We’re taking a moment to celebrate the launch of our new workshop, Trauma-Informed Care & Survivor-Centered Accompaniment.
We hosted twenty permanent deacons and wives at the inaugural offering on October 22. The deacons themselves requested this training at a Journey to Bethany Community Conversation, and the content for the workshop was developed in collaboration with them and with survivors.
Whitney True-Francis, Victim Assistance Coordinator for the diocese, took the insight and suggestions from these groups and developed a dynamic, interactive workshop. Topics included the principles of trauma-informed care, new research on the impact of trauma on the brain, and long-term impacts of trauma. The workshop ended with a role play exercise and discussion.
We have many to thank and recognize:
- Christina Dunn Carpenter, one of Journey to Bethany’s board members and a trauma-certified therapist, for stepping in at short notice to lead the first workshop
- Fr. Ken Riley for a wonderful opening prayer
- Deacons Paul Muller and Doug Warrens for working with us to schedule the workshop and engage the deacons
- Deacons Mike McLean, Chuck Koesterer, and Joe Zagar and a group of survivors for advising on the workshop content
We also thank the deacons and spouses who attended and provided valuable feedback that will help us improve the content and activities. We look forward to presenting the workshop to deacons again early next year. The workshop is available for anyone to benefit from, and we’ll be coordinating trainings at parishes and anywhere else we are invited.
