Newtown Foundation Inc

My child was shot 4 months before the Sandy Hook tragedy. Like every survivor any lives lost to violence feels personal and I felt such immense sorrow, pain and anger. 26 innocent children and adults made my faith in humanity shatter and doubt the existence of God ... to be lifted up by a group of strangers who held their hands to reach out to ours in Chicago. Those strangers recognized that our pain was the same, that we also needed to be heard, to be comforted...to be acknowledged. This is the only organization that works for ALL survivors regardless of background, creed, location, race or religion. Since 2013 they have provided the place for both victims and survivors to be lifted and honored in the capital of our nation. The pain will never go away until we meet our loved ones again, but the selfless acts of others have restored my belief that God did not abandon us, it was in the hearts of the people who founded this organization, they give us strength to pursue justice and fairness with dedication in the belief that common sense will one day prevail, and that we are all connected by our love of country and for the future our children.

The Newtown Foundation is an amazing group that brings together gun violence survivors and family members from all over the country to raise awareness and honor all victims of gun violence. They also bring educational programs to the community and provide an outlet for those who want to channel their grief into something positive and uplifting via the National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence. Unfortunately the community of those affected grows each year and this group has become a big family over the past three years, providing education, comfort and fellowship to all.

I have worked alongside the Newtown Action Alliance for two years and I continue to be impressed (and inspired) by their commitment to making our communities safer. I work for an organization that fosters empathy through story exchanges and appreciate the fact that the NAA wants to work with people from all walks of life regardless of color, creed, socio-economic status, etc. One way we can make our streets safer is to visit Washington DC each year and tell our stories to congress and the political leaders that have the power to enact and change laws. NAA funds this annual vigil and invites individuals from all over the country to participate. I am glad to be a part if this organization and their effort to better humanity.