It’s time to double down on Community Violence Intervention (CVI). While shootings and homicides surge across the United States, the organizations addressing it on the front lines often don’t get enough support. Today, CVI organizations have a new opportunity to receive free training and technical assistance (TTA). Heartland Alliance’s READI National Center for Safe Communities (the Center) is excited to announce a nine-month cohort experience for CVI organizations. The Center will provide training, consultation, and coaching to a select group of community-based CVI organizations. By the end o ..read more

Many community violence intervention (CVI) professionals have lived experiences similar to the participants they serve, especially for individuals who are born and raised in Chicago. Because of this, READI staff builds trust with those enrolled in the program, making a greater impact on participants making the change to transform their lives. Harold Martinez grew up in Humboldt Park, Logan Square, and Belmont Craigin as the youngest of three brothers. He followed in the footsteps of his older brothers who had been influenced by the environment in which they were raised. When each of the three ..read more

“If you’re around here enough, you’ll hear plenty of people say that we don’t believe this is people’s second chance. We believe that it’s their first legitimate chance.” Jackie Gallo, Program Director for Revolution Workshop. As one of READI’s workforce partners, Revolution Workshop (RW) helps participants gain employment through entry-level construction careers and build self-confidence. The full-time, twelve-week program teaches basic construction skills, how to use hand and power tools, and gives participants the opportunity to build a modular bathroom as part of their training. Participan ..read more

We provide services and advocate for change to advance social, economic, and racial justice to those who have been denied it. For our healthcare work, this means we transform care for the most vulnerable. Heartland Alliance Health recently celebrated its five-year anniversary of the Englewood Health Center – one of three Heartland Alliance Health centers in Chicago. In just five short years, the team has served nearly 10,000 participants and is expected to outgrow its current 7,900-square-foot location based on the continued increase in participant volume. In fact, the goal is to triple the nu ..read more

 Lerick Mudekereza, Heartland Alliance International lead for the Fikra Timamu project, led a reflection workshop on the issue of access to mental health services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In attendance were members of the Reseau D’innovation Organisationelle (RIO), a local organization active in the development of their societies. RIO organizes activities to enable church leaders, institutions, and civil society organizations to get acquainted and collaborate. The event included base training about mental health, a discussion of referral pathways, and a discussion ab ..read more

This year, President Biden issued a proclamation announcing that April is Second Chance Month to celebrate new beginnings for those who have been formerly incarcerated. Individuals with a criminal record face multiple barriers that prevent them from securing employment, stable housing, and opportunities to make positive life changes. READI for Reentry helps incarcerated men develop a plan of action for themselves upon their release to make these changes happen. Launched as a pilot program last year, READI for Reentry (R4R) draws on elements and expertise from READI Chicago. Participants receiv ..read more

What does brain science have to do with gun violence? A whole lot, if you ask one gun violence prevention group here in Chicago. The post Changing thought patterns and rewiring the brain to prevent gun violence appeared first on Heartland Alliance ..read more

As gun legislation stalls in Congress, gun violence in the U.S. continues to rise, leaving states and cities to grapple with safety measures on their own. One solution is gaining traction: community violence prevention programs. The post The pragmatism of community violence prevention programs appeared first on Heartland Alliance ..read more

Annual Women’s Event Elevates Discussion Around the Unique Challenges Women Face When It Comes to the Criminal Legal System. Earlier today, Heartland Alliance hosted its 5th Annual Women’s Event. As part of the organization’s vision of equity and opportunity for all, this yearly convening is an important space for thought leaders, advocates, and others who care about issues affecting women, to exchange ideas, learnings, and foster solutions. Welcoming attendees back in-person, the event began with breakfast at River Roast followed by an important panel discussion focused on the criminal legal ..read more

“Working for READI gives me a chance to help my peers. I went through the same things they’re going through. I try to help motivate them so they can see the bigger picture.” Jalil completed the READI program in May of 2022 and joined the team as Crew Leader shortly after. Coming up on his one-year work anniversary, he reflects on his experience in the program and as a staff member. Two years ago, Jalil, who was born and raised on the West Side, was running the streets and found himself without secure housing. Like many READI participants, Jalil learned about the program through a referral from ..read more