When Safety Feels Distant: Addressing Gun Violence and Community Healing Malorie’s Place Blog

When Safety Feels Distant: Addressing Gun Violence and Community Healing Malorie’s Place Blog 6/3/25 At Malorie’s Place, we walk alongside families facing life’s deepest wounds—grief, addiction, trauma, and recovery. In recent years, a new layer of fear and loss has shaken the communities we serve: the growing epidemic of gun violence. Whether it’s a child afraid to go to school, a parent mourning the loss of a loved one, or a community reeling from a senseless act of violence, gun-related trauma leaves deep emotional and psychological scars. For those already battling depression, grief, or anxiety, this fear can compound feelings of hopelessness and insecurity. The Emotional Toll of Gun Violence Gun violence doesn’t just make headlines—it changes lives forever. Survivors often suffer from PTSD, sleep disturbances, and chronic anxiety. Children exposed to violence may experience behavioral changes, learning challenges, and emotional instability. We see it firsthand at Malorie’s Place—young people who are afraid to speak, to walk outside, or to trust. Families impacted by violence often struggle with complex grief. They are left asking “Why?” while trying to rebuild trust and reclaim some sense of normalcy. Our goal is to stand in that space with them—not with easy answers, but with open arms, trauma-informed care, and the tools for healing. Creating Safer Communities, Together While we can’t undo every tragedy, we believe in creating spaces that foster prevention, awareness, and safety. Here’s how Malorie’s Place is stepping into that work: Education & Dialogue: Through small groups and community sessions—including our new OK Maiden initiative—we’re opening up safe, stigma-free discussions about trauma, gun violence, and how we protect one another. Support for Survivors: Our counseling network, peer groups, and recovery-focused programs provide emotional support to those impacted by gun violence and loss. Programs for Youth: Initiatives like Junior Warriors build resilience in children by teaching emotional regulation, empathy, and healthy coping strategies in a world that can feel unpredictable and unsafe. Advocacy & Awareness: We support responsible gun ownership and community-led safety efforts. This includes promoting secure firearm storage, conflict resolution skills, and mental health resources for families. What You Can Do 1. Secure firearms in your home using lockboxes or gun safes. 2. Talk to your children—even young ones—about safety and their feelings. 3. Advocate for common-sense policies in your local schools and communities. 4. Support those grieving—not with clichés, but with presence, compassion, and patience. 5. Join the conversation. Our blog, podcast, and community events are safe places to speak out and connect with others who care deeply about healing and change. Healing Begins with Us Gun violence is not just a political issue—it is a human issue. And every person lost is someone’s child, parent, friend, or neighbor. At Malorie’s Place, we believe in the power of empathy and education to spark lasting change. Together, we can build safer, more compassionate communities where every person feels protected, valued, and heard. If you or someone you love has been impacted by gun violence, please reach out. We’re here—for counseling, connection, and hope. Let’s work together to bring healing where it’s needed most. Love Leslie Hulbert Executive Director Malorie’s Place (828) 216-5046