Outpatient Care
"The 'In My Shoes' program makes the effects of violence real, rather than glorifying death as gang life often does." |
In My Shoes
Rising numbers of injuries due to violence at Schwab and throughout the country
prompted staff to begin moving beyond a treatment-orientation and become involved in more prevention-
focused efforts. Therefore, in order to meet two goals of facilitating the positive development of
patients and preventing more violence-related injuries, In My Shoes was created 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, and death. In turn, their communities will experience lower
rates of violence and crime, and reduced costs for medical, financial and criminal justice programs.
Since 1997, the In My Shoes program has reached over 32,000 at risk youth in the Chicagoland area and
has received national exposure through such programs as Judge Hatchett and 60 Minutes.
The program provides our peer facilitators with an opportunity to develop as leaders
in a more systematic way. In order to validate their importance to the project and at the same time
provide them with more legitimate work experience, these facilitators are employed at the hospital.
In addition, we participate in anti-violence community coalitions by working in tandem with other
organizations to make programs available for youth in our community.
Funding source:
Project Safe Neighborhoods: http://www.psn.gov/
For more information and/or to scheduled an presentation please contact us at:
In My Shoes Violence Prevention Program
Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital
1401 S. California Blvd.
Chicago, IL. 60608
P: (773) 522-2010 Ext. 5155
F: (773) 522-6650
E: inmyshoes@sinai.org |
