Portland mom: 'Bullets don't have names on them'

As summer approaches, Portland community leaders are working to prevent youth violence by holding a special gathering Sunday.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- When Serenity Capers was 20, she was shot while she was pregnant. She then decided to keep her child, even though doctors told her she would face some challenges.

Capers said she wants more to be done to stop gun violence.

"Innocent people get hurt in crossfire," Serenity Capers said. "Bullets don't have a name on them."

As summer approaches, Portland community leaders gathered Sunday to address the ways to help prevent youth violence.

The Multnomah County Prevention and Health Promotion community team hosted this event as part of National Youth Violence Prevention week.

KOIN 6 News heard several startling stories about the violence many people faced in their lives during an interfaith vigil and memorial service at Augustana Lutheran Church.

Community leaders say this is a reminder of the ongoing need for community support and action to prevent further tragedies. Additionally, families say they want people to think twice before picking up a gun.

Multnomah County hopes the service will help work towards proactive measures against youth violence.

KOIN 6 News will have more information later in the day.