A Day in the Life at Center for Hope
Welcome to A Day in the Life at Center for Hope, a blog series highlighting the dedicated professionals who support individuals and families affected by trauma, violence and loss. Center for Hope (CFH) serves as a beacon for those facing difficult times, offering essential advocacy, counseling and resources. In this series, we’ll explore the work and perspectives of those who contribute to CFH’s mission daily.
Today, we meet Primrose, a leader in the field of community violence intervention (CVI). She shares gratitude for the work she's doing and excitement for the future she's helping to create.
Q1. Who are you, and what do you do at Center for Hope?
A. I’m Primrose Stukes, and I serve as the site director of Safe Streets Belair Edison in the field of violence intervention.
While I’ve been involved in CVI work from an organizational standpoint for nearly a year, my true passion lies in seeing Baltimore transform into a healthy, whole city—one where shootings, homicides and untreated mental health issues are things of the past.
Q2. What do you enjoy most about working for Safe Streets?
A. I feel privileged to serve a community within a city I deeply love and admire. At my core, I am a servant, and every day I have the opportunity to work directly in the community. I’m able to make a real difference, empower others, build meaningful relationships, raise awareness and collaborate with others to make Baltimore a safer place—all while experiencing my own personal growth along the way.
Q3. What are your biggest motivations for doing Violence Intervention work?
A. I want to be on the right side of history. When my grandsons have children of their own and share stories about me, I want them to say that I was part of an incredible movement—one that helped create the safe, thriving city they now call home. It might sound idealistic, but I truly dream of that future.
Right now, my focus is on witnessing real change. I want to see young people who are experiencing trauma from violence find a new, healthier cultural norm—one where shootings and homicides are no longer a part of their reality. No more lives lost to senseless violence. No more communities living in fear. Change is possible, and I’m committed to being part of it.
Q4. What is an interesting fact about you?
A. For years, I dreamed of riding motorcycles and kept asking others to teach me. When that didn’t happen, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I walked into my local Harley-Davidson dealership and purchased a Sportster 1200XL Custom right off the showroom floor.
But after buying the bike, fear set in. I left it at the dealership for about a month because I had no clue how to operate it. Eventually, the dealership called and asked, “Ms. Stukes, when are you coming to get your bike?” That was the push I needed. I had it delivered to my home, but even then, it sat untouched for another week.
When I finally worked up the courage to start it, fear hit me again—I immediately shut it off! Another week passed before I decided to face my hesitation head-on. I went outside, had a conversation with *Oliver Twist* (yes, I named my bike), and after reading the manual cover to cover, I finally took it for a spin.
For about three weeks, I frustrated drivers behind me, creeping along because I was terrified that shifting gears would send me flying. But once I got over that fear, there was no turning back! Since then, I’ve fallen in love with Harley cruisers, and I can’t wait for the day I might switch to a three-wheeler (or maybe not—who knows?!) with my great-grandkids riding along in a sidecar.
One of the most unforgettable rides of my life was joining hundreds of other bikers in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11. That experience solidified my love for the open road and the incredible community that comes with it.