CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – To celebrate Juneteenth, we invited you to nominate a Black-owned businesses in Champaign-Urbana. In partnership with our sister radio station, The Vibe 97.9 we will recognize five outstanding local businesses and their valuable contributions to our community this week.    Today, we shine the spotlight on A Cry for You.

About the Organization: A Cry for You is a local 501(c)(3) organization founded by Yvonne Miller in July 2023. Yvonne started this group after losing her son to gun violence in August 2020. In her search for solace, she connected with other mothers who had faced similar tragedies, leading to the creation of this support network. 

Mission and Services: A Cry for You aims to provide support, comfort, and counseling to parents and families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. The organization understands the profound silence and loneliness that can follow the immediate aftermath of a funeral and repass. By fostering a community where members can share their pain and sadness, or simply sit in silence together, A Cry for You helps bereaved families find a sense of calm and understanding. 

Key Services: 

  • Support Groups: Weekly meetings every Tuesday at 6 PM, hosted at a space offered by Karen Sims, Executive Director of Trauma and Resilience. 
  • Counseling Services: Providing emotional and psychological support for grieving parents and siblings. 
  • Financial Assistance: Working on creating scholarships and offering financial aid for burial costs and other needs of affected families. 
  • Community Engagement: Hosting events to honor lost loved ones and raise awareness about gun violence. 

Upcoming Event: 

  • Sons in Heaven Gala: Scheduled for October 5th at the Hyatt Hotel in Champaign from 5 PM to 9 PM. This gala is a fundraiser and a free event for the public, where parents, grandparents, and siblings can honor their lost loved ones and support each other. 

Support and Advocacy: The organization has faced numerous challenges and societal stigmas associated with the tragedy of losing someone to gun violence. Despite this, A Cry for You has grown with the support of key individuals such as Katina Wilcher and Seon Williams. Yvonne’s husband, Martel Miller, has been a pillar of strength, empowering her to establish and expand the organization. 

Community Involvement: A Cry for You maintains an active presence on social media, particularly through its Facebook page, to engage with the community and spread awareness. 

Gun Violence Awareness Month: Observed every June, this month is dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of gun violence in the United States. Thousands wear orange to honor victims and survivors. For more information, visit Wear Orange.