In 2014, Valerie Dent lost her two youngest sons, ages 24 and 31, to gun violence. That same weekend, Edith Williams lost her great nephew. A few months later, her pastor asked her to help start a local chapter of Mothers in Charge.
Nationally, this organization is known as "a violence prevention, education and intervention-based organization, which advocates and supports youth, young adults, families and community organizations affected by violence."
Locally, Williams and Dent help grieving families cope when violent tragedies strike.
Get in touch via the St Louis Mothers in Charge Facebook page.
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Here's a look at how the conversation goes:
1:15-10:30 - Mothers in Charge in St Louis. The tough stories that brought Williams and Dent to this important work.
10:30-13:45 - Working with the police and how Mothers in Charge helps grieving families.
13:45-20:00 - "Structure to give back..." How Edith and Valerie make this work happen.
20:00-23:30 - "When I call them, I want them to show up..." more on working with the police.
23:30-27:00 - The nuts and bolts of reaching out to a grieving family.
27:00-32:30 - "Think before you react." "Retaliation needs to stop." The best ways to decrease violence.
32:30-40:00 - "Show children love... and that they can trust you." Wrapping up and what gives Dent and Williams hope.
