(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A Chicago organization is offering a personal approach to preventing gun violence.
"If we know that hurt people hurt people, we know that people that are healed can go back and promote healing in their communities, and that's really what we're all about,” says Paul Robinson, the deputy head of programs for Chicago CRED.
It is the violence prevention group founded by former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in 2016. The organization provides direct and intensive services to young people on the South and West sides who are at-risk.
"The participants are with us, on average, about five days a week. There are various components to the program including life coaching, an education team, clinical therapy and employment and training,” Robinson said.
Early studies have shown a difference is being made, he says.
CRED participants are 50% less likely to be arrested for a violent crime and 50% less likely to become a victim of gun violence, Robinson said.
What gives him the most pride is the community Chicago CRED is building, he said.
"What's been beautiful to witness is our participants several years later -- just how much transformation has occurred, how much they feel bonded to us, how much we feel bonded to them. It's really an amazing thing.”
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