Fayette FACTOR’s Trauma Summit: Cultivating a Resilient Community for Thriving Families
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From left are Amy Mobley, program manager for the Child Welfare Training Collaborative for the School of Social Work at Georgia State University; Sherry Witherington from Georgia Family Connection Partnership; Adrienne Marshall, CEO of The Living Well Agency; Dr. Veirdre Jackson, CEO/founder of Living Strong Consulting; Dawn Oparah, executive director for Fayette FACTOR; Bridget Washington-Collier, Central West Region early education community partnership coordinator for DECAL; Jill Taylor, community partnerships and projects manager of Bright from the Start-DECAL; and Dr. Julie Turner, CEO/founder of JAT Educational Consultants.
Fayette FACTOR, Inc., in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), hosted a transformative trauma summit on Aug. 15. The summit was attended by approximately 80 key community leaders and stakeholders from various sectors, united by a common objective.
The trauma summit was designed not only to engage participants, but also to begin the process of Fayette County becoming a trauma-informed and trauma-responsive community. This pivotal gathering was held under the resonating theme, “Our Community Thrives When Families Thrive,” underscoring the intrinsic connection between trauma, community resilience, and family well-being.
Cultivating Trauma-Informed Excellence
Drawing upon a grant from Georgia DECAL, the summit united key cross-sector community stakeholders from Fayette County and shared in Fayette FACTOR’s commitment to fostering a holistic, trauma-informed environment that empowers every individual, young and old, to overcome adversity and thrive.
The summit’s comprehensive agenda featured a dynamic lineup of local, statewide, and national subject matter experts who navigated through the core facets of trauma understanding and responsiveness.
“Trauma Basics” illuminated the intricacies of trauma’s impact on individuals and communities. “Brain-Based Interventions for Resilience” delved into neuroscience-backed approaches for effectively addressing trauma’s effects. “Sensitive Trauma-Informed Leadership and Literacy” underscored the role of empathetic leadership in fostering a culture of compassion. Finally, “Empowering Resilience” explored pathways for individuals and communities to harness their innate strengths and resilience, forging a brighter collective future.
A Unified Vision of Thriving Families
The summit’s overarching message resonated clearly: Resilient families lead to a thriving community. The engagement of diverse stakeholders underscored the unity of purpose, with each sector recognizing its vital role in crafting an environment conducive to family well-being. By nurturing families through a trauma-informed lens, Fayette County solidified its commitment to holistic growth, ensuring a brighter future for all residents.
A Resilient Future Beckons
As the echoes of the trauma summit reverberate through Fayette County, a palpable sense of unity and purpose persists. Fayette FACTOR, Inc., fortified by the support of its sponsors and the dedication of its stakeholders, continues its unwavering commitment to nurturing a community where families thrive. “The seeds of change sown at the summit promise to bear fruit, fostering resilience, compassion, and prosperity for generations to come.”
For additional information, contact Fayette FACTOR, Inc. Executive Director Dawn Oparah at 678-489-3279, email dawnoparah@fayettefactor.org, or visit fayettefactor.org.
Read the full story on fayette-news.net.