By: Sergio Carmona
Specialists from the Israel Trauma Coalition are now in South Florida and are providing counseling insights to those assisting the community in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting tragedy through the program, “Handling the Aftermath.”
The State of Israel has brought these specialists from the ITC to South Florida for this joint project of the Consulate General of Israel in Miami, the Jewish Federation of Broward County and Behavioral Health Associates of Broward-Counseling Centers of Goodman Jewish Family Services.
This program is designed to assist those affected by the Parkland shooting in a time of need as the ITC is conducting sessions this week throughout Broward County to help those who are considered the helpers, including teachers, counselors, clinicians, clergy, social organizations and first responders. The Israeli specialists will share their unique knowledge at various times and locations throughout this week to assist the community as it embarks upon both short- and long-term recovery efforts.
The ITC has responded to natural disasters and tragedies worldwide. Among them the Las Vegas shooting, Houston flooding and Sri Lanka tsunami.
Guy Gilady, deputy consul general of Israel in Miami, said, “Israel is with America today and everyday, especially in times of need.”
“We are bringing our best professionals to share our experience in trauma and to support the Broward community in its efforts to recover,” Gilday continued.
Michael Balaban, president and chief executive officer for the Jewish Federation of Broward County, said, “We know that the needs for these kinds of resources is, unfortunately, going to be long lasting, and we know that we have a partnership with the ITC that allows us to lean on them for that expertise over the long haul.”
The sessions are: 6:30-9:30 p.m. for teachers, counselors, clinicians and first responders at Heron Bay Marriott, 11775 Heron Bay Boulevard in Coral Springs, on Feb. 27; 1-4 p.m. for clergy at Heron Bay Clubhouse,11535 Osprey Trail in Parkland, on Feb 28; 2-4 p.m. for clinicians and providers from community organizations at United Way of Broward County, 1300 S. Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, on March 1; 6:30-9 p.m. for educators including special needs teachers/providers at Coral Springs Middle School, 10300 Wiles Road in Coral Springs on March 1; and 9 a.m. to noon for private clinicians and providers at Heron Bay Community Center, 11535 Osprey Trail in Parkland on March 2.