Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities Celebrates 21 Fathers Completing 25-Week Transformational Program.

chicagodefender.com/fathers-fami...

We just had our safest year here in Chicago in 60 years, which we are thrilled about.
But, we also know how far we have to go, to make Chicago the safest city in America.

How do we get better?
We collaborate, we brainstorm, and we hold each other accountable for results.
@chicagocred.bsky.social

@chicagocred.bsky.social we believe that those who were closest to the problem of gun violence are actually the solution.

The joy in our work is seeing our former participants become our staff and teammates- their leadership is literally saving lives every single day.

On April 4th, our West Side Hub celebrated the graduation of 3 participants with FFHC (Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities). This program empowers Black men as fathers, husbands, and community leaders. Grateful for this partnership! 💪🏾❤️ #Fatherhood #Empowerment

Some Numbers Behind the Homicide Numbers | Chicago CRED By Paul Robinson and LaQuay Boone The best headline we have seen in a long time appeared in the Chicago […]

Reducing gun violence starts with outreach but helping our guys leave the streets and live safely requires a lot more support. @chicagocred.bsky.social CRED leaders Paul Robinson and LaQuay Boone lay it out. @arneduncan.bsky.social
www.chicagocred.org/blog/some-nu...

🌍✨ Our Chicago CRED Team is in Belfast, exploring violence prevention and youth work! They’ll present at a conference sponsored by the Education Authority on Friday. Here’s a pic in front of one of Belfast’s iconic murals! 💪💙 #ChicagoCRED #Belfast #YouthWork #CommunityEngagement

How do we change lives?
The most powerful way is by building relationships, & by putting mentors and positive role models in the lives of our participants.
Experience is the best teacher- it just doesn’t have to be your experience- our @chicagocred.bsky.social young men can learn from their elders.

Dantrell Jelks - ECHO Curriculum

Congrats to Dantrell Jelks, a former Chicago CRED participant and Lead Life Coach at the Youth Peace Center of Roseland! He contributed to the ECHO curriculum at the UChicago Crime Lab, set to empower CPS students and equip teachers. [ECHO Curriculum](echo.crimelab.uchicago.edu/people/dantr...).

So appreciate the team from Applegate coming out to spend time with our staff and participants @chicagocred.bsky.social today!

They have been one of our most consistent and committed partners- I loved how interested and curious they were about how, and why, we do what we do.
#Teamwork

Chicago CRED SSHUB2 participants recently focused on wellness with activities like Juicing with Tash, Sound Bath meditation, and R&B Yoga. They also discussed men’s health awareness, exploring common issues and the importance of overall well-being. #Wellness #MensHealth

Our Chicago CRED participants visited the DuSable Museum for Black History Month! They explored the rich history and culture of African Americans through powerful exhibits and left inspired by stories of resilience. Let’s keep reflecting on these important narratives! ✊🏾 #BlackHistoryMonth

Chicago's Violence Interrupters Hail Drops In Gun Violence, Call For Steadier Funding Advocates say establishing community violence intervention as a legitimate profession has been a key factor in Chicago's years-long decreases in shootings and homicides.

Chicago's Violence Interrupters Hail Drops In Gun Violence, Call For Steadier Funding blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/25/c...

Marked decline in homicides, robberies proves critics wrong about Pretrial Fairness Act Even as community investment is working to reduce crime in Chicago, some want to return to the failed “lock 'em up” policies that created mass incarceration but didn’t create safety.

Decline in crime in Chicago and Illinois is due to community investments--not pre-trial detention: Illinois State Rep. Lisa Davis. @suntimes.bsky.social @arneduncan.bsky.social @chicagocred.bsky.social
chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/...

