Derrick Fudge was enjoying a night out on Saturday, August 3, 2019 with his son, Dion Green, and other family members in Dayton’s Oregon District. That enjoyment ended when in the early hours of August 4th he was shot outside of a bar. Derrick Fudge is one of eight victims that lost his life that night during the Dayton mass shooting. In the year following the shooting, Dion turned his pain into strength by authoring the book “Untitled: Act of God. Act of Man.” and founding The FUDGE Foundation to help individuals that are impacted directly and indirectly by mass shootings, violence, human trafficking, domestic abuse and other forms of trauma. Dion is a father, author, presenter, peer support counselor and most importantly, a survivor.
The FUDGE Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
A community equipped to address, prevent and support survivors of all trauma.
The FUDGE Foundation seeks to support individuals on their journey of grief and healing from traumatic events through the delivery of support service and advocacy at both a local and national level.
My father was a son, brother, dad, grandpa, and a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan! He was a jack-of-all-trades. In construction, he could do pretty much anything needing done on a house, and he was very skilled at working on cars. My father had 6 siblings – 4 brothers and 2 sisters, 1 granddaughter, and I am his only child.
Growing up, my Dad was pretty stern, but I guess all kids say that. Though, as I got older, he became my best friend and would hang out with me anytime I asked. What we loved doing the most was fishing, enjoying a beverage or two, and playing cards together – we were an unstoppable team when we were partners. Our family would always get mad at us, saying that we are not allowed to be partners because we cheat!
I do miss those moments and I would give anything to have more of them; more time with my Dad. At the end of the day, my Dad was a man who would give his shirt off his back to another person. He had a heart of gold. I can tell that he passed down that trait because I am following in his footsteps and would willingly give the shirt off my back to a person in need.
We had so many great times and so many great arguments. I miss him, everyday.
Mr. Dion Green is the Founder/CEO of Flourishing Under Distress Given Encouragement (FUDGE), a 501c3 nonprofit that helps survivors through traumatic experiences with resources and support. The FUDGE Foundation seeks to support individuals on their journey of grief and healing from traumatic events by delivering support services and advocacy locally and nationally.
In a world that often feels overwhelmed by unimaginable tragedy, there emerges a force of resilience that shines brighter than any darkness. Dion Green embodies that force. Having faced the unfathomable pain of losing his father, Derrick Fudge, during the senseless Dayton mass shooting on August 4, 2019, Dion did not let grief consume him; instead, he transformed his sorrow into a powerful movement for healing and systemic change
Dion is a prominent advocate against gun violence, actively engaging with communities across the nation that have been profoundly affected by this pressing issue. His dedication extends beyond mere activism; he operates the foundation he established to support those impacted by gun violence and to champion efforts toward meaningful change in gun legislation.
Dion plays a pivotal role in various initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue, awareness, and empowerment. He participates in gun rallies, bringing visibility to the urgent need for reform and community resilience. His commitment is underpinned by his involvement in a range of influential organizations. He serves on the Board of Felons with a Future, which aims to assist those with criminal records in reintegrating into society, as well as Upturn Ohio, an organization focused on promoting justice and equality.
In addition, Dion contributes to the NMVVRC Survivors & Providers Steering Committee, which addresses the needs of survivors of homicide and violent crime. He also works with the Justice Research and Statistics Association and the Urban Institute, where he helps conduct vital research that informs policies and practices surrounding gun violence prevention and community safety. Dion also sits on the Sinclair Social Work Advisory Board, the ADAMHS ACE Advisory Council, the National Center for Victims of Crime, and many other boards.
Mr. Green possesses an MBA in Business Administration from Keller Graduate School, complemented by a minor in Entrepreneurship. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from DeVry University. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist in the State of Ohio, Mr. Green is actively pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Capella University, advancing his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community.
Mr. Green is a published author of a memoir, Untitled Act of God/Act of Man sharing his tragedies and demonstrating a sense of resilience through his journey by forgiving and giving back to his community.
Untitled: Act of God/Act of Man by Dion Green, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Mr. Green is a graduate of Leadership Ohio’s 2021 cohort, which represents the second largest class in the program’s history, comprising accomplished professionals from various sectors, including the private sector, government, and non-profit organizations. Furthermore, Mr. Green is also a graduate of Leadership Clark County, having completed the program in 2022.
Mr. Green embodies the spirit of dedication and service, recognized with multiple awards and honors from local officials and Governors. He is a proud two-time recipient of The Dayton Daily News 2021 Community Gem, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Dayton Community and its surrounding areas. His accolades, including The Coretta Scott King Legacy Award, The NASW Agency of the Year, 2025 Miami Valley Peace Award, and the Community Hero Award, reflect his profound impact. The articles celebrating his work inspire others as he tirelessly helps communities heal.
