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Welcome to the inaugural edition of our relaunched newsletter! We are excited to bring you a monthly edition starting this August. Stay tuned for more!

February’24

CPS Highschool Grief Care & Wellness Info Session

In 2022, Chicago Survivors (CS) launched a School-Based Trauma Service Pilot program in partnership with Communities in Schools and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to support youth who have experienced the traumatic loss of a family member, friend, or peer. Given the tremendous positive impact of the pilot, we’ve expanded the program to include 16 schools.
On February 18th, our Youth Clinical Counselors, Family Support Specialists, and Crisis Responders staff spoke with up to 500 students at Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School throughout the school day. Wellness activities and toolkits were distributed, coping skills demonstrated, resources for enrollment provided. We look forward to sharing our Info Sessions with more schools this year!

If you are a parent or guardian seeking comprehensive, trauma-informed support for your child, our expanded School-Based Trauma Service Program is here to help your family on the path to healing. 

March’24

National Women’s Month

In Partnership with Precious Blood Ministry of reconciliation at ‘The Front Porch’, our new Community of Survivors Manager, Jasmine Rhone, coordinated a “Chat & Chew” event for women survivors and leaders in the community. Board Chair Antoinette Mitchell spoke at this event. There was a great turnout that day & you can find the full photo album HERE.

April’24

Our ALL STAFF STRENGTH-BASED Retreat

Our recent All Staff Strength-Based Retreat was a tremendous success, bringing our team together for three days of rejuvenation, learning, and team-building. Highlights included a Strengths Finder workshop, DEI training, and a self-defense session, all aimed at fostering personal and professional growth. The retreat also featured wellness activities such as aromatherapy, chair massages, and creative therapy sessions. Staff had the opportunity to engage in icebreakers, enjoy nutritious meals, and participate in professional and group photo sessions, making it a memorable and enriching experience for all.

With the addition of new staff members this year, our retreat marked the largest Chicago Survivors team to date. This growth is incredibly inspiring, as it enables us to reach and support even more families in Chicago through our expanding programs and services.

May’24

COMMUNITY OF SURVIVORS Mother’s Day Celebration

In May, we hosted 50 Survivors for a Saturday Tea Party with a brunch menu, sweets table, custom tea bag, and a skilled massage therapist for a few hours of relaxation to celebrate our Survivors Mothers.

Survivors can expect more events made possible by our new Community of Survivors Manager, Jasmine Rhone. We are so lucky to have her planning more in store for our survivors. Stay tuned for exciting updates!

June’24

Strides for Peace’s Race Against Gun Violence

On June 6th, 2023, Chicago Survivors proudly participated in the annual Strides for Peace Race Against Gun Violence at Grant Park. This impactful event brought together a diverse group of community partners, survivors, and supporters to raise awareness and funds to combat gun violence in our city.

Our team had the opportunity to connect with numerous community partners, and we were honored to race alongside families directly impacted by gun violence, showcasing our solidarity and commitment to supporting survivors. The event provided a powerful platform for these families to find community and healing.

'A Walk Toward Healing' Fundraiser

On June 9, 2024, Chicago Survivors hosted a heartfelt and impactful fundraiser in Elmhurst. This event brought together dozens of families and volunteers, and we raised $20K in funds to sponsor youth for our Summer Grief Camp. Our STORYTELLERS grief camp will allow youth to counselors to process their loss and express their emotions through creative outlets over 3-weeks.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made "A Walk Toward Healing" a success. This event could not have been possible without the incredible efforts of our amazing volunteer group, led by Shannon Moran. Your dedication and hard work have truly made a difference. Thank you for your unwavering support!


Watch the news segment covering our fundraiser here: NBC 5 News Segment.

Here's the link to watch the event video captured by @flypigeon_productions!

CLICK HERE to watch

Community of Survivors Father's Day event

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing dads, brothers, uncles, and father-like figures who joined us for our special Community of Survivors Father's Day event!

Your strength and resilience are truly inspiring, and it was an honor to celebrate you at the White Sox game. We hope you enjoyed the luxurious suite, the delectable buffet, and the refreshing beverages as much as we enjoyed having you there. ⚾

Big thank to Witherite Law group for sponsoring this event!


July’24

Chicago Survivors: Providing Crucial Support in ESVF Program Expansion

The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), has announced the expansion of the Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF) program to 15 additional communities most affected by violence. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden and trauma experienced by individuals and families directly impacted by gun violence. As a delegate agency, Chicago Survivors will distribute immediate financial support to the surviving families of Chicago homicide victims. Our staff is actively working to connect all eligible survivors to this Phase II program.


Click on this video to see the NBC 5 news segment covering the Mayor's ESVF expansion plan, featuring our Executive Director, JaShawn Hill: NBC 5 News Segment.

A Look Ahead…

Upcoming Events in Chicago

Community Board

Discover more events and resources near you, visit:

For more information on the Chicago Furniture Bank. click here to visit their website or below to visit their social media pages:

Ways to Help!