A Little About
Us.
The Healing Outlet is a joint venture of Bold Yoga LLC and Transformative Justice Solutions. We are DC residents who work in social justice, community-building, and anti-violence. Read our story here.
Through a community-centered app, we aim to seamlessly connect D.C. residents affected by gun violence with grassroots, on-the-ground organizations for prevention, intervention, and healing. This is a free space where multiple stakeholders can pool their resources, coordinate services and events, and create content that speaks to the community's specific needs.
We have a vision to empower people to join the anti-violence effort by sharing - and being compensated for - their healing stories, knowledge, and talents. We have been able to develop this app through the generosity of CatalystXL Cardware.
Through a community-centered app, we aim to seamlessly connect D.C. residents affected by gun violence with grassroots, on-the-ground organizations for prevention, intervention, and healing. This is a free space where multiple stakeholders can pool their resources, coordinate services and events, and create content that speaks to the community's specific needs.
We have a vision to empower people to join the anti-violence effort by sharing - and being compensated for - their healing stories, knowledge, and talents. We have been able to develop this app through the generosity of CatalystXL Cardware.
Rooted in Evidence.
The District of Columbia leads the U.S. with the highest rate of gun homicides. In 2022, DC topped 200 homicides, and the number of youths killed by gunfire doubled. These figures only graze the surface of actual gun violence victims. Those who survive gunshot wounds emerge with long-lasting physical and psychological trauma, and many are at high risk for falling victim again or retaliating in violence. Traumatic stress ripples outward to neighbors who witness it; family members who endure the grief and stress associated with an injured, arrested, or killed family member; first responders; teachers and counselors who must help children in high-violence areas cope with fear and loss.
Generally, the majority of people involved in shootings are members of street groups, and the motives, according to a 2021 report by the National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform, are usually "precipitated by a petty conflict over a young woman, a simple argument, or the now ubiquitous social media slight." Personal disputes remain the leading immediate cause of shooting activity in DC.
Generally, the majority of people involved in shootings are members of street groups, and the motives, according to a 2021 report by the National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform, are usually "precipitated by a petty conflict over a young woman, a simple argument, or the now ubiquitous social media slight." Personal disputes remain the leading immediate cause of shooting activity in DC.
But why does a simple dispute lead to murder? The Healing Outlet is committed to addressing the endemic underlying issues that lead to violent forms of conflict: untreated trauma, poverty, and a breakdown of community. We know that childhood domestic violence and community violence exposure are both associated with increased gun violence involvement. The Healing Outlet tackles these concerns from multiple angles - By sharing voices directly from community leaders and grassroots activists and artists. By including youth in the discussions and solutions, thereby uplifting them as members of their community. By linking those in need with dependable resources around the city. By providing trauma resources for healing. By providing violence workers on the ground with training resources. And by amplifying the work that is already happening around the city.
In Summer 2023, we hosted a series of focus groups to learn more about what the community needs to heal from gun violence. Our findings are guiding our design of the app's functions and content.
Created for the Community, BY the Community.
There is hope for ending gun violence.
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The response to gun violence in DC involves a mix of stakeholders from police to hospital or nonprofit case managers, to Cure the Streets Violence Interrupters, Safe Passage Workers, and credible messengers. Their efforts need more support, and the Healing Outlet serves as an instant resource for them and the families they serve. We aim to coordinate communication so individuals do not fall through the cracks.
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