGA8
24-Hour Crisis Support
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation Crisis Support Line:
(254) 499-8027
Online Crisis Chat: Available through the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation website.
The Foundation’s crisis services are not a replacement for emergency medical care, law enforcement or local emergency services. Anyone facing an immediate emergency should contact 911.
The Foundation commended Lexington police, firefighters, EMS personnel and community members who responded to the shooting and helped those who were injured.
“We saw people step up and help when others were hurt,” Chapin said. “We commend them. Now we want the victims, their families and the community to know that they are not alone.”
The Foundation will continue monitoring the situation and remains available to those affected.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, is a national nonprofit organization focused on violence prevention, youth empowerment, crisis response, victim assistance and community-based solutions. Its programs focus on prevention, intervention, healing and empowerment, including initiatives addressing violence against students, children and young people.
Jennifer West
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation / Uvalde Foundation For Kids
24-Hour Crisis Support Line: (254) 499-8027
Website: theuvaldefoundation.com
Charity ID: 88-3268749
