(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Chicago organization is turning the heartbreak from gun violence into help for the community.
“Purpose Over Pain is a group of parents whose children’s lives were taken by violence,” said founder Pam Bosley.
Bosley helped found the group in 2007, a year after her son, Terrell, was fatally shot in West Pullman.
“We came together because there were no other groups supporting or advocating for parents or common-sense gun measures. Then we started doing support circles, trying to bring parents out of darkness and transform parents from being victims to survivors.”
The organization holds holiday events, basketball tournaments, and even tries to help with unsolved cases.
“We understand that if we can find out who is shooting and killing our children, we can bring the crime down.”
Adrienne Swanigan Williams started as a Purpose over Pain client. Now, she works as a victim advocate.
“We just assist the families in what they would need to give their child or loved one a proper burial,” Williams said.
While admitting that hearing countless stories, some that remind them of their own tragedies, takes a toll.
“You have to let them know that this is a pain that’s never going to go away. You learn to deal with it.”
Those behind Purpose over Pain say it’s worth it to ensure families don’t feel alone.
“It helps me to help others. My goal is just to save another mother, another father and another family,” Bosley said.
“Some groups just have you for a couple months. Purpose Over Pain, you can stay with us as long as you need to. We have support service twice a month, we do the events, we’re here if you need to call. You’re not alone.”
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