INDIANAPOLIS — Gunfire continues to be a problem in central Indiana. Over the weekend alone, at least 12 people were shot between Friday and Sunday night in Indianapolis. Despite needing help solving these crimes, the families of victims need help coping with the unspeakable grief.
“During times like this, with all the violence that’s going on, I absolutely encourage seeking help,” says Angel Hall, a member of “Purpose 4 My Pain.”
Hall knows the pain of a losing a child to gun violence all too well. Her son was killed in 2016.
“When these shootings occur, you are hurting a family,” she says. “You’re not just hurting that one person. You are impacting a whole family. When you killed that one person, you just killed a whole family”
Last year, the city saw 172 homicides. Sunday night, IMPD officers responded to this year’s 171st.
Indianapolis continues to outpace the number of homicides the city saw in 2018, which remains the most in the city’s history. It’s not even October.
What’s helped Hall is surrounding herself with women like her, she says.
Joining the group “Purpose 4 My Pain” — that does just that, giving her something to do with that pain.
“We just try to offer the best comfort and support that we can. We do community events.”
The reach out and support other moms who have been impacted by gun violence, even through rent, utilities and food assistance. Plus, they help thee community at large, holding community walks and back-to-school giveaways.
“The teenage years are really critical in young people’s life. And I think by them not being involved in anything in the schools and the funding is not available that does play a big part in how they divert to the streets,” says Hall.
So they try to give young people hope, something to do and something to believe in. To give back to the community, especially helping those who hurting just like them.
“You can’t give up. You can’t give up.”
You can reach out to Purpose 4 My Pain on Facebook or by calling this number: 317-983-1418.
