Cathy Taylor started Journey4ward in 2013 following the terrible death of her son from gun violence. Taylor founded her group in an attempt to assist herself and others in overcoming the trauma of losing loved ones to violence because she was having trouble finding enough resources and assistance. A community-driven project that began as a small group of neighborhood moms grew to fill the gaps in trauma-informed therapy and offer complete support services to victims of violent crimes.
In 2018, Taylor extended the services provided by Journey4ward beyond helping families affected by gun violence. These services now included court support, free trauma counseling, and assistance with applying for Crime Victims Compensation. According to Taylor, “victims are frequently in shock immediately after their traumatic loss, and the application process is complicated and tedious.” As Taylor and her colleagues discovered the enormous problems victims have in navigating legal and bureaucratic systems while dealing with their trauma, this kind of practical support became an essential part of the organization.
Journey4ward’s outreach to at-risk adolescents has been one of its major developments. Taylor pointed out that data indicates that many victims of gun violence are young individuals, typically in the 17–24 age range. In response, Journey4ward developed a curriculum designed to stop teenage gun violence by promoting dialogue in settings such as schools, youth centers, and Boys & Girls Clubs. A parent who has lost a child to gun violence is frequently featured in the curriculum, providing learners with a firsthand understanding of the emotional and family toll. In addition, youth are urged to make a commitment not to carry firearms to school and to report any violent incidents.
Taylor drew attention to how surprisingly simple it is for young people to obtain firearms. Taylor stated, “What we’ve found, which is quite alarming, is that children have access to guns regardless of location, demographics, race, or age.” Nearly 95% of participants acknowledged that they could get a gun in less than 30 minutes.
Together with working with young people, Journey4ward takes part in national campaigns to increase public awareness of gun violence. One such campaign is the Wear Orange event, which is held in June each year as a memorial to Hadiya Pendleton, a little girl who was slain in Washington, D.C., during President Obama’s parade. Since then, Wear Orange has grown to represent the national movement to stop gun violence.
Even with the organization’s expansion and best efforts, Taylor is still dissatisfied with the lack of notable progress. “I’m sorry, but not much has changed. It’s been quite steady,” Taylor said, pointing out that although school shootings frequently make news, everyday instances of gun violence in communities go unreported. The situation is still made worse by the widespread availability of firearms and the inaction of lawmakers on matters like “red flag” regulations.
Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) arranged the March to D.C., in which Cathy Taylor took part recently. With chapters all across the country, CSSJ is a nationwide organization devoted to advancing victim rights and facilitating access to trauma support services. Survivors of a range of crimes, such as domestic abuse and gun violence, convened in Washington, D.C., to advocate for legislative measures that would improve victim care and to drive public awareness.
Taylor’s involvement with CSSJ began six or seven years ago when she was looking to connect with other organizations working to support survivors. “Their work in advocating for victims’ rights and creating accessible services was compelling to me,” she said. CSSJ’s mission includes creating trauma recovery centers, where victims can access counseling, social services, and other essential resources all in one place. For Taylor, CSSJ provided not only advocacy but also a network of organizations that collaborate to help victims across states. This network allows her to refer victims to other services if Journey4ward can’t provide them directly.
The March to D.C. brought together thousands of survivors and organizations, providing an opportunity for networking and collaboration. One key issue discussed was a bill CSSJ is advocating for, which would establish flexible spending accounts to help victims cover essential expenses, such as utility bills, without having to navigate lengthy compensation processes. “This would make a huge difference in helping victims without them having to navigate the bureaucratic red tape,” Taylor noted.
The event also featured numerous speakers, including celebrities and policymakers, as well as legislative visits with Congress members. Taylor and others met with Greg Jackson, a member of the gun violence committee at the White House, to discuss the needs of victims and what changes are necessary to address gun violence. “He was very receptive,” Taylor said of Jackson, emphasizing the importance of continuing this work with future administrations.
Reflecting on the journey back from D.C., Taylor described the powerful sense of community that developed among the participants. “It was comforting to be among people who truly understood each other without needing to explain much,” she shared. For many, the event was not only about advocacy but also about healing and connection.
With an eye toward the future, Taylor will continue to push for improved victim services and make sure that survivors have a say in the laws that impact their life. “Too often, victims are not heard, and we believe they should have a seat at the table,” she stated. Through CSSJ and her own organization, Taylor is committed to pushing for more funding and fewer barriers for survivors seeking support.
