SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Beacon Resource Center is holding an event this week to raise awareness about the broader impact violence can have on can have on communities and how to promote healing. 

The Locked in Solidarity event, which is free and open to all members of the public, will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Beacon Resource Center (4210 Lincoln Way West) in South Bend.

Registration is not required.

"This annual event, part of a national initiative, seeks to raise awareness about the broader impacts of violence and promote healing within communities. The theme of this year’s event, 'Interrupting Violence,' will explore violence in its many forms—physical, mental, and emotional—and feature local organizations working to address violence in South Bend," organizers said.

"South Bend faces significant challenges with harm, ranging from gun violence and systemic injustice to mental and emotional trauma. Locked in Solidarity offers an opportunity for the community to unite and engage in the work of interrupting these cycles, fostering healing,
and promoting restorative justice."

Local participating organizations:

• The Restorative Justice Collaborative Hub
• MHAM (Mental Health Awareness of Michiana)
• Group Violence Intervention (GVI)
• City of South Bend Office of Community Initiatives (South Bend Alive)
• Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Indiana Corridor

“Real change happens when we come together to support those impacted by harm and injustice, we invite the community to join us in this transformative conversation," said Executive Director of The Beacon Resource Center Jeff Walker.

Speakers and panelists for the event include:

• Duane Wilson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Indiana Corridor
• Dalila Huerta, Executive Director of the Restorative Justice Collaborative Hub
• Rachael Coates, South Bend Alive
• Linda Raven, Pro Bono Counseling Project Coordinator for Mental Health Awareness of Michiana
• Lisa Kelly, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mental Health Awareness of Michiana.
• Dr. Erica Kelsey, Senior Director of Emotional Well-being and Inclusion for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor.

"South Bend is a city deeply impacted by violence. Violence comes in the forms of gun use and physical assault, systemic injustice, mental/emotional abuse or neglect, and a variety of other harmful cycles of oppression," organizers said.

"The good news is that many organizations in our city are already working to disrupt violence - with preventative work and strategic care for our communities. Locked in Solidarity is an invitation for the broader church and South Bend community to step into this transformative work."