A gun buyback program is a community-based initiative that aims to reduce gun violence by collecting unwanted firearms from the public. In Michigan, Disarmory Ministries is a non-profit organization that hosts regular gun buyback events, providing a safe and convenient way for individuals to dispose of their unwanted firearms.
About Disarmory Ministries
Disarmory Ministries was founded by Rev. Chris Yaw, a pastor at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Southfield, after he noticed the need for a regular gun buyback service in the community. The organization is registered as a non-profit with the state and is awaiting federal approval by the IRS.
How Disarmory Ministries Works
Disarmory Ministries hosts regular gun buyback events every Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Greenfield Presbyterian Church in Berkley, Michigan. The events are open to anyone in Michigan, and individuals can bring their unwanted firearms to be collected and disposed of safely.
- Disarmory Ministries offers gift cards from Kroger or Meijer in exchange for unwanted firearms, with a limit of $300 per donation:
- $50 for a long gun.
- $100 for a pistol.
- $200 for an assault weapon.
The Importance of Gun Safety
Gun safety is a critical issue in the United States, with many families and communities affected by gun violence. Disarmory Ministries emphasizes the importance of gun safety, particularly for families with young children.
“I’m not assigning blame or anything like that, but if the gun used at Oxford had been locked up, maybe (the shooting) wouldn’t have happened,”
said Miller, a volunteer with Disarmory Ministries. Janet John, whose two nephews and niece survived the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, attended a gun buyback event with her family. She celebrated the Extreme Risk Protection Act signed into law last year, which bars firearms purchase or possession by individuals deemed at risk of self-harm or harming others.
Statistics and Facts
- A study published by the Journal of American Medical Association indicates that a quarter of the 100 million firearms owned by Americans who inherited them or received them as gifts but don’t use them.
- Firearms have been the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 17 for more than five years.
Supporting the Community
Disarmory Ministries is committed to supporting the community’s goal of making communities safer. The organization works with federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure that the gun buyback events are safe and successful.
| County Commissioner Marcia Gershenson | “I’m grateful for the program. Disarmory Ministries supports the county’s goal of making communities safer,” |
Get Involved
Individuals can get involved with Disarmory Ministries by attending a gun buyback event or volunteering with the organization. The organization is also available for phone calls and online inquiries.
| Phone number: | (313) 855-5671 |
| Website: | https://disarmory.org |
Conclusion
Disarmory Ministries is a non-profit organization that aims to reduce gun violence by providing a safe and convenient way for individuals to dispose of their unwanted firearms. The organization’s commitment to supporting the community’s goal of making communities safer is evident in its partnership with law enforcement agencies and its dedication to educating families about gun safety. By getting involved with Disarmory Ministries, individuals can help make a positive impact on their community and contribute to a safer future.
