PITTSBURGH — The 10.27 Healing Partnership is preparing to offer a number of supports and services as the federal jury trial for the Tree of Life tragedy approaches.
Director Maggie Feinstein told Channel 11 that the organization will be present at the courthouse to assist and advocate for the survivors, witnesses and their loved ones. They’ll be offering basic necessities like food and water, while providing transportation, and having therapists available.
“We will be putting a lot of effort into ensuring that they’re given as much dignity as they can have and as much agency,” Feinstein said.
The partnership is extending its assistance far beyond the courtroom, offering services to the community at large.
“What I’m bracing for is for that broader reach of community to feel - either for the first time, or reengaged from previously - vicarious trauma, and I just want to make sure that people know that’s normal, it’s expected, and the truth is, it’s actually something we can cope with as long as we know it’s what’s going on,” Feinstein said.
The partnership will continue to offer numerous supports to people who feel they need help or could need help in coping as the trial plays out.
From their JCC offices, therapists will be available daily for people who’d like to drop in. There are alternative healing options available too, with more details available on their site.
Feinstein encourages people to seek fellowship. Reach out if you need help, and provide help if you can.
“Anybody who is part of a community, be in that community,” she said. “If you’re part of any kind of congregation, any kind of religious group, go there, be part of it, find joy, find ritual, it’s a really important thing to do. Or, if it’s a neighborhood community, if you have somebody who’s on your street who might be a firefighter, police person, or somebody who’s a dispatcher, go check on them.”
The 10.27 Healing Partnership has been helping the community cope ever since the tragedy occurred. They had been operating with the help of a short-term grant, which is now expiring. The organization is seeking other funding sources and plans to operate for another five years.
Anyone who is interested in donating funds or resources can find out more information on their site.
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