The unimaginable has happened again, this time way too close to home as families gathered to celebrate this country. Seven are dead in Highland Park, dozens more injured, a little boy awakes now without his parents and a community is left emotionally vulnerable and heartbroken.
But Highland Park isn’t a community that gives up in the face of tragedy. Instead, the community is rallying around each other, Highland Park Strong. We hope to help by sharing some of the resources available and ways to help.
Supporting the victims
VictimsFirst: Highland Park, IL Parade Shooting Victims Fund
Created by VictimsFirst, this organization is pledging 100 percent of the funds raised go to the families of those killed and injured. It works to get the funds directly to families.
Highland Park Community Foundation July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund
Highland Park Community Foundation has created a fund with all donations going directly to victims, survivors and local organizations that support them.
Blood drives at North Shore University Hospitals
- Highland Park Hospital: Call to make an appointment at 847-432-8000.
- Evanston Hospital: Make an appointment at donateblood@northshore.org.
Mental health resources
How to Talk to Your Kids About Tragic Events
It’s difficult to find the right words when talking to kids about what happened in Highland Park. We talked to an expert to help you help your kids.
Helping Kids Feel Safe When World Feels Scary
When tragic events hit close to home, kids can feel more worried about the world around them. Here are some tips to help them feel less scared.
Family Assistance Center for Victims of Highland Park Shooting
For victims looking for direct resources, a Family Assistance Center will be open at Highland Park High School July 7-9. Families can find mental health services, spiritual care and financial assistance.
Gun reform resources
Innocents Lost
Our latest feature in the July/August magazine shares the facts behind the incidences of school shootings, but also how we got to the shocking statistics that now show gun violence is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-19.
A Concerned Parent’s Guide to Gun Violence and Gun Safety
Get resources to help talk to kids about violence along with factual, unbiased information on the gun issue.
Gun Safety Movement Organizations to Get Involved
Parents everywhere are saying Enough is Enough. Find local and national organizations to join to make your voices heard.
More Highland Park resources
Online resources focused on Highland Park and neighboring communities coming together with multiple ways to help:
- Help Highland Park
- Stronger HP – Community Organized Help Facebook Group
- Healing for Highland Park/Highwood Facebook Group
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