During Week Without Violence, the conversation about safety in our community matters more than ever. Nationally, firearms were the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1 to 17 for the fifth consecutive year in 2024, according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. At YWCA Quad Cities, we believe our community can change that, and we are working toward it every day.
A safe space for teens
Preventing violence starts with giving young people somewhere positive to go. Through ThePlace2B, YWCA Quad Cities provides a safe space for teens after school, a welcoming spot to connect, grow, and be themselves.
Bringing partners together through C.R.E.W.
Formed in the spring of 2025, our C.R.E.W. (Community Response and Engagement Work) team brings community partners to the same table to look at strategies for reducing firearm violence and improving safety across our community. Because no single organization can solve this alone, C.R.E.W. relies on collaboration.
The group is also developing a plan for how our community would respond if a mass tragedy were ever to happen here, so that we are prepared, coordinated, and ready to support one another.
Support for people impacted by gun violence
C.R.E.W. also helps those who have been impacted by gun violence. YWCA Quad Cities has funds to assist victims of gun violence. For example, someone who missed work while recovering in the hospital may be able to receive rent assistance, along with other forms of support.
To apply for assistance, people should contact Tammy Trice or Tee LaShore at Family Resources, (309) 797.1777. If you’re interested in being part of C.R.E.W, contact nsodawasser@qcywca.org and tcoronado@qcywca.org.
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YWCA Quad Cities
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