HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut's congressional delegation presented a $500,000 check to the Hartford-based organization Mothers United Against Violence, commonly referred to as MUAV.
The money comes from federal funding dedicated to trauma services and mental health support for survivors of violent crime.
“As a mom, you always hope and pray that it don't come to you,” Henrietta Beckman said. “But you never know who's door it’s going to knock on.”
More than 20 years ago, Beckman co-founded the nonprofit MUAV after the sudden death of her son.
“He was left with a gunshot wound to the head and (a shot) to his leg, where he survived for four days in a hospital,” she said. “Basically, my family have been traumatized ever since.”
But she has used her trauma to fuel a new life purpose by helping other moms like her overcome grief, thanks, in part, to millions of dollars in federal funding over the years.
“When we support victims to interrupt the cycles of violence, we reduce the likelihood of these awful crimes ever happen again,” U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy said.
MUAV received the check Aug. 2.
“That money has helped us to provide the resources that the families need, you know, to deal with these situations and also to help us to win. If we are sustainable and the work that we do, then we can continue to support these families,” Beckman said.
One of the parents the group is supporting is Lacrisha Williams, who’s pain is still fresh. She lost her young daughter to gun violence less than one month ago.
“My daughter, she was just a good, good kid. She wasn't out in the streets doing bad things; (she was) just working, you know, and taking care of (herself) and being an adult as I taught her to be,” Williams said. “She got caught up in crossfire. It's hard to even speak about it.”
Williams said MUAV has stood by her every step of the way, as she learns to live through unspeakable heartache.
“(MUAV) has been for me a lot during this difficult time,” she said, fighting back tears. “I don't know how I'm doing. I don't know if I'm even breathing, but I'm trying. I'm trying.”
In addition to helping grieving families, the nonprofit is also dedicated to gun violence prevention and investing in at-risk youth.
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Bridgette Bjorlo is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at bbjorlo@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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