EVP News
October 2016
"Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Spotlight on Mario Johnson
EVP board member and volunteer program instructor at SCI Chester ​

In this new column you'll get to know the program leaders and others involved in the work of the End Violence Project on whose generosity and commitment our organization relies.
Where did you grow up and what is your background?
I'm a native of Philadelphia, and now reside in Springfield, Pennsylvania, with my wife, Regina, of 27 years. I'm a father of four daughters and a grandfather of 16 grandchildren. I'm a graduate of West Philadelphia High School and I served in the U.S. Army from 1976 to 1979 as a military policeman. I retired from the Pennsylvania State Police after 22 years service, became a private detective and started Johnson Security Service.
 
How do you spend your time when you're not volunteering for the End Violence Project?
I travel (many weeks, I leave on Friday, and return on Thursday to teach the EVP class). I’m a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church and the Vice President of the National Network of Veterans in Philadelphia. I am also a member of the National Troopers Coalition and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. I enjoy what I am doing immensely.
 
How did you become involved in the EVP? 
I got started in 2005, when I met Mahin Bina, the founder of the End Violence Project. When Mahin told me that participants that completed this program don't come back to prison, and having a brother that had been incarcerated repeatedly, I wanted to gain that knowledge to support him. 
 
Thoughts on the End Violence Project?
I have volunteered every Thursday at SCI Chester for the last ten years as a program instructor. There I lead a 20-week Leadership and Transformational Thinking Course that empowers the men to lead a life of integrity. Classes include topics like empowerment, forgiveness, responsibility, accountability, and the dignity of all human beings. The longer I volunteer in this program, I learn how much I get to grow and develop in my leadership skills, training and experience. What keeps me doing what I'm doing is seeing the transformation of the lives of the men from week to week.
 
Is there a favorite memory you want to share?
I was working a security assignment and one of my past (EVP) participants approached me and said that he has maintained his freedom using the tools he learned in the program. Also, another participant shared with me that, out of the foundation of integrity that he learned in the EVP program, he released money to authorities that he could have claimed, but felt he hadn’t legally earned.
 
What would the guys say about you?
That I give my heart, my commitment and my soul to them.
 
What future you are creating?
I want to lead this program, and teach others to lead, for another ten years. I’m making an impact (through this program) in the development of leaders that experience their impact on their community by being leaders in their immediate environment, and attending to the needs of others--beginning in prison.

Memories of Mahin

In this new feature we will share stories, quotes and memories of our founder, Mahin Bina (1936-2012), whose words, wisdom and ways of being had a profound effect on so many.
Mahin Bina touched the lives of everyone involved in the End Violence Project, some of us very deeply and profoundly, others indirectly by the work that continues--an expression of Mahin's vision that people behind bars not be forgotten, that their humanity be acknowledged and they have opportunity to transform their lives regardless of circumstances.

Scholarship fund update

The Mahin Bina Memorial Scholarship Fund welcomes applications year-round. If you know someone who might be interested or eligible, please share this information with them.

A Brief History of the End Violence Project

The End Violence Project is a non-profit organization, created by Mahin Bina and a group of people with diverse backgrounds and nationalities with the shared vision of ending violence without violence. Here's how the program began.

Past issues

View previous issue of EVP News.