JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL

Community Symposium

The Courage to Understand: Nurturing a Trauma-Informed Community

Doors Open: 4:30 PM
Keynote Address: 5:45 PM
Panel Discussion: 7:15 PM

Location:
CT State Community College – Housatonic, Beacon Hall Event Center, Bridgeport, CT

Brought To You By LifeBridge Community Services In Partnership With Yale New Haven Health

April 30, 2025

As an active member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, LifeBridge aims to share knowledge and inspire cross-sector collaboration and action to implement trauma-informed practices to strengthen our community. This year's Symposium will focus on the impact of community violence and trauma, and will discuss how impacted communities can imagine a path forward. The event is offered free of charge.

Registration Opens in 2025

Sponsorship.

Consider becoming an event sponsor. Your support will help advance trauma-informed practices, foster community growth, and create lasting impact. Join us in making a difference!

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PRESENTING SPONSOR

Yale New Haven Health

We are deeply grateful to continue our partnership with Yale New Haven Health as our Presenting Sponsor for this year’s symposium. Their unwavering support helps us bring together leaders across sectors to foster meaningful conversations and advance trauma-informed care. With their partnership, we can continue offering this valuable event free to the community, ensuring greater accessibility and impact. Thank you, Yale New Haven Health, for your commitment to creating a healthier, more resilient future!

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr. James Garbarino

Renowned Psychologist and Expert on Violence and Children

Dr. Garbarino’s groundbreaking work has earned him multiple national awards, including recognition by the American Psychological Association as one of the most “Influential Psychologists” for his contributions to the field of trauma. Dr. Garbarino is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Cornell University and Loyola University Chicago. From 2006 to 2020, he served as the Maude C. Clarke Chair in Humanistic Psychology and was the founding Director of the Center for the Human Rights of Children at Loyola University Chicago. Prior to that, from 1995 to 2006, he was the Elizabeth Lee Vincent Professor of Human Development and Co-Director of the Family Life Development Center at Cornell University. He is also a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.

Dr. Garbarino has authored numerous influential books, including Lost Boys and Miller’s Children. Throughout his career, Dr. Garbarino has consulted and advised numerous organizations, including the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Medical Association, the National Black Child Development Institute, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, and the FBI.

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Our 2024 Community Symposium

Curious about the impact of last year’s symposium? Dive into highlights from The Courage to Understand: Nurturing a Trauma-Informed Community 2024 and see how we brought together leaders to spark meaningful change. Check it out to learn more and get inspired for what’s ahead!