FEDUP (Families Expecting Deliverance Using Prayer) was founded by five women, each of whom lost precious loved ones to senseless acts of gun violence.  These women were first bound by loss, grief, and feelings of "no one understanding our pain."  They began to lean on one another via telephone calls and informal meetings to decompress and vent.  They realized how healing their time together was and began to attend funerals of anyone in the community who lost their lives to gun violence. They reached out to other families who were suffering from this indescribable loss of a loved one due to this senseless act of violence.  

As they reached more and more families, more healing took place and they started to understand the healing power of support and their prayers. And they did not want the loss of their loved ones to be in vain.  

Formally established in 2005, FEDUP became proactive with their mission of serving families who lost loved ones to gun violence.  

• FEDUP connects with families immediately upon hearing of a lost life from gun violence. 

• FEDUP offers financial support, literature, we attend funeral services and stick closely with the families.  

• FEDUP hosts 

  • Monthly grief support group meetings  

  • An annual community prayer breakfast

  • A Christmas of Hope providing financial assistance and gifts to the children who have lost a parent to gun violence 

  • Special programs for youth

Because of the positive impact on the community, FEDUP has become an integral member of the Rapid Response Team by the Gun Violence Commission.  

Currently, the Roanoke Valley is experiencing record numbers of shootings and homicides from gun violence.  The needs are non-stop and FEDUP is here to answer the call.  Help FEDUP continue the work of supporting our community as they grieve the loss of their loved ones to gun violence, your financial support is appreciated.