A+ R A-

Minister Heads Group Assisting Homicide Families

Rate this item
(0 votes)
Washington Informer Rev. Patricia Saunders Photo By Ed Lasicell
Twenty-seven years ago, Rev. Patricia Saunders started her ministry by reaching out to families in her community. Although she has never officially pastored a church, her outreach consists of everything a pastor would do – challenge, correct, encourage, and comfort.

Being a preacher’s kid, she grew up seeing the trials, tribulations, and joy one could experience in ministry. Undaunted by what she saw, Rev. Saunders accepted her calling and begin ministry “outside” the walls of the church in 1987.
“For me ministry is not behind the walls but in the streets,” she said.

Saunders’ love for children led her to volunteer at the Children’s Receiving Home for 10 years.
“Children are my heart,” she said. “I feel they are not getting proper parenting and are victimized. I want to do all I can to save our children.”

Saunders now heads Survivors of Homicide, a non-profit organization based in Northeast that assists families who have been affected by homicide. She was selected to head the organization in December when the D.C. Homicide Coalition grant ended.

Now Survivors of Homicide, which consists of volunteers, is restructuring the organization and applying for a new 501(c)3.

“We are reorganizing, changing the name, and really attempting to get established because homicide families need help,” Saunders said. “When the grant ended, there were a number of us who cared enough about homicide families that we wanted to continue the work.

“One of the things we wanted to do is to enlighten homicide families and the community that there is someone that is concerned about them and wants to work to help them,” she added. “There are a lot of gaps in services, especially when it comes to crime scene clean-up. This is a major concern for homicide families.”

Saunders assists in running the organization by 24-year-old Carl Reed, who serves as coordinator, and 60-year-old Julia Dunkins, who has suffered through two homicides in her family.

“We offer counseling, legislative suggestions, and burial assistance,” Dunkins said. “We also have cemetery plots that we can offer to the neediest.”

Dunkins has worked with homicide families for 16 years.

One of the ways Survivors of Homicide has sought to get the community’s attention was a recent ride for peace by motorcyclists through the streets of the District. The ride began at RFK Stadium in Northeast and ended at Freedom Plaza in Northwest, where two white doves were released, with the assistance of Platinum Riders’ President Reginald Norris’ two-year-old son Nike.

“We are grateful to the Platinum Riders, the Speed Divas, and Councilman Harry Thomas Jr., who participated in the ride, although it rained,” Saunders said. “When we got to Freedom Plaza, we talked about having peace with self, family, and children. We became peacemakers, which we feel is the beginning to stopping homicides in the District.”

Saunders said the motorcycle ride for peace will become an annual event. Reed said the organization will expand their outreach to communities East of the river and said discussion is underway about what events will take place and when.

For more information on the Survivors of Homicide, visit 311 Decatur Street in Northwest or call 202-882-9190.
Ed Laiscell can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


Last modified on Thursday, 21 May 2009 11:00
Read 5571 times
Published in Religion Archive
More in this category: « First Black Female Rabbi to Head North Carolina Synagogue White House expands faith-based advisory panel »

Leave a comment

Make sure you enter the (*) required information where indicated. HTML code is not allowed.

back to top

Featured Poll

Do you agree with Mayor Vincent Gray’s decision to enable the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a driver's license, learner's permit, or identification card to undocumented District residents?