FIT launches survivors’ group

Loved ones of homicide victims have a place to go By John Rech

news@theeveningtimes. com

“You are not alone.”

That is the message Families in Transition (FIT) is hoping to covey to victims of violent crime with their new Surviving Family Members of Victims of Homicide Support Group.

The nonprofit is looking to convey these words of hope as it launches this new community program. The new FIT support group is aimed at forming a self-help group to offer emotional support and information about surviving the loss of a loved one to murder.

FIT created a new advocate position following the murder of West Memphis teen Taylon Vail last year. Surviving Family Members of Victims of Homicide Support Group advocate Jeanetta Gilliam provided and overview of the new service.

“The group provides ongoing emotional support to help people deal with the pain of their

“The group provides ongoing emotional support to help people deal with the pain of their loss and rebuild their lives…

If you have suffered a loss due to homicide and would like to meet with other families that are dealing with the same issue, please join us.” — Jeanetta Gilliam, Families in Transition loss and rebuild their lives,” said Gilliam. “We also provide information for resources in the community to aid the family during this traumatic period.”

The initial meeting is slated for Thursday, March 12, at 6 p.m.

at Holy Cross March Church, 209 Park Drive, in West Memphis.

Gilliam pointed out statistics to prove the need for the support group.

Each year approximately 15,000 men, women and children are victims of criminal homicide in the United States.

“As staggering as that figure is, it does not begin to indicate the toll of suffering that homicide extracts,” said Gilliam. “If you have suffered a loss due to homicide and would like to meet with other families that are dealing with the same issue, please join us.”

For more information call (901) 422-1793.