We need each other. The human being needs a sense of community, connection, closeness, and intimacy not only to survive but to heal and thrive. We heal and thrive when we feel connected and supported by each other, and we suffer when connection and support are not available. Healing works best in community. Healing in Community builds safety, trust, acceptance, connection and support in every training.
Healing and Rebuilding Our
Community
H
ROC {He-Rock}
The Story
In the latter part of the 20th century, Rwanda and Burundi both experienced devastating internal conflict between their Hutu and Tutsi communities. In Burundi there were many eruptions of communal violence, predominantly Tutsi on Hutu. In Rwanda there were also many conflicts, predominantly Hutu on Tutsi, violence there came to a terrible peak in 1994, when hundreds of thousands of Rwandans were killed during an 8-week period, now known as the Rwandan genocide. In both countries, many people were left deeply traumatized and in great need of healing.
In 2003 Rwandan and Burundian Friends began to develop HROC in response to this great need, with support from the African Great Lakes Initiative.
Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities, established in 2003 in Rwanda, provides trauma healing community workshops and mental support of its own psychological approach. Despite having been plagued by a brutal history of colonization and genocide, Rwanda has developed into a country striving for peace.
“Before we [survivors and released prisoners from the Rwandan genocide] could not even talk to each other or sit next to each other, but after the workshop we could talk. The one who killed my family asked for forgiveness, explained what he did and accepted it. It was not easy for me to forgive him, but I did and little by little he became close to me.”
She went to Burundi in 2011 to learn more and facilitate workshops. Santa Rivera Sorenson was the first to facilitate a HROC workshop in the United States. The work continues………
Photo by Santa: A workshop in Burundi during a break. The beautiful smile belongs to Florence Ntakarutimana, HROC Facilitator
Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities, [HROC]
An African Initiative to heal Violence & Trauma
October 11, 6-9 pm, 12 & 13 from 9-5
In Partnership with the Mary and Frances Youth Center
Healing in Community's mission is to promote well-being for individuals, groups, and businesses who are experiencing trauma, conflict, stress, and related issues by providing practices that empower and support the individual, family, and community. www.healingincommunityss.org
This 3-day training is an African community-based experiential model of healing that focuses on recognizing and understanding trauma and its effects on the individual, family, and community.
During the first hours of the HROC workshop, facilitators and participants develop a sense of safety and trust in the circle so the healing process can begin. A supportive community develops that is loving, determined, and compassionate. You are not alone in walking the path of healing. We are with you.
As the workshop progresses the participants begin to understand how trauma affects the body, mind, and spirit. Trauma colors everything we do and do not do. The knowledge and skills gained builds resilience and healing. All the energy used to prevent symptoms from rising can be channeled into moving forward in a holistic way.
Trauma is dissected and deeply examined. The causes of trauma, symptoms, consequences, anger, grief, mourning, trust, etc. and how we can create the community we deserve are discussed in depth.
Snacks and water will be provided. Bring lunch or go out.
Date/Times: Friday Oct. 11: 6-9: Oct. 12 & 13: 9 A.M.-5 P.M. on both days.
Where: Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 South Linden Street, Richmond, VA 23284
Trauma & conflict resolution specialists Santa Sorenson & Elham Khairi will lead the training. 20 CEUs provided.
Pre-payment is required. Tuition for the workshop is $200: PayPal.Me/healingincommunity
For partial scholarships and check payment do email: santaredhawk@gmail.com
Testimonials:
“Santa’s instruction comes from a commitment to self and community understanding. She models the skills needed to learn increased human understanding and ultimately peace."
“Santa is a highly evolved educator and excellent trainer of trainers."
“I literally never thought I would put myself in a group space for dealing with trauma, other than group therapy. The Healing and Rebuilding Our Community’s workshop series was honestly better than many group therapy sessions I have attended. I feel wounds healing and closing."
The Experiential Process
Experiential learning is learning by doing. We have learned to walk or talk, not by being shown or told, but by practicing, being guided and refining our technique.
Individuals are encouraged to work things out for themselves. They are guided to and through their learning experience rather than being taught and they share their wisdom for all in the circle.
All of our trainings use this experiential method.
Equity and Trauma
Understanding trauma is pivotal to the process of equity. In this workshop we will explore and discuss how the symptoms of trauma can be misunderstood as challenging, inappropriate or bad behavior and how to support and speak to a person who has been traumatized. Part of the healing process consists of empathetic, respectful practices informed by understanding the pervasiveness and effects of trauma and violence.
“This training was easily one of the most talked about break-out sessions we offered. Attendees appreciated the hands-on, cooperative nature of the learning. I would strongly recommend her teaching and think it could be a great benefit to you.”
Dr. Brian Maltby, Assistant Principal, Hanover County Schools
To register: Fill out form on Contact Us page
Payment: $75/participant:PayPal.Me/healingincommunity
Compassionate Listening 1 of 4 Sessions: A path to Healing & Reconciliation
Goal: To train participants to listen with their hearts, to temporarily leave yourself out of the picture, be present, hear the emotions and the needs and to be the compassionate beings all are meant to be. Compassionate listening promotes healing.
To reconcile, we must realize that both sides to any violent conflict are wounded and their wounds are unhealed. Hurt people, hurt people. From my studying and experience of post traumatic stress disorder, I am persuaded that a great source of violence stems from unhealed wounds. Through compassionate listening we learn the partial truth of what the other is carrying.
To register: Fill out form on Contact Us page
Payment: $75/participant:PayPal.Me/healingincommunity
Understanding and Dealing with Another's Anger and Your Own
Goal: To help participants understanding of anger and skills on how to respond without re-traumatizing.
This training gives participants a new perspective on what anger is on a deep level. It's useful to know how to stay calm and how to calm an angry person who has approached you. When you can understand and defuse someone's anger, it can enhance your professional reputation, and it can help you deal with people who struggle to manage their emotions.
To register: Fill out form on Contact Us page
Payment: $75/participant:PayPal.Me/healingincommunity