John Thompson

John Thompson turned down a scholarship to Julliard School of Music to launch his personal mission to improve the human community. Joining the Salvation Army he became commandant of its West Philadelphia sector, introducing a series of educational, housing and food programs. Returning to his hometown of Yonkers, New York, John launched a crusade to end gun violence. Employing and transforming the SNUG model (guns in reverse), John forged relationships with gang leaders, shooters, and the entire community. One of the rare individuals to have both convicted felons and the police commissioner on speed dial, John’s personal, multifaceted program reduced Yonkers’ gun violence by 86 percent.

He currently serves as Chief of Development for Yonkers YMCA and he has been selected as an honoree by the Prometheus Social Enterprise Awards.