“Resilient Families” Panel Targets Ways to Handle Life’s Challenges
Evanston, Ill. — How can families and communities best address life challenges and become resilient and strong? Dr. Terry Mason, along with a panel of health experts, will address that question at “Resilient Families – Learning to Bounce Through Life’s Challenges,” taking place from 6:30 – 8 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 15, 2017 at Northwestern University’s Segal Visitors Center, 1841 Sheridan Rd., Evanston. Admission and parking are free; parking is available in the building garage.
“We want the parents in the community to know that when we work to prevent different types of trauma from happening to children, and effectively address it when it does happen, children, families and the community are made stronger,” says Vikki Rompala, Director of Quality and Outcomes for Metropolitan Family Services.
The event will highlight:
- How communities build resiliency through understanding trauma and its impact
- The importance of understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)
- Ways to reduce barriers that families face
- Available resources to support families
Dr. Terry Mason, COO of the Cook County Department of Public Health, will provide the event keynote. Dr. Mason was featured in the film “Forks Over Knives” and is the recipient of a Telly Award for the video “Not By Myself.” Dr. Mason also has shared his holistic health approach on “The Doctor in the House,” his call-in radio program which airs on WVON-AM, for more than 20 years.
Dr. Mason will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by WBEZ-FM Reporter Shannon Heffernan. Panelists will include:
- Evonda Thomas-Smith, MSN, Doctor of Public Health Candidate and Director, Evanston Health & Human Services
- Vikki Rompala, LCSW, Director, Metropolitan Family Services Quality and Outcomes
Collaborating partners for Resilient Families include Evanston Cradle to Career, the Illinois ACES Response Collaborative, the Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, and Metropolitan Family Services Evanston/Skokie Valley Center. CEUs are available for those attending the event (1.5).
About Metropolitan Family Services Evanston/Skokie Valley Center
Metropolitan Family Services’ Evanston/Skokie Valley Center helps families and individuals struggling with relationships, abuse, grief or loss find the help they need, and has been part of the community since 1910. Metropolitan Evanston/Skokie is part of Metropolitan Family Services, which has been “Mpowering” Chicago-area families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities since 1857. www.metrofamily.org