Statewide Network of Community Healing Resource Centers Launches to Support Communities Most Impacted by Gun Violence

CHICAGO – Communities heavily impacted by gun violence across the state of Illinois will soon have a new resource to support healing and health services following the launch of a first-of-their-kind statewide network of Community Healing Resource Centers.

“The Community Healing Resource Centers are a community-led initiative to promote healing from within and enable our neighbors to access culturally-competent trauma and health services within their own communities,” said the Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, executive director of LIVE FREE Illinois, which is spearheading the network. “Gun violence disproportionately impacts Black and brown communities across the country. While it’s often portrayed here in Illinois as a Chicago problem, the reality is that gun violence has a devastating impact on Black and brown communities across the state. The Centers will provide needed resources directly in those communities.”

The network will include 13 sites across the city of Chicago as well as in East St. Louis, Champaign, Chicago Heights, Peoria, Rockford and Springfield. Unlike traditional trauma resource centers which are housed in hospitals, the Community Healing Resource Centers will be housed in facilities, including churches, that have deep ties within the communities organizers hope to serve.

“The Centers will allow community members to determine resources are most needed in their community - it could be music therapy, art therapy, yoga, meditation - while also ensuring they have access to the health professionals and providers needed to support healing,” said Rev. Dr. Rodney C. Walker, CHRC program manager for LIVE FREE Illinois.

The Centers will host healthcare-based violence intervention programs that provide quality services and resources to survivors of trauma such as therapy, support groups, medical support, and case management. These resource centers take a multidisciplinary approach through medical specialists, therapists, and religious leaders to best support victims and their families. A full list of locations across the state can be found online here.

“The loss of my son Calvin stripped us to the core, there are times I have to remind myself to breathe,” said Mayzell Sikes, who lost her son to gun violence and will be the coordinator of the East Garfield center. “Our lives were violently and forcefully altered, but getting answers from law enforcement and making sure we have the information and support we need has been incredibly challenging. Centers like these will make an incredible difference for my family and for families and communities across the state upended by gun violence.”

The centers are funded through grants from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), an Illinois state agency. Gro Community will serve as the clinical partner for the Centers.

“Trauma and health disparities impact communities that have experienced decades of disinvestment,” said ICJIA Executive Director Delrice Adams. “As a trained trauma-informed professional, I understand the importance of healing the harm caused by violence. ICJIA is proud to partner with LIVE FREE and the 13 statewide resource centers. This venture will bring much-needed mental health services and access to resources that advance healing and restore Illinois communities.”

Adams joined Bate-Chamberlain, Walker and Sikes in Austin to launch the statewide network. They were joined by a number of state and local officials, including Alderwoman Emma Mitts, Alderman Jason Ervin, State Representative La Shawn Ford, State Representative Sonya Harper, State Representative Lakesia Collins, Oak Park Village Board President Vicki Scaman, and Eileen Lynch from State Senator Don Harmon’s office.