The ACE Project

Transforming the lives of underserved children and families impacted by gun violence and trauma through compassion, resources, and unique opportunities.

Acting Compassionately Everyday

Motivated by the tragic homicide of Cory Crowe Sr. on October 25, 2014, ACE was started to empower marginalized youth and families affected by gun violence and trauma by fostering a supportive environment, providing essential resources, and opening doors to new possibilities.

We offer a wide range of community services

Creative Vocations & Life Skills

Behavioral Therapy & Counseling

Anti-Violence Advocacy

Educational Support

The Mission!

The ACE Project mission is to exceed expectations
Provide our youth with resources and experiences that will allow them to discover their talents and ultimate potentials that will assist them in being productive citizens in our communities.

Our team:

Executive Director

ROSE SMITH

Rose Smith is a mother, wife, entrepreneur, advocate, and visionary. She is a gun violence survivor, Every town Survivor fellow, Survivor membership lead of Louisville's Moms Demand Action Chapter, a Grief specialist, Board member of SHUGG Cancer foundation, Executive Director and founder of the ACE Project and self-proclaimed Queen of Peace.

After the tragic murder of her son, Rose birthed a new passion for social change. In honor of her son, Cory “Ace” Crowe, her spirit was led to establish the Ace Project, a safe place for youth and those impacted by gun-violence and trauma. The Ace Project offers a variety of services and supports to the community as it seeks to be a source of hope and healing for others. In the last two years, they have developed The Academy of Child Entrepreneurship, providing youth with the opportunity to learn invaluable business skills opening the door for future, legal, lasting legacies. The Ace Project continues to grow and develop as it learns and builds programming to fit the needs of the community it serves.

Rose is turning her pain into a powerful purpose. She is an advocate against gun violence. A voice of guidance for the youth in the community and a trusted ally for other mourning mothers. Her purpose is Peace. (People everywhere acting compassionately everyday). Rose has used her hurt to let others know there is hope and as a community, we can heal.

Board Chair and President

SHAY MCALISTER

Vice Board Chair and President

SARA COLYER

Board Member

E’LESHA TOOMER

Treasurer

KJ ABRAMS

Board Member

KRISTAL SMITH

Kristal is a native of Louisville and proud graduate of JCPS schools and attended the University of Louisville receiving a BA in Political Science and BFA in Interior Architecture. She met Rose through Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America where they are both volunteer leaders for the survivor network. She is a wife and mother, lead interior designer for a top locally-owned construction company, former PTA president, and a strong advocate for survivors of domestic and gun violence. She enjoys camping with her husband & daughter, playing piano, and gardening when she’s not fighting for common sense gun laws!
Secretary

MARITA CRANE

Acting Compassionately Everyday “Working With The Hand You Were Dealt”

Community Partners

The ACE Project. Acting Compassionately Everyday