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Read the press release here.

'Healing Corner' Aims To Bring Peace, Safety To West Side Kids

By Mina Bloom | March 28, 2017 5:22am
 The Healing Corner aims to spark conversations with both former and current gang members to
The Healing Corner aims to spark conversations with both former and current gang members to "elevate their level of thinking."
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Facebook/The Healing Corner

WEST HUMBOLDT PARK — On the South Side, the "Army of Moms" has become a force — keeping kids busy during the warm summer months and keeping gunfire off their blocks.

Now the West Side has its own crew of devoted volunteers and concerned residents to keep West Humboldt Park safe and connected.

Based on the West Side, The Healing Corner was founded by concerned residents Arielle Maldonado and Krystal Robledo after a shooting interrupted a prayer vigil in 2015.

The group, which is in the middle of securing nonprofit status, hosts its spring kick-off from 2-6 p.m. Saturday at Harding Park, 3921 W. Division St. The group is also accepting online donations for needed items. 

Just like the "Army of Moms," a group of moms that made headlines for keeping gangs off of certain blocks in Englewood, the West Side group sets up tables, grills food and offers activities for kids in the area, with the goal that its presence keep kids in the neighborhood out of trouble.

The group also aims to spark conversations with both former and current gang members to "elevate their level of thinking."

"We welcome them and want to connect with them. We hope to help them," Maldonado said in an email.

The Association House of Chicago's mobile unit, Know Your Status Project, will be at the kickoff offering free HIV tests.

Grassroots organization UMedics, which trains people on how to respond during shootings and other emergencies, will also be there. The training will likely be held from 3-4:30 p.m.

The Healing Corner focuses on West Side neighborhoods, including West Humboldt Park, Garfield Park and Austin.

"We put an emphasis on getting to know the young men and boys who hang out on the corner and guide them towards a positive path. Through encouragement, guidance, resources, and love, we hope to change lives and create peace in our most troubled inner-city communities," the group wrote on its event page.

You can donate or find out about volunteer opportunities here