What to Do if Your Community is Affected by a Bullying

A sad girl intimidation moment Elementary Age Bullying in Schoolyard

Sadly, in today’s world, the question isn’t if but when another gun violence tragedy will occur. However, with the right individuals, training, and compassion, communities can transcend tragedy, fostering a climate where healing can thrive. Eleven years ago, I found myself as a mother of two young children residing in Sandy Hook, where I served as a forensic social worker, offering trauma counseling. However, everything changed dramatically on that tragic December day of the Sandy Hook elementary shooting. The event shattered my community and had a profound impact on my life. In the wake of the devastation and the heart-wrenching loss of 26 innocent lives, including 20 precious children and six adults, I felt an overwhelming urge to utilize my skills and compassion to support my grieving neighbors and initiate the healing process within our community.

“ Establishing a robust support network, whether comprising friends, family, or professionals, is invaluable during the recovery process. Cultivating a sense of purpose and deriving lessons from adversity contribute significantly to the gradual development of resilience. Engaging with other communities that have faced similar challenges can help normalize emotions and events, facilitating a deeper understanding of collective trauma and the path to recovery. ”

School Safety Officer

As a social worker, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of human connection and relationships in the healing process. Motivated by this insight, I embarked on a journey to establish a center that serves as an inclusive and centralized hub for individuals seeking solace, community, and mental health support. Little did I anticipate that over a decade later, communities across the nation would continue to grapple with similar tragic events. Nevertheless, Newtown stands as a beacon of resilience, offering guidance and inspiration to communities seeking to navigate the path of healing in the aftermath of such profound tragedies..