It only takes a moment for our lives to change in ways we never expected. This week, it came even closer to home for many.
For some on a very routine shopping errand at the mall, they suffered a traumatic event—hearing shots fired, seeing people running in mass confusion and terror. The horror of this unexpected shock will be with those who experienced it for the rest of their lives. My hope for them is that they seek help, engaging in therapy to process the trauma they have experienced.
The effects of trauma on our wellbeing are many, including effects on our physical health—potentially resulting in chronic disease. This is one of the many reasons providing healing is at the heart of what we offer here at the WCA. During October, my focus has been on victims of domestic abuse and violence, however I want to underscore the fact that all those who have experienced any form of trauma deserve support and understanding. As a community, we owe it to our collective health and wellbeing to ensure those who need therapy are able to receive it. As we come to the end of October, let us strive to remove the stigma that still surrounds seeking help to ensure the health of our emotional wellbeing. Don’t minimize or ridicule others when they express their fears—listen, believe and support. These are steps we can all take, and are steps that can help all victims of trauma.
Friday at noon is the start of a special 24 hours for The WCA. We have a number of opportunities to get involved. Register here for our Healing Begins with Hope event – an opportunity to hear directly from survivors about their healing journeys.
Coinciding with our Healing Begins with Hope event we are running a special outreach campaign – Be the Hope | 24 Ways. Between noon on Friday, October 29 and noon on Saturday, October 30 we are asking our supporters to Be the Hope in our community and support our mission in 1 of 24 ways. Check out our 24 Ways Landing Page about how YOU can get involved.
Questions?
Email:
philanthropy@wcaboise.org
