By Cuyler Dunn, Lawrence Times
Justice Matters will focus on solutions to youth trauma at this year’s action assembly. The nonprofit coalition of faith-based groups will also provide an update on its efforts to boost the elder care workforce and end chronic homelessness.
The meeting will bring together local residents with the goal of demonstrating support for policy solutions in front of elected officials. Programming will include testimony from community members directly impacted by Justice Matters’ focus areas.
The event is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 5 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 200 McDonald Drive in Lawrence.
A news release for the event says childhood trauma is a “critical public health issue,” and thousands in Douglas County have experienced trauma.
“By rallying support from city and county leaders, Justice Matters aims to address the root causes of youth trauma and provide long-term solutions to ensure every child in our community feels safe and loved,” according to the release.
For the last few years, Justice Matters has worked to boost the elder care workforce and end chronic homelessness in Douglas County. The group’s advocacy helped urge local officials to adopt a plan to reach functional zero homelessness by 2028. And earlier this year, Justice Matters helped launch a new program to tackle a growing shortage of workers who care for older people.
“The Nehemiah Action Assembly is about bringing people together — hundreds of voices united — to demand real, systemic change,” said Justice Matters Co-President Judy Pope.
Justice Matters is one of multiple similar groups across Kansas and the country pushing for justice-based policy in local government.
In addition to the assembly, Douglas County Interfaith Mental Health Outreach will host a community forum on youth trauma this week. The forum will focus on how youth trauma affects our lives, how to support efforts to prevent it, and age-appropriate interventions for people who are impacted.
That’s set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 1 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1234 Kentucky St. It’s open to all ages 13 and older, but RSVPs are encouraged at this link.
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