The human heart is a powerful thing. On September 25, 2024, I joined Roberta’s House, for the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims. Our hearts were aching as we grappled to find words to properly honor the victims and their families. Surely, few things could ever compare to the anguish of losing a child, parent, sibling, or other loved one to violence.
But my heart was also quietly humming with hope and exhilaration. Let me tell you why. During the past year, the Healing City Movement in Baltimore reached new heights and continue to Implement the Elijah Cummings Healing City Act.
In addition to supporting the Task Force, we partnered with Baltimore City Health Department to ensure city workers, at the Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, were trained in trauma-informed care. In partnership with Baltimore Corps, Enoch Pratt Library, Maryland Peer Recovery Council, mental health navigators and peer navigators were trained and equipped so that they can help people who need resources for healing. Medical institutions, were uplifted, through the work of the Task Force, to strengthen community trust, improve resilience and enhance cross-institutional collaboration.
As we now explore expanding our work to other cities, you may have noticed that our name is changing from Healing City Baltimore to Healing Cities. We’re grateful that you’re taking this new hope-filled journey with us!
Rev. Kim Lagree
CEO of Healing Cities