Programs

The programs listed below are offered virtually via Zoom, except when noted as “IN PERSON” for some Can We Talk…® evenings.  All programming is free of charge, and drop-in with no need to register.

Can We Talk…®
Community Conversations on Trauma and Healing

Thursdays, March 7,14, 21 & 2, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

In-person meeting at RPC Social Impact Center, March 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.

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Men’s Trauma Recovery Online Support Group

Fridays, March 1 & 15, 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.
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The Exchange

Friday, March 8, 6 – 7:30 PM, Dorchester YMCA, 776 Washington St

Friday, March 16, 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.
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Support Group For Mothers Who Lost Children

Monday, March 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
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Reimagining Our Stories – Art & Writing

Saturday, March 16, 10 AM

In-person, Roxbury Presbyterian Church

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Special Can We Talk on Racism and Healing

Monday, March 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.