Join us via Rooted Reps Zoom Passcode: email ataylor@rivercitychicago.com
 RR is diving deeper with information, resources, and action on “Treatment Not Trauma” within our community. We are excited and invite you via Zoom with our special guest, Lisa Wiese, Director of Behavioral Health Services and Kerbi Bowman, Mental Health Professional (and art therapist) of Breakthrough Urban Ministries as they present and discuss their involvement with East Garfield Park.

We will explore how we can walk alongside individuals and families in the community that may have different life experiences than our own, but hopefully are able to build trust and gain a good rapport, understanding how trauma affects one’s life.
 Mrs. Yolanda Fields, a good friend, mentor, and pastor is Breakthrough’s Executive Director. She has spoken to our River City community a few times over the years. In July 2018, Mrs. Fields shared this below:

“In communities across Chicago, families are thriving, industries are booming, and more opportunities are accessible. There are dozens of neighborhoods in this city being transformed, but there is still work to be done to ensure all neighborhoods and their residents are able to thrive in safe communities. When it comes to addressing the history and frequency of violence, it is important to consider the trauma people are experiencing and how that impacts neighborhood safety.

 Trauma is an event or series of physically or emotionally harmful events that have lasting adverse effects on the individual’s mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being...Childhood traumatic experiences have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, as well as lifelong health and opportunity. Per the Center for Disease Control, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been linked to chronic health conditions, low life potential, and early death. The more a child is exposed to trauma, the higher risk they are for these negative health outcomes. In addition to trauma, Breakthrough has found that many individuals experience co-occurring disorders, including substance abuse and mental illness, which makes it that much more difficult to achieve stability.

The effects of trauma on an individual can be devastating, but if you extrapolate those ramifications throughout an entire community, it can be catastrophic. RESPONSE: Because trauma is a prevalent factor in many of the issues challenging our community, Breakthrough implements this four-pronged approach in our interactions, facilities, and services: Realizing the prevalence of trauma - Addressing trauma through prevention and intervention methods - Resisting re-traumatization - Ensuring our staff are trained and supported to provide trauma-informed care” info about Breakthrough click here 

 Interested in Rooted REPS? Join us on Facebook for updates and online connection with other folks who are seeking healing and justice through prayer and action. Click here to find our FB group and send us a request. For questions, please contact anyone on the Rooted REPS leadership team: Marla, Sergio, Taylor, Jenny or Sabina.