A Time For Celebration
Over the past months, supporters of New Community Outreach came together to join Team NCO in our largest fundraiser to Race Against Gun Violence. If you follow our social media, you heard from many of them about why they run and why they support NCO.
Here are a few:
As a therapist, I work daily with people who are healing from trauma. But I am not interested in colluding with a system that encourages healing from trauma, but not stopping it from happening in the first place. I want the experience of trauma to decrease overall, not just help people one by one as they continually experience gun violence, police brutality, community disinvestment, and lack of resources. -Tiffany
Coming out of my divorce, I took on giving my time in this way to shift focus, to ground and stabilize my emotions, and to connect with people from my community. I also thought the idea of using the flower beds at Jackie Robinson to re-invest in the community was a pretty genius and effective use of space and resources. By the way, NCO’s flower bed gardens provide fresh produce for free and to anyone who shows up on Saturday mornings. I enjoy seeing “the regulars” and talking to them about what meals they will make with the produce. My favorite part is seeing the seniors from our community come out. Being able to see and engage with them is a treasure. -Dawn
I’m running (even though I hate running!) because I’m wanting to imagine a safer and more whole Chicago. I really believe NCO will contribute to the reduction and ending of gun violence in our city because they address the issues of our community holistically. They feed people’s bodies with fresh produce from our garden, tend to the healing of our youth by facilitating peace circles, and empower imagination from within our own community. I was so inspired that their KEY program with high schoolers this summer sought to actually address the need for more access to mental health with ideas that the youth actually came up with. I love supporting this organization in any way possible! -Sara
On Thursday, September 23rd, given that the official Race Against Gun Violence was virtual, over 20 members of Team NCO gathered at Ellis Park to raise awareness of gun violence and pursue a more peaceful, safe Chicago (see picture below).
It is through their amazing efforts and the generous donations of so many, that I am elated to share that we not only met but surpassed our goal of raising $25,000!
We are especially excited about this because we are kicking off our school year KEY Program, our restorative justice program for high school students. This year, we are excited to be partnered with three high schools in the greater Bronzeville neighborhood, and we will be providing programming to over 100 students! Thank you as always for your partnership & support.
With gratitude,
Sonia Wang, NCO Executive Director
