Cook County Awards $4.2 Million in Funding for Services for Survivors of Gun Violence

Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) announced over $4 million in grant awards to community-based organizations that provide services and support to survivors of gun violence in key suburban communities of Cook County. Awards were made under Cook County Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence initiative, (CC-SGV) that funds a range of services including crisis intervention, emergency financial assistance and behavioral health services.

"Every life lost to gun violence is a person, a family and a community forever changed. We've made real progress in driving down gun violence in Cook County, but too many families are still living with its aftermath," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "This investment is about meeting them where they are — helping survivors heal, not just cope. Trauma left unaddressed doesn't just harm individuals; it destabilizes entire communities. When we invest in healing, we're investing in safer, stronger neighborhoods for everyone." 

Over the last four years, Cook County has experienced a significant overall decline in gun violence with gun homicides falling by approximately 50% since 2021. As of Labor Day 2026, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed 334 gun homicides. This compares to 312 gun homicides recorded at this time last year.

The CC-SGV initiative launched in 2025 with an initial $5 million investment in services focused in the City of Chicago. This round of funding is investing an additional $4.2 million for services focused in suburban municipalities in Cook County experiencing elevated rates of gun violence. 

The Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) manages the CC-SGV initiative alongside other investments designed to enhance community safety by providing stabilizing services to residents who have been impacted by gun violence, and residents who are most likely to be involved in a shooting. The CC-SGV initiative addresses gaps in services by focusing on three priorities: expanding existing services, increasing access and improving coordination of services. 

“We are proud to be making strategic, data driven investments that are also grounded in perspectives that come directly from communities,” said Avik Das, Executive Director of the JAC. “When it comes to reducing gun violence, community engagement is essential. To develop successful interventions, we must connect with people closest to gun violence to ensure we reduce barriers to access and fund the most critical and impactful services.” 

While designing the funding opportunity, the JAC conducted a targeted community engagement campaign, hosting a series of four listening sessions in Chicago Heights, Dolton, Harvey and Maywood, with 100 residents attending across sessions. This community engagement exercise helped inform funding priorities for the grant awards.

"Investing in South suburban communities is critical to ensuring survivors of gun violence and their families have access to the support, resources, and services they need to heal and move forward, said Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill, “This funding also presents an excellent opportunity for grantee organizations to expand their much needed services by partnering with smaller, community based organizations that already have trusted relationships with residents. By strengthening these partnerships, we can extend our reach and ensure resources are getting directly into the communities that need them most."

This round of CC-SGV funding is supporting nine community-based organizations that serve residents in suburban communities.

“Cook County’s investment in Live Free Illinois is an investment in the healing, dignity, and safety of survivors of gun violence and the communities most impacted by trauma,” said Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, Executive Director, Live Free Illinois. “With this funding, Live Free will expand its proven Community Healing Resource Center model across South Suburban Cook County, activating 25 trusted faith partners to connect residents with trauma-informed mental health care, somatic healing, case management, and other critical supports. By meeting people where they are, in churches, schools and trusted community spaces, we can ensure more survivors and families have the resources, relationships, and hope needed to heal and thrive.”

“Through this grant, OAI is building on our workforce development programming to provide comprehensive support to survivors and families in our network that have lost a loved one to gun violence,” said Sandra Dafiaghor, PhD, Executive Director of OAI. “In moments of crisis, families need more than immediate assistance—they need trusted partners who will stand with them, help them navigate available resources, and remain present as they begin to heal and regain stability. Along with our partners, we are providing coordinated support while building a lasting network of care, hope, and connection for families impacted by gun violence.”

To learn more about the CC-SGV initiative and other community safety funding opportunities and investments, visit CookCountyIL.gov/JACGrants.