NEWSLETTER February, 2018
CTJC Provides New Services Support Groups
CTJC will begin support groups for participants and their families this February. These groups will be provided for Burge Torture Survivors, other survivors of police torture, family members of survivors, and community members that have experienced police violence. Support groups are important for people who share a common experience, such as a specific kind of trauma, and can provide a safe place for people to feel supported and heal. When people experience trauma they may feel others do not understand their experience unless they’ve gone through it. Support groups help members feel they are not alone. In the case of police violence and torture it can be helpful to share experiences with other survivors, and to see how they have coped with the challenges of recovery. Case Management
Are you looking for a job or affordable housing? Are you in need of vocational or educational training to reach your goals? Come talk to Rodney about case management. To arrange an appointment, call 773-962-0395 or email rodney@chicagotorturejustice.org. You can also stop by the center during our drop-in hours on Mondays from 1:00pm–5:00pm.
Voices from the Inside
Speakers Bureau Training
Chi City by Carl Williams (Excerpt)
And like a drifter you can’t walk alone Or you’ll feel the burdens trying to cover you Trying to conquer you and make you just a memory You see the same reflections of the Hoods Lose touch and never gain touch Looking for the light on the dark side of it Don’t ask to enter cause it don’t have doors All it have is pain And if the sun comes up tomorrow, then let you breathe, let you breathe
CTJC’s Speakers Bureau is up and running!
If you have words, stories and arts you want to share from behind the prison walls, please write to us at: Chicago Torture Justice Center, 641 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60621. Photo: Carl Williams (above)
We have been getting requests from public schools, universities, churches and other community groups who want to hear from survivors and family members of police torture. Compensation is provided. If interested in participating in the Speakers Bureau and you are a survivor or family member, please attend our upcoming training to learn more. The training will be held on Thursday, February 22nd from 6pm to 9pm at Freedom UM Church, 2000 W. 68th St. Dinner will be provided. If you have questions about the Speakers Bureau, contact Rodney Walker at: rodney@chicagotorturejustice.org or 773-962-0395.