KFL&A Resilience Symposium: Navigating Adversity through the Power of Community

October 5, 2023

October 5th, 2023 – Kingston, ON – Kingston Community Health Centres, Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, the Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Coalition of KFL&A (ARC) and Teach Resilience are proud to present the KFL&A Resilience Symposium from October 25th-27th, 2023. The symposium features Rick Griffin, the visionary Executive Director of Community Resilience Initiative (CRI), who will share the grassroots approach that ignited a resilience revolution.

The first event of its kind in Eastern Ontario, the symposium presents a unique opportunity for residents of KFL&A to hear firsthand how Rick’s community of Walla Walla, WA came together, leveraging training to create a nurturing, trauma-informed environment, and learn how this initiative sparked a global movement.

This symposium is a vital initiative that aims to unite community champions in the endeavour to build a resilient KFL&A. Moreover, it serves as a platform to extend the call to action to decision-makers and community members who may not yet be acquainted with the concepts of toxic stress, resilience, and the profound impact of human connection.

A dynamic lineup over the course of the three days offers an array of events for diverse audiences, including educators, service providers, changemakers, and those deeply engaged in this important work. It exemplifies the concept of community resilience in action – bringing people together, fostering meaningful connections, and igniting a sense of hope in our community.

Symposium events include:

  • KFL&A Community Resilience Dinner and Keynote Address by Rick Griffin
  • From Walla Walla to Washington: Community Leaders Appetizers and Conversation
  • CRI Course 1 Trauma Informed Refresher
  • CRI Course 1 Trauma Informed Re-certification for Trainers
  • CRI Leadership Academy Training for the Education Sector
  • Teach Resilience Workshop: The Power of Relationships in the Classroom
  • Rural Resilience Lunch: It Takes a Village
  • Speakers Panel: The Science of Trauma and the Power of Resilience

“Our vision is to create a trauma-informed, caring community that collectively works to build resilience in individuals and families. This unique symposium is about providing both the grounding and the toolkit to make that vision possible, “says Stacy G Kelly, the Foundation’s executive director. 

“With the generous support of The Sisters of Providence Care of St. Vincent de Paul Community Impact Fund, KCHC is very grateful to work with CFKA to co-host this symposium. Over the past 4 years KCHC has worked closely with community members and agencies in KFL&A to mobilize the knowledge around adversity, trauma, toxic stress and the science of community resilience. This is the first attempt to empower KFL&A to address these issues as a collective. When we’re together in community, many great things can happen.”

Roger Romero- KCHC Manager of Youth Services

For more information about each of the KFL&A Symposium’s events or to register for an event, please visit: https://www.teachresilience.ca/symposium