How do we continue to reduce violence here in Chicago, at much faster rates than most other cities?
By focusing on street outreach, life coaching, education, trauma therapy and employment.
The road is long, complicated and never straight, but the rewards are extraordinary.
@chicagocred.bsky.social

🙏 **Thank You, Governor Pritzker!** Your support for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs in the FY 2027 budget is vital for safer, healthier communities. Together, we're making a difference in reducing gun violence. Thank you for prioritizing our safety! #CVI #PublicSafety

Yesterday, we hosted an amazing hiring event with the Chicago Cubs! ⚾️ We had a fantastic turnout of 71 participants who came ready to impress. Employers were thrilled with the level of engagement and preparation from attendees, especially since most had already completed their applications.

How do we navigate life’s challenges, and overcome whatever gets thrown in our way?

Never alone!
Teamwork, trust, and learning to listen to those who will truly guide you in the right direction will make all the difference in the world.
@chicagocred.bsky.social

Recently, participants from our West Side HUB 2 engaged in a Community Service Project, serving the homeless at shelters and encampments throughout Chicago. They distributed food and water, making a meaningful impact and showing their support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Sharing with @arneduncan.bsky.social @chicagocred.bsky.social

🚀 Update on CBI Zero Pilot training! Continuing Jan 20-22, we’re enhancing skills for frontline workers in high-stress environments.

Key goals:
- Self-awareness
- Safer practices
- Trauma support

Thanks to Ashley Miller, Kelly Carrol, Vero Ortiz, Joanne Sanvillier, and Tina Cooper! 💪🌍

Recently, Milwaukee City Officials and School Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius visited our Hub 3 location to engage with our Chicago CRED participants and gain insights into our programming. We are grateful and humbled by their support and interest in our mission.

#Milwaukee #ChicagoCRED

In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the Women’s Center participated in a community service project at Cradles to Crayons to make sure we do our part to close the gap in clothing insecurities for children.

Take a moment to view candid photos from this event.

#ChicagoCred

Chicago looks to close out 2025 with a 10-year low in violent crime "A confluence of factors" appears to be driving a historic drop in crime and violence in 2025.

Community Violence Intervention (CVI) organizations have helped achieve a historic low in violence in 2025, with homicides at a 60-year low. Explore the community-driven approaches making a difference and their vital role in a safer future.

Read more: www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum...

Arne Duncan: Community violence intervention is working in Chicago Chicago neighborhoods where community violence intervention is most active have some of the largest declines in gun violence in the city.

We have a long way to go, but I am so happy we have a chance to have our safest year in 60 years here in Chicago!
The work of reducing violence is never easy- I am so incredibly grateful to all who have stayed with it for so long.
@chicagocred.bsky.social

www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/10/o...

🚧 Exciting day! Our Alumni Manager Reimel Gilliam and CRED Alumni CW Harris toured the construction of the new Obama Presidential Center. Can’t wait to see it completed! 🇺🇸 #ObamaPresidentialCenter #AlumniEngagement

Ending gun violence in Chicago takes all of us—outreach workers, business leaders, and community partners.

Your support helps Chicagoans heal and build safer communities. Join us: secure.givelively.org/donate/chica...

#ItTakesAllOfUs #ChicagoCRED #GivingSeason

As Giving Tuesday nears, we’re inspired by Chicago’s unity—neighbors, businesses, and leaders driving down violence. This month, we’re sharing stories from those committed to Community Violence Intervention. Join us in building a safer Chicago by donating: secure.givelively.org/donate/chica...

Business and civic leaders say ICE actions harming Chicago’s economy Raids have “scared people away” from restaurants, cultural events, shops and Downtown, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce CEO says

Business and civic leaders say ICE actions harming Chicago’s economy chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...

We have a chance to have the safest year here in 60 years!
Not close a mission accomplished moment- we still have a long way to go- but our collective progress in increasing the peace is profound and powerful.
The only way to keep getting safer is to stay in the streets.

@chicagocred.bsky.social

Truly inspiring to have the Obama Scholars visit @chicagocred.bsky.social today, and be in real community with our participants.
These young leaders are from Chicago, and from around the world.
Our young leaders were teachers and learners today- both groups give me so much hope for the future!