flourishing Community INITIATIVE

"FCI is geared toward ministering to community members who have been harmed by or have suffered trauma from gun violence, with the goal of restoring those individuals and families to wholeness — back to flourishing."

- Ramon Jenkins, Case Manager

OUR
APPROACH

We understand the growing and complex needs of gunshot violence survivors in our community, and we are deeply committed to supporting them on their healing journey.

FCI provides services to directly impacted individuals, beginning at any point within two years of the incident. Clients receive support for a full year, including weekly check-ins during the first month and monthly check-ins for the remainder of the year.

WorkLIFE

Sunshine Gospel Ministries’ WorkLIFE Program is a year-round initiative designed to equip young adults with career skills, mentorship, and job placement opportunities. Through a structured training model and hands-on experience, participants gain the confidence and skills necessary for long-term employment and economic stability.

Program Features:
  • Structured career training & job placement
  • Soft skills development (communication, financial literacy, time management, etc.)
  • One-on-one mentorship & coaching
  • Ongoing career support 

PEACE CIRCLE 

Building Community, One Circle at a Time
 At Sunshine Gospel Ministries, Peace Circles are a powerful way we help build stronger, more connected communities—starting right in our local schools.

Rooted in Indigenous traditions and grounded in Restorative Justice principles, Peace Circles create safe spaces for students to listen, share, and be heard. By fostering trust and empathy, these circles help address the root causes of bullying and conflict before they escalate—whether in the classroom, online, or beyond.

We’re bringing Peace Circles into neighborhood schools to interrupt cycles of violence, reduce tension that spills over into social media or daily life, and even prevent the kind of conflict that can lead to gun violence. Whether used to celebrate milestones, process grief, resolve disputes, or build a sense of belonging, Peace Circles are one way we work toward a more peaceful and just community for all.

"We take the initiative to organically meet every individual right where they are as they navigate their way to wholeness."
-Donnell William (FCI, Director)

our Referrals and services

Our
Approach

Our
Services

FCI provides victim services, case management, and counseling that is needed by survivors of  gun violence and their families after the survivor is discharged from the hospital.
 
We understand the developing needs of gunshot violence survivors in our community and are committed to helping them. FCI services directly and indirectly impacted survivors beginning anytime within the 2-year window of being  harmed. FCI will service those clients for one year after their intake date, with weekly check-ins for the first month and then monthly for the remainder of the year.  
  • Continued visits and admissions to hospitals
  • Loss of Wages, Housing, Daycare, Utilities, and Transportation
  • Depression, Anxiety, Isolation, PTSD
  • Need for Relocation 
  • Permanent disability 
  • Children being cared for by someone else
  • Need for a caregiver

Referrals for Counseling Services

Monetary Assistance 
for Emergency Needs

Job Training

Completing Illinois Crime Victim 
Compensation Act Paperwork

Supplemental Victims Funds

Transportation 
(Decided Case-by-Case)

The Trauma of being a gun shot survivor

The trauma of being shot can have severe effects on a person’s life, such as:

Depression, Anxiety,
Isolation, PTSD

Emotional and mental health challenges like sadness, fear, withdrawal, or flashbacks that often follow traumatic events.

Permanent Disability

Long-term physical or mental impairments that limit daily activities or independence.

Continued visits
and admissions to hospitals

Frequent or repeated medical treatment due to ongoing health issues from trauma.

Childcare

Difficulty providing or finding consistent care for children due to injury, stress, or life disruption.

Loss of Wages

Missed income from being unable to work because of trauma or recovery needs.

Need for Caregiver

Requiring regular help from another person for basic tasks or recovery support.

communities
we serve

Woodlawn
South Shore
Washington Park
GreaterGrand Crossing
Jackson Park
Hyde Park
East Englewood

Bronzeville
Chatham
Auburn Gresham
McKinley Park
Brighton Park
Burnside
Avalon Park