PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia-area therapist has been giving free sessions to those touched by a gun violence crisis that is not letting up.
Neither is she, as the victim count for the new year continues to rise. Now, she is issuing a call to action.
Akea Pearson Williams is the founder of Akea’s Heart Inc., based right outside of the city in Lansdale. Their community-based programs focus on mentoring, parenting support, and counseling.
But especially this year, she has been offering free therapy to those who have been impacted by gun violence, as the kids and families she works with grieve from the loss of friends and loved ones.
“I started with three sessions, with the hopes of having resources for them to continue therapy after the third session," said Pearson Williams.
She says the trauma these families face is real.
“A lot of them are afraid," Pearson Williams said.
She said some of the kids told her that when they were mostly remote, there was a sense of safety.
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But when schools fully opened, many didn’t want to go back and still don’t want to return. They fear they will be a victim as well.
“Now I have to walk through these blocks to get to this school, and I don’t know who’s lurking or who’s waiting, or who’s watching," she admits.
Right now, her team has about 410 clients, and their waiting list is growing.
Now she wants other therapists who really understand what’s happening in these communities to step up as well.
“Making sure people are connected to therapy, for me, is crucial," she said.
"It’s a mindset shift. You have to be able to understand and process what’s going on in order to help.”
She said curbing the gun violence must be a collective effort.
“It’s not about me or my organization," said Pearson Williams.
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"It’s about the youth and how we all can step up and make a difference, if we stepped up to make a difference."
She has no plans on stopping any time soon.
“I would love to be able to stop, but in order for me to stop, what has to happen?" Pearson Williams said.
"The gun violence has to stop.”