Join Us for "Can We Talk...": A Space for Healing and Connection

In these chaotic times, we are honored to invite you to a very special community event, "Can We Talk... Community Sharing of Trauma and Healing," happening right here at Pilgrim Baptist Church .

This amazing program is a spiritually-inspired, community-based, and clinically-supported initiative that offers a safe and sacred space for the sharing of painful stories.

What is "Can We Talk..."?

The "Can We Talk..." model focuses on pain that is traumatic, shifting the conversation from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?". It is a time for you to simply share, be heard, and unburden yourself with the support of your neighbors .

The program aims to foster connection, empower individuals to take an active role in healing themselves and others, provide relief from traumatic stress, increase understanding of trauma, and offer mental health supports.

The program is structured around three core elements:

• Place: A safe, sacred, trustworthy, and consistent space.

• Presence: A relationship that offers abiding (remaining) and accompanying.

• Process: A trauma-informed approach that connects with a person's perseverance and desire for healing.

Important Details About the Gathering

Please know that this is not a worship service or prayer meeting . Everyone is welcome, regardless of religious background .

Here are a few key guidelines for the evening:

• Listen, be present—no advice, no comment. No judgement or backlash will be permitted .

• To keep it a safe space, do not give advice or comment on another's sharing. Instead of clapping, snap your fingers for support.

• You may share in the way you need: words, song, or poem.

• You don't have to share; listening is essential, and you participate by being present.

If you have a particularly difficult time, Community Companions (peers who are trauma survivors themselves) and a Mental Health Clinician will be available to listen and support you.

To truly understand how this powerful program runs, we encourage you to watch the video, it will give you a clear sense of the respectful and healing environment we are creating.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/e0d8d5_a3e2618c41cd411fb7788ffd96427682/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Event Information

• Date: Thursday, December 4th Time: 6 PM (Community Dinner) | 7 PM - 9 PM (Program) Location: Pilgrim Baptist Church, 700 I St NE, Washington, DC 20002 * Parking: Street and off-street parking are available. No RSVP required .

We look forward to seeing you and sharing this journey of healing together.