Antiviolence in action: the foundation is people
A network of professionals have been doing effective and impactful CVI work in communities for decades. To understand the path to peace, we must hear and learn from the people with lived experience, and we must acknowledge, empower and invest in these people.
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Meet Joe Montgomery, Mentor, Youth Mentor, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation
Rooted in the spirituality of the Precious Blood, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) restores human dignity through hospitality, hope and healing. PBMR serves youth, families and community members that reside in Chicago’s Back of the Yard/New City and Englewood neighborhoods who are impacted by violence and the criminal justice system. PBMR also works directly …
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Meet Frank Perez Associate Vice President, UCAN
UCAN strives to build strong youth and families through compassionate healing, education and empowerment. UCAN’s promise is to advocate for and provide opportunities that change lives through impactful programs, consistent presence and unrivaled diversity and inclusion. Founded 150 years ago as a Civil War orphanage, UCAN has a long history of creating safe and caring …
Meet State Representative Justin Slaughter
Since January 5, 2017, Justin Slaughter has been the Illinois State Representative of the 27th District. Representative Slaughter supported the passage of the Reimagine Public Safety Act, or RPSA, which provides $65 million aimed at strengthening community-based approaches to reducing gun violence. It includes funding for outreach and youth programs, trauma treatment and community investments …
Meet Chris Patterson from the Office of Firearm Prevention
Firearm violence is a multifaceted challenge that requires a public health approach to stop the cycles of violence in disproportionately impacted communities. The Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) was created as a result of the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) (430 ILCS 69), which was passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 2021. The RPSA is a …
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Head of Illinois’ new gun-violence prevention office makes stop in Champagne-Urbana
The leader of Illinois’ new gun-violence prevention office hadn’t ever been to Champaign-Urbana before Wednesday. But after moderating a two-hour discussion featuring local city staff, youth-development professionals and leaders of community organizations, Chris Patterson, assistant secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services, has a far clearer picture. Story by Ethan Simmons for The News …
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Opinion | Lawmakers Have a Chance to Reduce Gun Violence. Get the Bill Right
For years, people unfortunately felt the only answer to the widespread possession of powerful guns by criminals was to keep an eye out for escape exits when they were in public places. Now, people are coming to realize the right reforms can make everyone safer. Story by the CST Editorial Board for the Northwest Herald
Victims Say Minority Communities Experience More Mass Shootings
Victims and survivors of multiple mass shootings urged state lawmakers this week to pass a ban on assault weapons, arguing that communities throughout Illinois have felt the pain of deadly mass shootings. Story by Peter Hancock for The News Gazette
