Cincinnati Community Responds to Local Tragedy
Winton Terrace Nonprofit Hosts ‘Prayers, Peace, And Pancakes’ To Combat Youth Gun Violence
Blog Title: Prayers, Peace, and Pancakes: A Community’s Response to Tragedy
In the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy in Winton Hills, where a 12-year-old boy lost his life to gun violence, the community is coming together to support its youth and demand change. The shooting has shaken the neighborhood, leaving families grieving and a community searching for answers. But amidst the sorrow, a powerful response is emerging — one rooted in unity, love, and healing.
Community advocate Mitch Morris is leading this response through his nonprofit with a heartfelt event called “Prayers, Peace, and Pancakes.” Designed to offer children a safe haven, the event aims to create a supportive space where kids can escape the trauma of violence and experience peace, even if only for a night.
The event features a barbecue, cookout, and sleepover — but it’s much more than just food and fun. It’s an opportunity for reflection, conversation, and healing. It’s a place where kids can feel seen, heard, and protected. For many children in neighborhoods impacted by gun violence, having a secure space to just be a kid is a rare and precious gift.
Morris stresses that while events like this are vital, they are just the beginning. “We can’t do this alone,” he says. “It’s going to take all of us — parents, teachers, community leaders, and neighbors — to create real change. We have to show our kids that their lives matter, that they are loved, and that we’re fighting for a safer future for them.”
The loss of a young life is a sobering reminder of the urgency of addressing gun violence at its roots. Through events like Prayers, Peace, and Pancakes, the community is not only honoring those lost but also taking a stand to protect those still here.
As Winton Hills mourns, it also rises — united in grief, but also in hope. And that hope is being served with pancakes, prayers, and a deep commitment to peace.
