TAMPA, Fla. — As many turn to mothers for comfort and support when life gets hard, one organization promises to comfort them.
Tampa Police chief Lee Bercaw shared that in 2023 the city saw a 13-percent drop in homicides, but he admits it’s off to a rough start for 2024.
Tampa police said there's been 13 homicides this year, with one being a child, changing the lives of those impacted by these crimes.
A local group is looking to expand its reach by welcoming women to join their Circle of Mothers. Deanna Joseph said it doesn't matter how much time goes by grief doesn't have an expiration date.
“There is no end in sight. There's no redemption that comes from a mother or father losing their child,” Joseph said.
Joseph founded the Andrew Joseph Foundation in honor of her son. Circle of Mothers is a group within the nonprofit.
“There was bloodshed and that was the membership. It chose us we didn't choose it.,” Joseph said.
A club that unfortunately keeps growing. In their new space, the group is increasing resources available to mothers.
“Now we have mutual disaster aid that's in our building, now we have a holistic medicine doctor that's in our building. We have a restaurant that makes meals for us. When we hear of a family whose child was killed, we can call them and say hey we need a meal train for this family,” Joseph said.
Tracey Washington is one of its newest members of the group.
“I don't have to hide my pain. I don't have to be sitting in a room with someone and then all of a sudden feel the anxiety getting really high. I have to run into the bathroom because I'm about to let go,” Washington said.
Washington's son died in police custody last November. She finds comfort in women like Mona Hardin who lost her son Ronald Greene.
“I thank everyone here because this is our breath. This is how we breathe, this is our air, our oxygen no matter what,” Hardin said.
“It's a good feeling to be able to see someone who has suffered through so much pain and turn that pain into purpose or you know just to still be able to live through each day and find bright spaces,” said Sonia Coleman whose son, Lyfe, was killed.
The group meets the third Sunday of every month, and they have virtual check-ins. The group also travels to spread awareness about gun violence and community safety.
For more information on how to join, click or tap here.