CHICAGO— Today, MayorBrandonJohnsonandMayor’s Office of Community Safety, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health and Department of Family & Support Services, hosted a citywide celebration of violence reduction workers on the frontlines of Chicago’s collective work to forge lasting safety in communities across the city.
Hosted at Malcome X College, Safety is Belonging: Honoring Prevention, Intervention, and Healing brings together community violence intervention, victim services, and gender-based violence partners to recognize the people and organizations who show up every day to prevent violence, support survivors, and help communities heal.
“On behalf of the entire City of Chicago, I want to thank each of you for the lifesaving work you do every day,” said MayorBrandonJohnson.“You support survivors, prevent violence before it occurs, and help heal our communities.
That work creates safer neighborhoods where people feel secure, welcome, and connected. Thank you for refusing to give up on any single person or block in our city.
I refuse to give up on you, either.
My administration will keep investing in the people doing this work and in the communities they serve.”
The second annual event gives the City an opportunity to recognize frontline workers, advocates, community organizations, and leaders who help prevent violence, support survivors, and create pathways toward healing in communities impacted by violence while reaffirming that the people doing this work need support themselves.
“Safety is an act of communion and we all are walking through this together.
We are grateful to be at the forefront of this work, committed to doing our part and ready to keep building a Chicago where every person can live free from violence,” said DeputyMayorof Community Safety Emmanuel Andre. “We also recognize that safety is not the absence of violence but the presence of belonging.
Today’s ceremony is a testament to the many survivors, families, advocates, and leaders who remain committed to uplifting the lives of those impacted by violence.
We recognize their strength, resilience, and continued advocacy for safer and more equitable communities.”
The program includes remarks from City and community leaders, a wellness panel, and recognition of partners across prevention, intervention, healing, and survivor support.
The event strengthens relationships between City agencies and community partners while reinforcing the Johnsonadministration’s commitment to advancing a holistic approach to community safety centered on prevention, intervention, healing, and belonging.
“Safety is more than being protected from harm,” saidDFSS Commissioner Angela Green. “Safety is knowing that you are seen.
That you are believed. That someone will stand beside you when life feels overwhelming.
And that you have a place where you can begin to heal.
That is the trauma-responsive and compassionate work we are proud to celebrate through this event and year-round.
We are deeply grateful to all who provide these vital forms of support.”
As part of the program, MOCS will lead “Who Holds the Helpers?,” a panel conversation bringing together violence prevention leaders including Trajectory Changing Solutions’ Tracey Lee, JaShawn Hill of Chicago Survivors, Giving Others Dreams Founder and CEO Celia Colon, and Healing to Action Co-Director Karla Altmayer for a discussion centered on the people behind the work, many of whom are survivors themselves.
The panel explores the impact violence has on communities and frontline staff, what healing and wellness look like for those who show up every day, and why belonging is an important part of community safety.