Schools and churches offer comfort, counseling after election

CHICAGO (WLS) -- As some call for unity, schools and churches are offering comfort and counseling after a bitter, divisive and, for many, devastating election.

The faithful came together at Old Saint Patrick's Church for an interfaith prayer service Wednesday night.

"A lot of damage was done from all sides. Within families, within communities, within a whole country, relationships were really harmed," said Keara Ette, Old Saint Patrick's Church.

At Grace Episcopal Church, poetry as prayer unified a small crowd. On college campuses, professors put their lesson plans aside for a discussion on democracy.

"My class today, we ended early and all we did in class was talk about the election," said DePaul student Emily Resch.

DePaul University and Illinois Institute of Technology both have counselors in place for students coping with election blues.

"The mood here is kind of solemn, they had to address it," said Olivia Jarzabek, DePaul student.

Whether celebrating or grieving the election, some say now is the time for unity.

"Respecting the results is kind of the hallmark of what has made us work as a democracy for over 200 years," said DePaul student Nick Powers.

One woman at a church said healing has to be intentional, it's not something you can just smooth over. Wednesday night was the beginning of what may be for some a very long process.