ENDING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE IN CHICAGO BY ADDRESSING EVERY PHASE.
The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago is a respected leader in gun violence prevention, intervention, and reduction. Our critical work heals and restores Chicago communities with the highest incidences of shootings through street outreach, job programs, behavioral health and wellness, and meaningful partnerships with Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and
research organizations.
Our values and actions are guided by the nonviolence principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Like Dr. King, we believe everyone has a part to play in ending gun violence. Our evidence-based model brings together civilians and organizations to implement wraparound services for high-risk individuals in Austin, West Garfield Park, Back of the Yards, and portions of Brighton Park—bringing more peace, compassion, hope, and love to our streets and keeping Chicago safe
for generations.
TOGETHER, WE CAN BRING PEACE TO CHICAGO’S UNDERSERVED NEIGHBORHOODS.
The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago was founded in 2015 by Teny Gross, a lifelong peace activist who has built successful nonviolence models around the country. Our growing organization is made up of over 100 outreach workers, victim advocates, reentry specialists, behavioral health specialists, nonviolence trainers, case managers, and more. Hand in hand with our neighbors and community partners, we can drastically reduce gun violence in Chicago.
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago staff and program participants describe the cycle of violence in our city, and how we work to provide alternatives to the street. We believe that the men and women who were once considered part of the problem are now the solution to gun violence and the only ones who can heal communities.
OUR PARTNERS
OUR HOLISTIC SUITE OF SERVICES FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION.
Violence is both systemic and personal, affecting the whole person and their community with long-lasting impacts. We help individuals at highest risk change their lives for good through a trauma-informed framework. Our programs give participants the tools to grow, heal, and thrive—lowering the risk of recurring violence.
3,497 participants engaged in programs and services since 2016.
5,891 conflict mediations were conducted that likely prevented a shooting since 2016.
In 2024, 410 people were shot in our service areas. 199 (49%) of
the victims accepted services with us. 139 of those 199 received Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund financial support.
For every high-risk individual we reach, at least three more are in need. Our critical work depends on the contributions of our partners and our donors.
Join us in our mission to end gun violence in Chicago.