Project Ujima works to stop the cycle of violent crimes through crisis intervention and case management, social and emotional support, youth development and mentoring, mental health, and medical services. Children’s Wisconsin launched Project Ujima 25 years ago in response to a growing number of victims showing up in the Emergency Department with gunshot and knife wounds. TMJ4 spoke with a mother who lost her son to gun violence about how Project Ujima impacted her.

"Shannon Allen's son, Deandre Allen, was shot several times four years ago. It was the day after Christmas and happened near 39th and Michigan street...

'I was ready to give up. I wanted to go and be where Deandre was,' Allen said.

But a visit from a Project Ujima team member gave her the hope to get through.

'I wouldn't trade them for nothing in the world, because I wouldn't know what I would do without them,' Allen said as she cried."

Watch the full story from TMJ4.