2026 TCS Local Heroes

The TCS Local Heroes in Violence Reduction Award honors individuals in the Chicagoland area who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, innovation, and dedication to reducing violence and building safer communities. These are local trajectory changers—grassroots leaders who who exemplify the core values of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and other effective community engagement models, and work relentlessly with those most impacted by violence.

Each recipient received a $500 cash honorarium and $10,ooo in leadership coaching from TCS for six-months begining in January 2026.

Damien Morris

Breakthrough

Damien Morris is the Chief Program Officer of Violence Prevention at Breakthrough and a leader for violence reduction in Chicago. Since he joined Breakthrough in 2008, he has led transitional housing initiatives, supported individuals experiencing homelessness through case management, and directed security at the Breakthrough FamilyPlex. Damien has been an integral part of Breakthrough’s Violence Prevention team's growth.

As CPO, he oversees comprehensive services for adults and adolescents: case management, outreach services, victim services, youth engagement, and safe space events. Hundreds of local residents access these services annually. In addition to the leadership he provides for Breakthrough’s team, he ensures coordination with partner institutions and organizations across the city.

James Sims

Claretian Associates

James Sims is a community violence intervention leader whose work is deeply rooted in lived experience, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to neighborhood transformation. Raised in a community directly impacted by violence, James witnessed firsthand the barriers, trauma, and systemic inequities that shape the lives of many families. Rather than allowing those realities to define the narrative, he chose to be part of the solution.

James began his journey on the front lines—building trust with individuals at highest risk, mediating conflicts, and walking alongside families during moments of crisis. His credibility was built not just through training, but through presence, consistency, and accountability. Over time, he advanced into leadership, where he now oversees outreach strategy, hospital-based violence response collaboration, and cross-sector partnerships that bridge public health and public safety.

As a leader, James combines strategic structure with heart. He is known for empowering teams, strengthening community systems, and ensuring that intervention efforts are not only responsive, but sustainable. His work is driven by a simple but powerful belief: communities most impacted by violence deserve leadership that understands them, invests in them, and stands with them.

Through vision, discipline, and compassion, James continues to help build safer neighborhoods where opportunity and stability can thrive.