Chicago CRED

Calling all North Lawndale Community Members! Join us for a Community Meeting on safety in the North Lawndale community. Date: Monday, March 17 Time: 6 PM - 7:30 PM Location: UCAN (3605 W. Filmore, Chicago, IL 60624) Join us to address safety, violence, and what can be done to bring about change, together with members of the North Lawndale Collaborative. Your input is vital as we strive for a safer North Lawndale neighborhood. Share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback at this important meeting. Together, we can make a difference and create a secure community for all. Save the date and be part of the change! Click below to RSVP: https://lnkd.in/g2RKMYJU #NorthLawndaleCommunity #SafetyMatters #CommunityMeeting #ChicagoCRED

5 people working to prevent Chicago violence profiled in WTTW docs. Each short film in the streaming “Firsthand: Peacekeepers” series highlights the efforts of a Chicagoan who aims to calm disputes on the city’s streets. Read more below: https://lnkd.in/g9dVKuwF

Researchers from the Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research and Science at Northwestern University found that all CRED program participants experienced some programmatic benefits, but those who completed a 24-month program had the best outcomes. https://lnkd.in/gqtnPF2Z

On February 27th, @NorthwellHealth is hosting the Gun Violence Prevention Forum to create dialogue around positioning gun violence as a public health crisis. Register to virtually tune in at 8:20am CT/9:20am ET for the session "Finding Common Ground" with Gov. Chris Christie & @ChicagoCRED Founder, Arne Duncan! #PreventGunViolence https://lnkd.in/dXvBhRh

We’re excited to share a major milestone at Chicago CRED — we’ve now served 2,000 participants through our programming! This is a powerful testament to the dedication of our team and the impact we’re making in the lives of those most at risk of violence. Each day, our staff works tirelessly to provide opportunities for change and transformation, and today we celebrate the lives we’ve touched. Together, we’ve helped 2,000 men, women, and youth on their journey toward a better future. The work isn’t done, but let’s take a moment to honor this accomplishment and the difference we’re making. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey! CRED STRONG! #ChicagoCRED #ViolencePrevention #CommunityImpact #Milestone #Transformation

From an early age, Don experienced normalized violence in his South Side neighborhood. The youngest of three boys of a working single mother and widow with very little support, he lost his father at the age of six. Don was propelled into a leading role in his family when his oldest brother moved out of the house. He began to engage in street life as a way of protecting and providing for his family, fully understanding the danger associated with this choice. “I kind of pushed away. I stopped coming around my family as much, because of the situations that I was in with people shooting at me. I had to distance myself from some of my family, which wasn't the right thing to do,” Don said. Over the next few weeks, we will dive into Don’s story as he enrolled at Chicago CRED, progressed through the program, and how he transformed his life towards a sustainable career. Read more about Don’s story and learn how you can support Chicago CRED by visiting the link in our bio. https://lnkd.in/ggZE9x2p

Calling all Pullman Community Members! Join Chicago CRED Wednesday, November 13th for a Community Meeting on safety in the Pullman community. Date: Wednesday, November 13 Time: 6 PM - 7:30 PM Location: Pullman Exhibit Hall (11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL) Join us to address safety, violence, and what can be done to bring about change. Your input is vital as we strive for a safer Pullman neighborhood. Share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback at this important meeting. Together, we can make a difference and create a secure community for all. Save the date and be part of the change! Click the link below to RSVP -  https://lnkd.in/gsm7MCUP

Recently, Matt DeMateo from New Life Centers facilitated an insightful panel featuring incredible leaders: Dominique McCord from Metropolitan Peace Initiatives, Benny Estrada from New Life, Jalon Arthur from Chicago CRED, Esther Franco-Payne from the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities, and Father Greg Boyle from Homeboy Industries. The focus was on Community Violence Intervention (CVI) — exploring both the challenges and opportunities we face. Together, they shared valuable lessons and strategies to make our communities safer and more peaceful.

Chicago Aldermen and community leaders have urged Mayor Brandon Johnson to reactivate the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system until a permanent solution is implemented. They are prepared to fund $2.5 million of the annual $9.6 million cost during this interim period. “People are dying because ShotSpotter is shut down, and first responders are not being notified about shootings,” stated 17th Ward Alderman David Moore at a City Hall press conference, surrounded by colleagues and community members. Bob Boik, Senior Vice-President for Public Safety at the Civic Committee, emphasized that ShotSpotter can speed response times and save lives, expressing concern over a potential service gap. Father Michael Pfleger and other leaders attended the press conference, highlighting the importance of ShotSpotter in a city where trust in police is low. Pfleger stressed the need for this tool to combat rising gun violence, stating, “It’s unconscionable to remove a tool that saves lives.” https://lnkd.in/dBTSnAmB

A big thank you to Senator Dick Durbin for announcing our DOJ grant at our recent event! This funding will allow Chicago Cred to enhance capacity-building initiatives for small nonprofits focused on promoting peace. Together, we can create lasting change and significantly reduce gun violence in our communities. Let’s build safer neighborhoods for all!