Lost Sparrows Trauma Conference
Adults
Sep 9, 2023 | 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- This event has passed.
The third annual Lost Sparrows Trauma Conference will take place at WCC Sept. 8 and 9 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Lost Sparrows advocates for the worth and potential of children by helping families, caregivers and communities love, nurture and protect vulnerable children.
The conference, which provides a forum for the community to learn and connect on childhood trauma, is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about developmental trauma, the role it plays in early childhood development and how to help children suffering from those adverse experiences. Foster and adoptive parents, caregivers, counselors, educators, social workers and church staff members and volunteers are the key audience, but everyone is welcome.
Breakout sessions include a track for fostering and adoption, education and the church. The church session will focus on providing resources, training and collaboration to help staff members and volunteers ask the right questions and develop skills and plans to more effectively support families dealing with trauma. Topics covered in the church track include post-traumatic growth, the psychology of religion and suffering and resiliency, and trauma and mental health in the church will be discussed during a panel discussion.
The conference includes 15 speakers and 30 breakout sessions. Keynote speakers are Psychologist, Author and Trainer Adam Saénz, Ph.D.; Author and Child Welfare Advocate Tori Hope Petersen; and Foster/Adoption Parent and Advocate Stacey Gagnon, RN. Continuing education certificates are available, and breakfast and lunch will be provided each day.
“As we were coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that our community needed a forum for people to connect and learn more about trauma and its effect on our lives,” said Darren Gagnon, President, Lost Sparrows. “As we prepare for our third annual conference, it’s apparent that need is greater than ever.
“God said from the beginning that it is not good for man to be alone,” Darren continued. “He was establishing the principle that relationships are important. That is why we chose ‘Lean on Me’ for this year’s theme. We want the community to come together to learn, heal and support one another. We want to provide a sense of meaning, vulnerability and compassion that changes the trajectory of lives in and around Kosciusko County.”
Cost for the event is $195 through Aug. 14 but jumps to $210 Aug. 15. Single day tickets are $120 for either day. On-site registration is available the day of the event, but some breakout sessions may be full.
WCC has limited number of full and partial scholarships for those who would like to attend but for whom the cost provides a financial hardship. To learn more about the scholarships, contact Greg Demopoulos at gdemopoulos@warsaw.cc or at 574-268-0188, Ext. 256.
Event Contacts
What's Next?
Information & Resources
Have questions? Looking for something more? Get the information you need and connect with us.