Survivors of Gun Violence Program

 

This program consists of four key components: peer support groups, information & referral, advanced 1:1 support, and topic of the month informational sessions. Whether you’re newly injured or have been living with your injury for years, we’re here to support you and connect you to resources and information.

Who Qualifies? 

Disabled survivors of gun violence, of any age, living in Chicago, who are looking for resources, support, peer support, and guidance.

We Offer:

Contact a SGV coordinator to Learn More:

Tim Pagani

Senior Program Coordinator – Survivors of Gun Violence Program

tpagani@accessliving.org

(312) 640-2110

Stephanie Santana

Program Coordinator – Survivors of Gun Violence Program

ssantana@accessliving.org

(224) 526-5592

Information & Referral Services

We provide resources, information, and referrals to internal and external services for housing, medical care, wrap-around services, post-injury education, employment, etc.

Who is this for:

Anyone looking for information & referrals for resources and services for survivors of gun violence.

When:

You can contact an SGV coordinator any time to inquire about information & referral services.

Advanced 1:1 Support

We offer hands-on support to connect you with, and help you navigate resources, programing, services, and information. We also offer disability awareness and independent living skill development and education.

Who is this for:

Disabled survivors of gun violence requesting support.

Examples of advanced 1:1 support:

  • Independent Living Skills: learn essential skills for daily living and self-care
  • Mental Health Support: access counseling and rephrase services
  • Employment & Education Resources: guidance and resources to help you pursue career and educational goals
  • Financial & Housing Assistance: support navigating financial challenges and securing stable housing
  • Legal Advocacy: Protect your rights and access legal resources

When:

You can contact a SGV coordinator any time to inquire about advanced 1:1 support and get connected to resources, programing, services, and information.

Peer Support Groups

Access Living’s Disabled Survivors of Gun Violence Peer Support Group offers a safe space for survivors to connect with one another in a group setting, led by a survivor of gun violence, to share experiences, receive mentorship, and learn about services/resources available to them.

Who is this group for:

  • Chicago residents
  • Any age
  • People that acquired a disability due to gun violence

When:

3rd Thursday of each month from 3:00pm-4:00pm

Where:

Access Living

115 W. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL 60654

***We are also looking for volunteers to facilitate our Disabled Survivors of Gun Violence Peer Support Group. This is a PAID opportunity!!  Earn a $100 gift card!!

Facilitator Qualifications:

  • Disabled survivor of gun violence
  • Chicago resident
  • Age 18+
  • A desire to mentor fellow survivors
  • Previous group facilitation experience, preferred

Facilitator Responsibilities:

  • Assist SGV Program Coordinator with group prep.
  • Facilitate and guide the conversation during group.
  • Provide mentorship to others in the group.
  • Be on time and attend the group you are assigned to.

To attend the peer support group or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer peer support group facilitator, please contact:

Stephanie Santana

Program Coordinator – Survivors of Gun Violence Program

ssantana@accessliving.org

(224) 526-5592

Topic of the Month Sessions and Schedule

The Access Living SGV Topic of the Month session is a 1-hour opportunity for disabled survivors of gun violence or people who know survivors of gun violence who are looking for information and resources to live more independently.

Who is this session for:

  • Chicago residents of any age
  • People that acquired a disability due to gun violence or people who know survivors of gun violence who are looking for information and resources

Topics Include:

  • Civil rights/legal resources
  • Disability awareness and self-advocacy
  • Education resources
  • Employment resources
  • Financial literacy resources
  • Housing resources
  • Independent living skill development
  • Mental health resources
  • Recreational/social resources
  • Technology training resources
  • +MANY MORE!!!

When:

3rd Thursday of each month from 1:30pm-2:30pm

Where:

Access Living

115 W. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL 60654

To attend the Topic of the Month session, please contact:

Tim Pagani

Senior Program Coordinator – Survivors of Gun Violence Program

tpagani@accessliving.org

(312) 640-2110

DateTimeEventLocationWhoRSVP Contact
Thu, Oct 161:30–2:30 PMTopic of the Month SessionAccess LivingSame as above (residents/survivors)Tim Pagani — 312-640-2110 / tpagani@accessliving.org
Thu, Oct 163:00–4:00 PMPeer Support GroupAccess LivingSurvivors of gun violenceStephanie Santana — 224-526-5592 / ssantana@accessliving.org
Thu, Nov 201:30–2:30 PMTopic of the Month SessionAccess LivingSame as above (residents/survivors)Tim Pagani — 312-640-2110 / tpagani@accessliving.org
Thu, Nov 203:00–4:00 PMPeer Support GroupAccess LivingSurvivors of gun violenceStephanie Santana — 224-526-5592 / ssantana@accessliving.org
Thu, Dec 181:30–2:30 PMTopic of the Month SessionAccess LivingSame as above (residents/survivors)Tim Pagani — 312-640-2110 / tpagani@accessliving.org
Thu, Dec 183:00–4:00 PMPeer Support GroupAccess LivingSurvivors of gun violenceStephanie Santana — 224-526-5592 / ssantana@accessliving.org
Thu, Jan 151:30–2:30 PMTopic of the Month SessionAccess LivingSame as above (residents/survivors)Tim Pagani — 312-640-2110 / tpagani@accessliving.org
Thu, Jan 153:00–4:00 PMPeer Support GroupAccess LivingSurvivors of gun violenceStephanie Santana — 224-526-5592 / ssantana@accessliving.org
Thu, Feb 191:30–2:30 PMTopic of the Month SessionAccess LivingSame as above (residents/survivors)Tim Pagani — 312-640-2110 / tpagani@accessliving.org
Thu, Feb 193:00–4:00 PMPeer Support GroupAccess LivingSurvivors of gun violenceStephanie Santana — 224-526-5592 / ssantana@accessliving.org
Thu, Mar 191:30–2:30 PMTopic of the Month SessionAccess LivingSame as above (residents/survivors)Tim Pagani — 312-640-2110 / tpagani@accessliving.org
Thu, Mar 193:00–4:00 PMPeer Support GroupAccess LivingSurvivors of gun violenceStephanie Santana — 224-526-5592 / ssantana@accessliving.org
Thu, Apr 161:30–2:30 PMTopic of the Month SessionAccess LivingSame as above (residents/survivors)Tim Pagani — 312-640-2110 / tpagani@accessliving.org
Thu, Apr 163:00–4:00 PMPeer Support GroupAccess LivingSurvivors of gun violenceStephanie Santana — 224-526-5592 / ssantana@accessliving.org
Thu, May 211:30–2:30 PMTopic of the Month SessionAccess LivingSame as above (residents/survivors)Tim Pagani — 312-640-2110 / tpagani@accessliving.org
Thu, May 213:00–4:00 PMPeer Support GroupAccess LivingSurvivors of gun violenceStephanie Santana — 224-526-5592 / ssantana@accessliving.org
Thu, Jun 181:30–2:30 PMTopic of the Month SessionAccess LivingSame as above (residents/survivors)Tim Pagani — 312-640-2110 / tpagani@accessliving.org
Thu, Jun 183:00–4:00 PMPeer Support GroupAccess LivingSurvivors of gun violenceStephanie Santana — 224-526-5592 / ssantana@accessliving.org