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Community Program Offers Hope to Women Facing Gun Violence in Chicago

In the heart of one of Chicago’s most troubled neighborhoods, a new initiative is fostering an atmosphere of hope and resilience amidst the ongoing challenges of violence. The program, known as She Ro, is designed specifically for women who find themselves at high risk from gun violence.

Hosted at a community center, the She Ro program offers safe spaces for women to come together four days a week for one year. The aim is to provide support and equip participants with skills to manage trauma, grief, and anger associated with their experiences. Christa Hamilton, the program’s developer, emphasizes the need to “show (women) an exit” from their challenging circumstances, focusing on coaching life skills that can lead to more positive life choices.

Many women involved in the program have suffered personal losses due to gun violence. Kayla Medina, a 21-year-old participant, has felt the devastating impacts of such violence firsthand, having lost her sister and boyfriend to shootings. She describes the pervasive nature of gun violence on Chicago’s West Side as “contagious,” sharing her experiences of being caught in dangerous situations multiple times.

“Every time I walk out the door, there’s always something happening,” Medina recounted. “It’s always some gunshots.”

She Ro is part of a broader movement to address community violence in Chicago, where local leaders have committed $300 million to support various intervention programs in the most underserved areas. This community violence intervention approach seeks to prevent crime before it occurs by fostering relationships with individuals at the greatest risk for violence, whether as victims or potential offenders. Specialists involved in these programs not only provide support services but also respond to crime scenes, mitigating tensions and preventing further violence.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling acknowledges the complexity of these issues, stating, “The police cannot do this alone. This is a societal issue. I don’t want to go this alone. I don’t want my officers to go this alone.” This sentiment reflects an understanding that true change requires collective efforts beyond law enforcement.

Research conducted by Chico Tillman at the University of Chicago highlights the substantial cost of crime on society. Tillman notes that a single homicide can lead to expenses ranging from $1.4 million to $2.5 million when factoring in investigations, court proceedings, and other systemic impacts. While gun violence predominantly affects men, there’s an alarming trend of increased involvement among women. Last year, 90 women in the Chicago area lost their lives to gun violence, with nearly 500 others suffering gunshot injuries.

For participants in the She Ro program, the initiative offers a path forward amidst hardship. One participant expressed, “It hurts me to be around all this, but She Ro helps,” reflecting the support and solace found within the community effort.

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