By Diana Pando
On Tuesday, May 10^th The Resurrection Project (TRP) and The Chicago Sunday Evening Club hosted an On The Table discussion with mothers who have lost children to gang violence in Chicago’s Latino communities. This event comes at a time when violence in Chicago has dramatically increased. The panel was held at St. Paul Church and was attended by mothers, parish leaders, police officers, and The Chicago Community Trust.
“This year, we honored the mothers from various parishes in our Latino communities who have not only lost children to violence, but are working tirelessly for peace and social change in their communities,” said Henry Cervantes, TRP’s Safety Organizer.
The event was kicked off by Raul Raymundo, TRP’s CEO, and was followed by a community blessing by one of the moms.
The panelists included the following moms who belong to various parishes from Pilsen, Little Village, and Back of the Yards neighborhoods:

• Maria Mateo, St Pius V – Pilsen
• Doris Hernandez, St Agnes – Little Village
• Maria Chavez, St Josephs – Back of the Yards

The panel was moderated by Ericka Maldonado of Univision Chicago.
The dialogue focused on how communities can put faith and values into action to create healthy, safe and peaceful communities.
The panelists shared their powerful stories and unique ways they are bringing peace to Chicago communities.
“People from downtown are listening to neighborhood mothers who have experienced loss,” said Juan Carlos Hernandez, Associate Producer of the Chicago Sunday Evening Club. “These moms are providing solutions from the bottom up.”
The moms can often be found speaking to youth on the street and encouraging parents to become more involved with their children.
“We want you to share our stories with other families and encourage them to participate in peace and parenting workshops in the community,” said Doris Hernandez.
“Fight for him before you have to give your own testimonial,” said Maria Mateo. “Don’t gift your child to the street because I don’t want you to have to go through this.”
After the panel, guests were invited to participate in facilitated peace circles. “The solutions are in everyone’s hands and it’s important to continue having these types of events,” said Ericka Maldonado, News Anchor for Univision Chicago.
The goal of the peace circles was to have meaningful discussions and brainstorm ideas for peace. The moms were then presented with awards for the work they are doing in the community.  Lastly, one mom had a final powerful message for the audience. “For me justice isn’t sending the person who killed my son to jail,” said Maria Mateo. “For me justice is when he becomes someone that can contribute something positive to society.”

About TRP
After 25 years and an initial seed capital of $30,000 from area parishes, The Resurrection Project (TRP) is a powerful and effective social enterprise that seamlessly blends community development, community organizing, and advocacy with human services delivery to create vibrant, healthier and involved communities. Our efforts have resulted in leveraging $404 million in community investment.
About The Chicago Sunday Evening Club
The Chicago Sunday Evening Club examines vital civic and social issues through a lens of faith and seeks to transform individuals, and the world at large, by telling stories that inspire people to put their faith into action to make Chicago better.
About On The Table
At The Chicago Community Trust, as strongly as we believe that what you do matters, we also believe that your voice matters. On the Table is an annual forum designed to elevate civic conversation, foster new relationships and create a unifying experience across the region. Thousands of Chicago-area residents will gather in small groups to share a meal and discuss the challenges and opportunities we face. These conversations can inspire new ways we can work together to make our communities stronger, safer and more dynamic.