Helping Others and Yourself after Yesterday's School Shooting

As Madison Police Chief Barnes, Mayor Rhodes-Conway, and County Executive Agard have emphasized today, the investigation into yesterday's shooting at Abundant Life Christian School is on-going, and our immediate collective priority is to take care of ourselves so that we can support each other. Here are some important ways we can do that.

• Madison has created a new web page with information on relevant resources and opportunities to make a difference.
• If you would like to contribute financially to support the victims and their families, United Way of Dane County has created the Abundant Life Christian Church Emergency Recovery Fund. Donations can be made through the United Way's dedicated web page or by texting Help4ALCS to 40403. Ordinarily, we alders are prohibited from using our blogs to promote fund-raising of any kind. An exception has been made for this situation.
• If you or someone you know is struggling with this tragedy and need to talk, the Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7. Call or text 800-985-5990 to get connected to trained counselors who are ready to listen and connect you to resources. 
• The Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County (BGCDC) will host a candlelight vigil this evening, Tuesday, December 17 at 6 p.m. The vigil will take place at the Vel Phillips Statue on State Capitol grounds.  Community members are invited to come together, reflect, and support one another at the gathering. 
• In addition, a number of places of worship are holding their own vigils today.