Johnson unveils “Cycle Breakers” initiative as city opens EAC after 8 injured in Little Italy shooting
by: Dana Rebik, Eli Ong
Posted: Jul 9, 2024 / 06:54 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 9, 2024 / 09:24 PM CDT
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CHICAGO — The City of Chicago opened an emergency assistance center at the Fosco Park Community Center Tuesday after a shooting near the building injured eight people just after midnight last Friday. This came as Mayor Brandon Johnson announced “Cycle Breakers” — An initiative aimed at disrupting the cycle of violence on the city’s South and West Sides.
“All the work we have to do to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago, the best way is through the lens and experiences of young people,” Johnson said.
The shooting near Fosco Park happened in the 1300 block of West Hastings Street in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood, where the oldest victim was a 74-year-old woman.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the incident was a result of a shootout between two people, and the victims were a part of the 109 people shot in Chicago over the Fourth of July weekend.
In response to shootings like this, the city said they set up what they call emergency assistance centers (EAC) meant for victims, survivors, witnesses and residents that may need support after violent incidents happen in their community.
“The emergency assistance center is to address that acute harm that happens to a community, I.e., when we have an incident where 8 people or 9 people shot in one incident,” said Glen Brooks, CPD Director of Community Policing. “It is imperative we identify a location in that area to begin that healing process as quickly as possible.”
Inside the EAC at the Fosco Park Community Center, several booths were set up with resources from the surrounding community. One included a therapy dog for victims and survivors dealing with trauma from the incidents that unfolded last weekend.
Brooks said they have hosted about six of these events so far this year, with more scheduled to take place in the future, with locations being chosen based on when there are shooting incidents with a high number of victims.
Here is a list of future emergency assistance center meetings to be held:
- CPD Crime Victim Services at libraries – Wednesdays from 2-6pm.
- July 10 – West Lawn Library 4020 W. 63rd St.
- July 17 – South Chicago Branch 9055 S. Houston St.
- July 24 – Greater Grand Crossing Library 1000 E. 73rd St.
- Aug. 7 – Richard J. Daley Branch 3400 S. Halsted St.
- Aug. 14 – Near North Branch 310 W. Division St.
- Aug. 28 – Thurgood Marshall Library 7506 S. Racine Ave.
At a meeting held at the Chicago Cultural Center Tuesday night, Johnson and Chicago Public Health Commissioner Olusimbo Ige held a meeting where they unveiled “Cycle Breakers,” a new initiative that aims to connect city youth, their parents and caregivers to resources where they can learn about conflict resolution, connect with mentors, and receive mental health and crisis intervention services.
City officials also said they will begin hosting safe space events, alongside Cycle Breaker programming, like movie nights, talent shows and block parties.
“Hanging out with people who you like, who like you, where you feel safe,” Dr. Ige said.
A panel of four teens took part in a discussion on what they feel needs to change to reduce gun violence in Chicago.
“You just need to think before you act,” said Jeremy Possley, one of the teens on the panel. “My mom always says, every action has a consequence.”
“The anger and the way they manage things comes from the home,” said Journey, another teen on the panel. “The only way for kids to change — To have better attitudes — Is for us to be taught.”