Can We Talk…®
Community Conversations on Trauma and Healing
Thursdays, November 7, 14, 21 & 28, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
In-person meeting at Roxbury Presbyterian Church, 328 Warren St, November 7 & 21
Join by video: https://zoom.us/j/887995182 or by phone: 1-929-436-2866 – Meeting ID: 887995182#
This program component offers a safe, sacred space for people to share their stories of trauma, loss, grief, and hope in words, poetry, or song. Artists in residence offer their creative expressions, and Community Companions offer support. It is a place for listening, and people experience individual and community healing.
Men’s Trauma Recovery Online Support Group
Fridays, November 1 & 29, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Join by video: https://zoom.us/j/887995182 or by phone: 1-929-436-2866 – Meeting ID: 887995182#
Join Doug Lomax of BMHC for a time to connect and reflect with men of all ages. Topics include trauma, addiction, and loss–whatever is on your mind is welcome here.
The Exchange
Friday, November 18, 6 – 7:30 PM, Dorchester YMCA, 776 Washington St
Friday, November 22, 6 – 7:30 PM, Roxbury YMCA, 285 MLK Blvd
Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you! A gathering to connect and reflect for youth of all ages. Topics include trauma, addiction, and loss–whatever is on your mind is welcome here. Contact Danielle McFarlane at dmcfarlane@rpcsic.org.
Support Group For Mothers Who Lost Children
Monday, November 18, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Join by video: https://zoom.us/j/887995182 or by phone: 1-929-436-2866 – Meeting ID: 887995182#
This monthly support group is for all mothers who have lost children in any way. The facilitators are Shondell Davis and Debra Johnson
Reimagining Our Stories – Art & Writing
Saturday, November 16, 10 AM
Special Can We Talk on Racism and Healing
Monday, November 25, 6:30 PM
Join by video: https://zoom.us/j/887995182 or by phone: 1-929-436-2866 – Meeting ID: 887995182#
We continue offering the opportunity to share YOUR story and experiences AND/OR to witness and listen to others. Everyone is welcome! You can choose to share in words, music, or poetry. Our Artists-in-Residence will also offer their music!!
What Past Attendees Say About Our Events:
“This is the first time I’ve talked in front of a group where I don’t know a soul. It’s because of those who will embrace your tears that you can heal.”
“This now has become a community. Each of us are here for each other to listen and to hold each other in the healing.”
Support Services
Community Trauma Healing Specialist
This support is still offered virtually during COVID-19.
Shondell Davis, a homicide survivor, is trained in specialized skills to provide trauma-focused mental health support over the long haul to individuals and families. Read about Shondell in this Boston Globe article. She provides multiple types of support:
- Assists in the aftermath of a traumatic event after first responders have left.
- Connects people to social and medical services in the community.
- Accompanies people to medical, mental health, educational, legal, and housing appointments.
- Serves as an ongoing advocate to specific families, thus allowing for deeper post-traumatic stress assistance.
Community Companions
This support is still offered virtually during COVID-19.
Trauma survivors themselves, these core team members offer trauma healing-focused peer-led emotional support. They strive to provide a safe, trusting, and consistent presence.
Like peer recovery coaching, both the Community Trauma Healing Specialist and Community Companion roles mobilize individuals who have first-hand life experience with complex trauma to motivate and support others on their journey of recovering from trauma. We expect these models to fill critical gaps in the existing care continuum in our mental health and medical systems.