Announcing New Partnerships
Since September 2008, over 300 children (18 and under) and over 600 youth (under age 26) have been killed by violence. In response to this crisis and to prevent future violence, we are suspending Urban Dolorosa to focus our energies on two new partnerships. Please Join Us!
It is the mission of Chicago’s Citizens for Change (CCC) to strengthen communities and reduce youth violence through outreach to the surviving family members and loved ones of homicide victims. CCC will facilitate the resiliency of families and youth through trained crisis teams, a telephone hotline, a web-based guide to Chicago-area services, and peer support opportunities for parents and youth siblings to become involved in restorative peace-making and anti-violence work. Stay tuned for ways to contribute and volunteer.
CROSSwalk began as an ecumenical pilgrimage for peace – a march during Holy Week from St. James Cathedral, to Daley Plaza, to Old St Patrick’s Church, and concluding at Stroger Cook County Hospital. CROSSwalk is committed to organize churches and volunteers to raise awareness about youth violence, to support community-based peace-making efforts, and to advocate for change until all children are safe.
Urban Dolorosa means “The Sorrowing City.” We seek to raise awareness about the epidemic of youth violence in our city and to recruit religious leaders and pastoral care volunteers to minister to families and youth traumatized by violence.
Psychological First Aid
Research has shown that traditional methods for counseling victims of trauma often re-traumatize the victims. Psychological First Aid is a new methodology, informed by the latest research on trauma and mental health.
This training is for any first-responders, counselors, social workers, or pastoral care professionals who may provide early assistance to children, families, or adults affected by trauma or disaster. Religious professionals, especially, can play a vital role in helping individuals, families, and communities cope with tragedy or disaster.
You are welcome to download and use The Field Operations Guide for Community Religious Professionals.
Chicago Trauma Network
During our December volunteer training, we discussed the trauma network in Chicago and the recent controversy concerning the University of Chicago Hospital. Dr. Robert Smith, who helped design the current trauma network, led the discussion, which also included Dr. Roxanne Roberts, the current Chief of Trauma at Stroger Hospital. After the break, read a brief summary of what we learned.
