In the fight against gun violence, prevention often begins long before a trigger is pulled. It begins with a conversation, a relationship, a young person who feels heard, or a community member who knows when a conflict is beginning to escalate. For David Caba, that work has become a career and a mission through Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence, better known as B.R.A.G.
Caba serves as a senior vice president at Good Shepherd Services, overseeing B.R.A.G., a community violence intervention program that works throughout the Bronx. He began at Good Shepherd Services more than a decade ago as the program manager for B.R.A.G.’s original pilot program.
B.R.A.G. takes a community-based approach to preventing gun violence. Rather than relying solely on traditional law enforcement, the program works with young people, residents, community organizations, and other partners to identify conflicts and intervene before violence occurs. The program uses a “credible messenger” model, meaning that people with strong connections to the neighborhoods they serve can build trust with young people and others at risk of becoming involved in violence.
That personal connection is central to Caba’s philosophy. The New York City Office of Neighborhood Safety describes him as a credible messenger and notes that gun violence has touched Caba and his family personally. His work is driven in part by a desire to prevent other families and communities from experiencing the same pain.
Caba and B.R.A.G. do not view young people simply as potential perpetrators or victims. Instead, they work to give young people a voice and opportunities to make different choices. Caba said in an interview that helping young people change their mindsets matters as much as making them feel empowered and heard.
The work can be especially important when tensions are high. B.R.A.G. staff and violence interrupters are present in neighborhoods where conflicts may develop, building relationships and attempting to stop disputes before they become shootings. Caba has described the organization’s approach as a community effort, saying that B.R.A.G. is only one part of a larger network working to make neighborhoods safer.
The organization also recognizes that preventing violence means creating positive alternatives. B.R.A.G. has organized community events, peace marches, youth activities, and gatherings designed to strengthen relationships between residents and promote a culture where violence is rejected. In June 2026, Caba took part in B.R.A.G.’s 11th annual Peace Barbecue and street fair in Wakefield, an event that brought together residents, violence interrupters, outreach workers, hospital responders, and other community organizations.
Caba’s influence extends beyond the day-to-day work of B.R.A.G. He has advocated for greater investment in community violence intervention and for recognition of the lived experiences of the people doing this work. In testimony before the New York City Council, he described his role as helping develop leaders within the city’s community violence intervention network and sharing best practices with other programs.
In May 2024, Caba was honored by “City & State” as a nonprofit trailblazer for his work with Good Shepherd Services and B.R.A.G.
David Caba’s work illustrates a different way of thinking about gun violence prevention. The goal is not simply to respond after violence happens, but to understand the people and circumstances behind it and intervene early. Through B.R.A.G., Caba and his colleagues work to build trust, interrupt conflicts, connect young people with support, and create community spaces where peace can become the norm.
In a city where gun violence can affect entire neighborhoods, Caba’s message is straightforward: prevention is a shared responsibility. It requires credible messengers, young people who feel empowered, residents who are willing to stand together, and organizations prepared to remain present even when the headlines move elsewhere.
