A Trauma-Informed Courts and Community Symposium: Creating a Culture of Belonging registration is now open

Illinois First Judicial Circuit Chief Judge William J. Thurston, Access to Justice Improvement Grant, Williamson County Presiding Judge Stephen R. Green, and Centerstone, will host “A Trauma-Informed Courts and Community Symposium: Creating a Culture of Belonging” featuring advocate, speaker and former NFL player Gaelin Elmore as the keynote speaker on Thursday, March 21 from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center, 800 Tower Square Plaza, Marion, IL

“Please join us for a one-day, motivational symposium as we encourage court personnel and professional communities to commit to understanding how belonging is a key element in success,” said Brenda Sprague, Office of the First Judicial Circuit Chief Judge.

“Whether your work includes helping court patrons navigate the legal system; seizing everyday opportunities to be understanding and helpful; or motivating those around you to look within so they are able to help those without, this symposium will leave you empowered to make others feel they belong within your community environment.”

Belonging is a vital component of human flourishing. However, those who have experienced traumatic and adverse situations often lack a sense of belonging, which can hinder their relationships, development, and their future.

Elmore believes that the only thing that was more powerful and long lasting than the trauma that he experienced was the belonging that he encountered. After a childhood filled with trauma, abuse, neglect, and homelessness, Elmore believed that his issues would be solved if he became successful. From college football to signing an NFL contract, Elmore was driven, even comforted, by this assumption.

It wasn’t until Elmore achieved what he thought was “success” (making it to the NFL), that he finally realized he had been wrong all along. And so, Elmore retired as a rookie to begin his journey of self-love, self-discovery, and belonging.

The symposium will begin at 8 a.m. with coffee and donuts, provided by Centerstone’s Building Compassionate Communities, followed by a welcome address by First Judicial Circuit Chief Judge William J. Thurston at 8:20 a.m. and keynote presentation by Elmore at 8:30 a.m. While lunch will not be provided, a break for lunch will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. A full agenda for the symposium will be released soon and includes the following presentations:

· “Trauma In the Courts: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” with Hon. Jeffrey A. Goffinet

· “Bringing Comfort to the Courtroom” with Hon. Carey C. Gill, Hon. Amanda Byassee Gott, Cynthia York, Steve and Cindy Miller, and Court Therapy Dog Mr. Baker

· “Strengthening Communities, Breaking Barriers” with IL JusticeCorps Fellow Julian Valdes

· “Transcending Adversity Through Resilience” with Ginger Meyer, Children’s Medical and Mental Health Resource Network, SIU School of Medicine

· Building Compassionate Communities with Dr. David Mills, Centerstone

This free event plans to offer various continuing education credits. Registration is required prior to March 14 at 5 p.m. CT. For more information, visit Centerstone.org/events or call Sprague at (618) 997-1234. Vendors wanting to set up a resource table at the symposium should contact Sprague; space is limited.

“Centerstone’s Building Compassionate Communities program is thrilled to partner with the Illinois First Judicial Circuit to bring in Gaelin to work his time, talent and treasure with our region to tell his inspiring story,” said Dr. David Mills, Centerstone BCC grant coordinator.

This symposium is a part of “The Belonging Need” training series, which includes:

· “The Belonging Need: Part 1” – January 24 from 9-11 a.m. CT via Zoom

· “The Belonging Need: Part 2” – February 21 from 9-11 a.m. CT via Zoom

· In-person “A Trauma-Informed Courts and Community Symposium: Creating a Culture of Belonging” – March 21 from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center featuring Gaelin Elmore as the keynote speaker presented by Illinois First Judicial Circuit Chief Judge William J. Thurston, Access to Justice Improvement Grant, Williamson County Presiding Judge Stephen R. Green, and Centerstone

· “The Belonging Need and Deficit for Youth Navigating Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)” – March 26 from 5:30-7 p.m. CT via Zoom

To register or for more information, visit Centerstone.org/events.

About Centerstone

Centerstone is a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments for people of all ages. Services are available in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, school-based services, telehealth, and an inpatient hospital. Centerstone also offers specialized programs available nationwide for the military community, as well as services for children, including therapeutic foster care. Centerstone’s Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best evidence-based practices for use across our communities. Centerstone’s Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support the work and mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives. Learn more by visiting Centerstone.org.

WHAT: In-person “A Trauma-Informed Courts and Community Symposium: Creating a Culture of Belonging” on March 21 from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center featuring Gaelin Elmore as the keynote speaker presented by Illinois First Judicial Circuit Chief Judge William J. Thurston, Access to Justice Improvement Grant, Williamson County Presiding Judge Stephen R. Green, and Centerstone. Numerous continuing education opportunities available.

WHEN: March 21, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Marion Cultural and Civic Center, 800 Tower Square Plaza, Marion, IL

DESCRIPTION: Illinois First Judicial Circuit Chief Judge William J. Thurston, Access to Justice Improvement Grant, Williamson County Presiding Judge Stephen R. Green, and Centerstone, will host “A Trauma-Informed Courts and Community Symposium: Creating a Culture of Belonging” featuring Gaelin Elmore as the keynote speaker on Thursday, March 21 from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center. This free event plans to offer various continuing education credits. Registration is required prior to March 14 at 5 p.m. CT. For more information, visit Centerstone.org/events or call Brenda Sprague, Office of the Chief Judge, at (618) 997-1234.