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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Local organizations to host a weekend of events for those affected by gun violence

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Purpose for My Pain will partner with several local organizations to honor those affected by gun violence to kick start this year’s National Gun Violence Awareness Month, starting with a blood drive and a kickball tournament.

In partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Indiana, Purpose for my Pain will host a blood drive where donations will go out to local hospitals in support of wounded firearm violence survivors.

“We want to be apart of the solution,” said DeAndra Dycus, executive director of Purpose for My Pain. “We thought donating blood would be a great way to support the wounded survivors.” 

The blood drive is scheduled to take place on June 2 from 4-7:30 p.m. at Bloodmobile located at 2433 Barnes Ave. To schedule a donation appointment, visit www.versiti.org/in.
Those interested in donating are encouraged to eat a meal and drink water before their appointment.  

Purpose for My Pain will then join Warriors for Peace and S.C.A.R.S for their third annual Kicking the Grief Kickball Tournament on June 3.

According to Dycus, this event is intended to bring those who have been affected by gun violence together to “know they are not in this journey alone.”

Dycus understands what it feels like to be affected by firearm violence. In 2014 Dycus’ son DeAndre Yates was shot at 13 years old while attending a party. The stray bullet left Yates paralyzed and nonverbal. Dycus said he is the driving force behind the work she does.

“We are hosting the event because it is national (gun violence awareness month) and this is the kickoff weekend,” she said. “It’s a month-long celebration of honoring families and individuals impacted by gun violence.”

This free event is scheduled to take place at Watkins Park located at 2360 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m and will consist of giveaways, free food, a kickball tournament and a moment of silence for victims of gun violence.

Participants are encouraged to wear orange in remembrance of gun violence victims.

Since its inception, Purpose for My Pain has been advocating for gun violence victims and stronger gun control legislation. The organization’s mission is to be a resource that provides mentorship and victim advocacy in hopes to motivate and empower people affected by gun violence. The organization also provides support groups, mentor programs and a grief relief retreat.

To find out more information about Purpose for My Pain or to register for the kickball tournament, visit purpose4mypain.org.


Contact staff writer Timoria Cunningham at 317-762-7854. Follow her on Twitter @_timoriac. For more news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, click here. You can also check out the Indiana Minority Business Magazine by clicking here.

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