Even though the men they work with are 45 times more likely to experience gun violence than the average Chicagoan, this program reduces the likelihood of them experiencing or perpetrating shootings and homicides by over 30%.
“Our city is no stranger to violence. It has become so common that we have begun to normalize it,” Matos said. “Growing up on the Northwest side of Chicago, I was taught at an early age that if A happens, B has to happen mandatory. There was no alternative. There was no other way. Now looking back, I know differently.”
“Programs like READI Chicago help participants gain a new perspective,” Matos continued. “Through this award, you are uplifting [our work] in community violence intervention. You are creating a safer and more rewarding future for READI participants and their families.”
