+ Violence Prevention Partners

Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO) works in partnership with people living in risk of violence to promote safer streets and homes. Incorporated in 1998, ALSO was created to coordinate services for youth and families in the Logan Square community on Chicago’s Northwest Side. Becoming aware of the devastating impact of community violence on those families ALSO began to take action by implementing prevention programs to end street violence. https://also-chicago.org/

Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development (BUILD) is one of Chicago's leading gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organizations. The mission is to engage at-risk youth in schools and on the streets to help them realize their potential and contribute to our communities. The focus is on hard-to-serve youth in some of Chicago’s most challenging neighborhoods. https://www.buildchicago.org/

+ Alternatives to 911 - Behavioral Health Services

The 1st Ward Office has compiled an Alternatives to 911 - Behavioral Health Resource Guide highlighting community based, trauma-informed behavioral health services intended to support individuals and families experiencing a mental health challenge, substance use disorder, or a domestic violence concern. Before dialing 911, consider seeking assistance and support from these partners, many of which have presence in our community and are ready to serve and meet your needs alongside you. Unless otherwise specified, services are offered for free, regardless of insurance status.

+ Reentry - Life After Incarceration

The Education Justice Program (EJP) of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign operates a Reentry Resource Program, connecting people impacted by incarceration with resources they need for a healthy transition to life after prison. EJP provides tools for self-empowerment, including resources related to housing, employment, education, and advocacy. Please visit reentryillinois.net to access their resources.

+ Violence Reduction Dashboard

The City of Chicago's Violence Reduction Dashboard makes critical information easily accessible to community organizations and residents, helping them serve as partners to implement the City's Our City, Our Safety plan outlined here. With this tool, residents and City leaders alike are able to make informed decisions around violence reduction efforts across Chicago. You're able to search data by Ward, Community Area, Police District, etc.

+ Gun Safety Information

Are you in a crisis? Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741

There are numerous online resources with information about gun safety and gun injury protection.

Although CARF standards (and many others) add weight to the recommendation that CDPH clinicians should counsel service participants on access to lethal means, including guns, it has never been the primary reason for the request.

We need practice not just policy in a manual: "...if the laws rely on apparent or articulated risk, many experiencing suicidal crises will not benefit from any protection afforded by these laws."

Gun safety counseling shouldn't be limited to people at risk for suicide. Everyone should be counseled about gun safety.

According to the December 15, 2023, CDC MMWR report, there were 1,262 unintentional firearm injury deaths among children & adolescents aged 0-17 years, during the reporting period.

Victim race and ethnicity # (%) A/PI: 10 (0.8) AI/AN: 47 (3.7)

  • Black or African American: 503 (39.9)
  • White: 532 (42.2)
  • Hispanic or Latino: 135 (10.7)
  • Two or more, other, unspecified race: 35 (2.8) Total (row %): 1,262 (100.0)

Safe gun storage laws are garnering support. The Michigan school shooting verdict underscores why.

"Unsecured firearms (e.g., unlocked and loaded) are associated with risk for unintentional childhood firearm injury death."

"Is there a gun in the home?" Assessing the risks of gun ownership in older adults

To prevent gun-related death and injuries, the AAP recommends that pediatricians provide firearm safety counseling to patients and their families. Below is a list of several resources one can review for additional guidance.

+ Block Clubs

Block clubs and neighborhood groups are essential in building and maintaining the safety of our communities. Knowing and building relationships with our neighbors allows us to extend a lending hand, organize social events, and bring resources to areas that need it the most. For helpful tips on how to start a Block Club, visit the CAPS Block Club page here or feel free to reach out to our office for support/guidance.