Baltimore Youth Grief Support (BYGS) Program
Now in its 7th year, the Baltimore Youth Grief Support (BYGS) program is a vital initiative spearheaded by Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence. Led by Rev. Dr. Greta Willis, a survivor of gun violence and founder of The Kevin L. Cooper Foundation, BYGS provides critical emotional and social support to elementary-aged children who have experienced significant loss or trauma.
BYGS operates within Liberty Elementary School in West Baltimore, offering weekly sessions where Rev. Willis works closely with students identified by school staff as needing additional support due to the loss of a loved one—whether through gun violence, incarceration, or other circumstances.
The need is clear: research shows that Black youth disclose an average of three losses of loved ones to homicide, beginning in early childhood and intensifying through the teen years. BYGS steps in at this critical point in their development, helping them process their grief and emotions in a supportive, nurturing environment.
What makes BYGS unique is its community-based approach. Rev. Willis deeply understands the challenges these children face because she has experienced these traumas firsthand. The program not only addresses grief but also empowers students with essential social-emotional skills, building their resilience and supporting their overall well-being.
By connecting with children in their schools, BYGS ensures that community care and support are at the forefront, working to break cycles of trauma and loss.
The program is funded by a combination of small donations and grants. BYGS focuses on both short- and long-term goals: in the short term, providing students with the tools they need to thrive in their schools and communities; in the long term, working to create a pathway for these children to become happy, productive members of society, ultimately making their communities safer.
Additionally, the program is actively developing data collection and analysis tools to track outcomes and further inform and enhance its efforts.
