In My Shoes
Rising numbers of injuries due to violence on the west side of Chicago and throughout the country prompted staff to move beyond a treatment orientation and to become involved in prevention-focused efforts. To meet the two goals of facilitating the positive development of patients and preventing more violence-related injuries, Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital created the In My Shoes program in 1997.
The In My Shoes program is unique in that it is a peer-led violence prevention intervention led by former patients who have sustained violent injuries as victims or perpetrators of street violence. Youth participants are able to identify with these peer facilitators in a way they might not be able to do with adults. By participating in our program, youth gain a firsthand look at life with an injury due to intentional violence. As a result, these youth will be more likely to make choices that will help them avoid injury, incarceration or death. In turn, their communities experience lower rates of violence and crime, as well as reduced costs for medical, financial and criminal justice programs.
Since 1997, the In My Shoes program has reached over 56,000 at risk youth in the Chicago area and has received national exposure through such programs as Judge Hatchett and 60 Minutes. We also participate in several anti-violence community coalitions throughout Chicago.
The program also provides our peer facilitators the opportunity to learn vocation skills and develop as leaders.
Funding sources
Project Safe Neighborhoods: http://www.psn.gov/
Contact information:
In My Shoes Violence Prevention Program
Telephone: (773) 522-2010 extension 5155
Fax: (773) 522-6650
Email: inmyshoes@sinai.org
|
