Journey: Healing Together

Journey: Healing Together (EST: 2022) has grown out of the shockwaves of political unrest, the persistent COVID pandemic, inflation and continued unrest shaking the foundations of our community. J:HT is a sibling nonprofit organization of Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, LLC (EST: 2019) that will nurture connectedness among diverse groups, organizations, agencies, and universities to foster restoration and healing throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania. - Click here for more info about our Journeyer Care Fund

Ways Journey: Healing Together invests your generosity

Erie's Journey to Wellness - The amount of trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression people are suffering through has increased dramatically since COVID and it shows no signs of giving up. People who reach out for professional help, particularly those without employer-provided insurance, were struggling to find available therapists to help them. This led to a lot of therapist burnout and longer waiting times to get an appointment. In January of 2023, the United Way and the Erie Community Foundation sponsored the Erie's Journey to Wellness program - a program offering 10 free, solution focused counseling sessions for anyone needing assistance in coping with trauma-related mental health concerns. The American Psychological Association recommends between 9-12 trauma-focused sessions with a trained mental health provider as a 'dose' effective in reducing many PTSD symptoms. Following the APA's guidelines, Erie's Journey to Wellness was created. This has resulted in approximately 75 people in our community receiving up to 10 trauma-focused sessions for free. While our community has benefitted from EJW for a year and a half, the need for these services still continues. Due to volunteering therapists the EJW program is able to provide one trauma-focused therapy session for every $75 received for the EJW program. A full 10 session APA recommended program requires a $750/person investment. See our 2023 annual report for the results of our initial program launch. - Click here for more info about the Erie's Journey to Wellness Program

J:HT's top donors have a mosaic panel displayed above one of our windows facing Sassafras St. This one depicting the Tree of Life

Is in honor of Erie Community Foundation for their EJW start-up funds.

Some testimonies from participants of the EJW program:

“Was it difficult to find quality, affordable mental health care before you enrolled in EJW? Please tell us a bit about your experience searching for care, including any barriers you encountered.”

“Yes! Finding a provider was nearly impossible as I knew that I would struggle with the copays. I felt ashamed by my financial situation and would never have found care without this program.”

“What was/is most helpful about your free sessions through the EJW program?”

“The eased financial burden, absolutely. I was able to get back on my feet while talking with someone who could help me process what was happening in my life.”

Wellness Weekend - An essential part of an individual's and family's healing journey is being able to reengage with their community. Yet, for many who have grown and benefitted from trauma-focused therapy, reentry is difficult. Many times, support networks need to be rebuilt from scratch. Journey: Healing Together provides a variety of safe, sober activities one weekend each month. $250-$300 are invested as well as volunteer hours for each monthly weekend. Click here to learn more about our Wellness Weekends.

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  afternoon - So many of us learned new crafts and artforms during the pandemic but had no community to share it with. We meet monthly to share, craft, and enjoy building relationships with one another in an open and affirming safe environment.Ga
  
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  Night - on the third Friday of the month we open our space up to game geeks of all ages. It's fun, light-hearted, and full of group challenges. Bring your own games or play along with others with what we have here!Yoga
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  Explore the healing power of yoga in a non-judgemental, beginner-friendly yoga session on Sunday evening. Serene Bear Yoga partners with JHT to offer a monthly yoga experience for any body type or ability!"Heal W
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  te Hear" - starting in September of 2024, we offer a supportive creative writing session. Come prepared to write your own personal project or focus on one of the prompts provided. You have an opportunity to hear authors of all genres share some of the things they are working on, or share your own (no pressure or critiques!). Advance on your own healing journey with the support of others on theirs!join us f
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Game Night every third Friday night 5pm-7pm September - JuneCrafternoon

every third Saturday 11-2 September - June offers a community of crafters, artists, doodlers, and more! Journeyer C

are Fund - As we are all aware, insurance deductibles and copays are increasing every year. This leaves many people opting to put their mental health on the back burner. JHT offers a scholarship fund for people wh…