This dissertation explores the landscape of youth navigating community violence in Chicago, drawing from the perspectives of both youth and trauma clinicians. Through semi-structured interviews and a youth focus group, participants discuss their experiences with community violence by exploring coping mechanisms, survival techniques, and adapted behaviors. This dissertation challenges conventional notions of resilience, revealing how survival becomes synonymous with resilience in environments with ongoing trauma and structural adversity. Through a nuanced exploration, it uncovers the adaptive nature of behaviors traditionally classified as maladaptive, contextualizing them within the harsh realities of community violence. Moreover, it emphasizes the critical role of accessing basic needs in trauma recovery while also advocating for a deeper understanding of community violence as a structural issue perpetuated by systemic inequalities. Surviving in such environments demands a diverse toolkit of survival techniques, and youth participants openly explore the range of strategies they employ to mitigate the impact of violence on their lives. From avoidance practices to creative outlets, each narrative offers a glimpse into the survival, resilience, and adaptability inherent in youth exposed to community violence. Furthermore, participants leverage their firsthand experiences to provide invaluable recommendations for improving clinical training and trauma treatment. Drawing from their encounters with violence and its aftermath, they offer insights into the nuanced needs of youth exposed to ongoing trauma. These recommendations serve as a roadmap for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and responsiveness to the complex relationship between trauma and community violence. By amplifying the voices of those directly impacted, these suggestions pave the way for more contextually and culturally competent approaches to trauma training and treatment. Ultimately, this dissertation calls for a paradigm shift from merely surviving to fostering environments where youth can truly thrive. It challenges existing systems and calls for a concerted effort to address structural violence. This research also advocates for immediate action in providing essential needs and psychological support within the same space, paving the way for a more compassionate and equitable approach to trauma treatment and community well-being.