Some participants facing multiple hardships post Katrina with health, housing and hopelessness came with shoulders bent over, heads down and unable to make eye contact.
Others came challenged by life’s hardships long before Katrina tore away the remaining fiber of their being, were seeking help for themselves and others.
In the midst of all the obstacles, men and women came looking for answers and help to break free and bounce back.
As day one unfolded, the participants were challenged to create a poster of “Yes I Can”. This poster would become the foundation to build a life structure of hope to regain and restore hidden coping strengths lost in the challenges of repeated disappointments, loss of physical mobility, and facing the long road of restoration and recovery in the face of Katrina’s destruction.
Yet as the instruction unfolded and specifically designed activities reinforced the teaching, glimmers of hope began to shine through.
Day two opened with a few participants coming in with heads held higher, brighter clothing and even a few smiles. Teaching focused on coping methods according to the BASIC Ph with Ruvie Rogel, Deputy CEO, The Community Stress Prevention Center providing instruction.
Participants engaged each other in small groups, sharing and exploring their personal coping methods and practicing listening skills. As the day ended, a ripple of laughter could be heard as people said good bye, many feeling like they had “found new friends”.
The final day of training included the opportunity for participants to practice the skills taught over the three days. Many found they were leaving with tools to help themselves, their family and friends.
Smiles, hugs and exchanging of contact information kept a buzz in the room as people celebrated their new sense of community, having found others who are on the journey of overcoming life’s challenges.
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