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“In the UNARMED groups I learned how gun violence affects families and communities not only in the moment but long after it occurs.  Before UNARMED, I didn’t understand the ripple effect in a community after gun violence happens.  I am going to return to my community and talk to other kids about how we can work together to keep our community safe.”

“I learned that the things I was involved in before coming to Abraxas will eventually get me in jail for a long time or lead to my death.  I learned that not everyone is who they say they are or pretend to be.  Through Unarmed groups, I know I am not alone – all of the kids in this group participated in the same kinds of gun violence even though we were from different counties, we did the same things and made the same mistakes.  It doesn’t matter what you say, it is what you do and how you do it that matters.  I’ve learned I don’t want this as part of my life.”

“I learned from attending this group that people can be traumatized in many ways.
Trauma can affect the way people live.  If you become involved in gang activity, you will probably carry a gun at all times.  If you shoot at someone, it can affect the people who witness the shooting or are caught in the crossfire.  Stores and schools can be shut down due to shootings.  Judges may be harder on adults but there are a lot of kids picking up guns and killing each other.  This has to stop!”