Sparta event offers support for families affected by violence

The event will include people sharing their experiences with grief, violence and helping young people make better decisions.

SPARTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A local church and families affected by violence are hosting “Unity in the Community: From Grief to Grace” Saturday in Sparta to support grieving families and young people heading down the wrong path.

Watisha Carswell is a mother who lost her son to gun violence in 2020 after he received a phone call to meet someone and was later robbed and shot by that person. She says this event has helped her and others.

“It’s just to let another person know, ‘Hey, I’m just like you, and I’ve gone through it. You’re not alone. You are supported within the community,'” she said. “‘There are others just like you, that are here to help even if it’s just a listening ear, we’re here for that reason.”

Carswell says attending this event has helped her turn grief into grace. She now encourages others to attend.

“I try to incorporate him with individuals that are on his level and meet him where he is and have a better understanding,” she said. “Because we as parents sometimes do have a better understanding, and my faith is what has gotten me through this far.”

New Beginnings Outreach Ministries Pastor Romona Franklin says this event is helpful in showing young men and women there is a better way.

“They all have a past,” Franklin said. “They all have been affiliated with something whether it was drug dealing or gang banging. Now they see the difference, that there can be a change, their lives change. So, now they want to reach back and help their community.”

To cope with her grief, Carswell wrote a book to help others.

“I try to encourage other people to take their time with grief,” she said. “Grieving is a process and it doesn’t end overnight. Sometimes I do go in my basement, but I don’t stay there. It’s okay to feel and allow yourself to feel what you feel. But also, remover yourself from it, and move forward in that light.”

Franklin says it takes a village to raise young people.

“There may be a single mother that has a son out of control,” she said. “Well, she will be able to reach out to one of these men, and say, ‘My son is going down the wrong road, can you talk to him? Can you help him to get back on track?'”

The event will take place at the Hancock County Youth Center on Augusta Highway in Sparta Saturday, August 1 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.