‘Don’t give up on yourself or your journey’ (daytondailynews.com)
Aid expanded for crime victims, including from Oregon District shooting (daytondailynews.com)
Through his extensive work with these organizations and initiatives, Dion exemplifies leadership and a steadfast commitment to creating a safer and more equitable future. His voice and actions resonate powerfully in the ongoing discourse surrounding gun violence, ensuring that the needs and concerns of impacted communities are heard and addressed effectively.
From incarceration to a devastating tornado, and to a tragic mass shooting, author Dion Green narrates the story of his life and the challenges he faced. Beginning with his youth and growing up in Springfield, Ohio, he shares his memories and recaps the significant and life-changing events he experienced.
This memoir, Untitled, chronicles how Green and his family faced adversity, how he learned to forgive, and how he kept his faith while living through defeat after defeat.
Offering a personal testimony of resilience and strength, Untitled serves to help and inspire others challenged by life’s trials. It demonstrates the power of a community that rallied and supported Green and his family.
Congratulations to the 2nd-annual Derrick Fudge Memorial Scholarship recipient, Aaron Clements! Aaron is currently a peer supporter and is going to school to earn his CDCA to help others throughout the community. The scholarship aims to break the stigma around mental health and to educate and train people of color to help bridge the cultural competency gap within our communities.
The NCVC has created a guide for anyone who investigates and reports on crime. This guide is primarily for journalists, producers, documentarians, and others who wish to tell the victim’s story in a clear, compassionate, and trauma-informed manner.
The new guide sheds light on the fact that victims of crime have been and continue to be exploited by the media and the entertainment industry, resulting in tense and adverse conditions that make healing and recovery all the more difficult.
This guide is meant to address how journalistic practice must be cognizant and respectful of victims of crime and their families, allowing them privacy and dignity along their healing journey.
Click here for full access to the guide, or go to the NCVC website!
There are so many people suffering the repercussions from their loved ones being a victim of crime. They are not able to give them the proper burial or being able to seek counseling for themselves because the law says they are not eligible due to their past. I feel no one’s past should determine their future when a precious life did not ask to be taken away. The Fudge Foundation is here to support these victims of trauma.
Help Support Victims of Crime
The need for healing trauma and finding the right mental health services inspired Dion to create a scholarship in his father’s name. This scholarship will be awarded to a male identifying student of color who wants to allow his past to help heal the future.
If you would like to donate, click here to help make a difference.
The FUDGE Foundation is happy to announce that we will be hosting Summer Camp another year! The program will meet every Tuesday and Thursday beginning June 10th, where students will be led through a curriculum centered around social and emotional growth, conflict resolution, and leadership development. Students will also be able to attend excursions throughout Ohio, including going on hiking trips, bowling, and other enrichment activities. We are eager to work and learn with your child and are excited to build positive relationships with the youth in our community.
To sign up, use the google form, https://forms.gle/TTwKrrrWaz8dRM1y8 , or click here!
Register online to get your tickets!
Get ready for an exciting day filled with inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, and fun activities. Join us as we explore new ways to overcome challenges and achieve success. This in-person event is a great opportunity to connect with other teens, learn valuable skills, and have a blast! Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Deadline to register: June, 1, 2025
Age range: 14-18
Cost: Free!
The Fudge Foundation and the Sisters of the Precious Blood are sponsoring B.R.A.V.E.R., Community Violence Awareness Day .
When: Saturday, June 21st
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1501 West Third St. in Dayton.
Join us to learn about how you can make a difference in your community by following safe-gun practices, learning effective support methods for impacted individuals, and how you can prevent violence in your community.
This years’ Springfield Community Appreciation Day will be held in loving memory of Derrick Fudge. Celebrate Springfield with us in the early afternoon for music, vendors, and more! Thank you to African Methodist Episcopal, Ohio Families Unite Against Police Brutality, OFUPAC, No H8 in D8N, as well as to the TRSS Drum Corps for working with us to celebrate our neighbors and loved ones in Springfield.
When: Thursday, July 17th
Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm
Where: 901 S. Center St., Springfield, OH. 45506
Mark your calendars for the annual Mental Health Retreat! In collaboration with Black Lotus Sanctuary, Everytown for Gun Safety, and the Springfield Foundation, The FUDGE Foundation is excited to put together an event designed to help center, revitalize, and refocus its participants. We hope you are able to join us on August 6th for two days of introspection and self care. If you would like to sign up, click here!
Retreat Address: 4988 Mineral Springs Road, Peebles, OH 45660
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