Here are some KC groups to contact for resources on violence

There have been 173 homicides in the Kansas City area so far this year, and the vast majority have been shootings. Several metro organizations offer resources to victims of gun violence as well as their family and friends. Here are some of the options:

Ad hoc group against crime

A married Kansas City couple had their house blown up in 2016.

The husband died, the mother was injured and their house was riddled with bullets. With the death of the main breadwinner, the family did not know what to do.

The Ad Hoc Group Against Crime — a nonprofit that works to connect the community and the criminal justice system to help reduce violence — placed them in a hotel for about a month and a half, Damon said. Daniel, president of the organization. “We ended up helping them find a new place.”

It was just one incident of gun violence that changed his life and has been etched in Daniel’s memory since he worked for the organization.

“There are the bullet-to-hide incidents, but there are also people whose property is also damaged,” Daniel said.

Through a partnership with the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office called Caring for survivors of crimethe group helps families restore their homes after a violent incident and provides additional services to victims.

“Part of the reason we do minor home repairs and crime scene cleanups is that it helps reduce trauma,” Daniel said.

To reach the Ad Hoc Group’s 24-hour Community Helpline, call 816-753-1111. For the Youth Helpline, call 816-531-2665. For more information on how to get involved or donate, visit adhocgroupkc.com.

REVIVE

The Crime Ad Hoc Group works with the University of Kansas Health System through a program called REVIVEwhich means reducing the effects of violence through intervention and empowerment of victims.

The program focuses on patients, aged 12 to 24, who are victims of violence, and also helps their families. When a victim arrives at the hospital, a referral can be made so that they may be able to avoid a future trip to the hospital.

“Ultimately what we’re trying to do is be able to help this young person and this family address the factors that explain why this young person may have been involved in a violent episode,” said Jomella Watson-Thompson, program manager. director. “Both locally, but also nationally, oftentimes our older youth or young adults are disproportionately affected more, as well as our youth of color.”

To learn more about REVIVE, visit communityhealth.ku.edu and search for “revive”.

Center for Conflict Resolution

The Center for Conflict Resolution mediates and works to educate the community to reduce acts of violence.

“We kind of work in a lot of different areas, which is a little bit different for a nonprofit, but we’re able to cover just about every aspect of life and have processes that allow us to help people resolve conflicts peacefully,” said Annette Lantz-Simmons, the group’s executive director.

The center offers training and support to those affected by the violence.

“I don’t think people realize how prolific gun violence is,” Lantz-Simmons said. “I think for a lot of people, they think it’s happening somewhere else.”

To contact the Center for Conflict Resolution, call 816-461-8255 or visit ccrkc.org. To make a donation, go to ccrkc.org/donate.