YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Statement on Shooting in Uvalde, Texas

We at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago are heartbroken to learn about the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that took the lives of 19 of Uvalde’s youngest students and two career-long educators.

An unspeakable act of violence left 21 families last night to face the worst moment of their lives:  21 empty place settings at the dinner table, 21 empty beds.

While there are no words to convey the loss these families and the community of Uvalde are experiencing, we at the Y stand in solidarity and send our unwavering support to the victims, their families, the greater Uvalde community, and all who are affected by this act of violence. 

This event is yet another sobering reminder–the third in the span of 10 days–of the work we have to do to ensure that our children can feel secure in their communities and that all of us  can connect to our potential, purpose, and each other. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago remains committed to doing this work.

As adults, our children look to us for answers when unimaginable acts happen. We have a responsibility to them to make this world a place where they can explore, engage, feel heard, be cared for, and, most importantly, feel safe. If you are a parent, guardian, teacher, or other important adult in a child’s life and understandably do not know how to talk to them about violence, the National Association of School Psychologists has compiled this guide.

Sincerely,

Jill Doerner, M. Ed.
Chief Learning Officer, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago