TRUTH Seminar
Training Resources for Understanding Trauma and Healing
September 24, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location
UIC Rockford, S300
Address
1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, IL 61107
Cost
Free
Calendar
Download iCal FileThe University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology presents Training Resources for Understanding Trauma and Healing (TRUTH) Seminar 2026--Faith Community Edition.
The UICOMR doesn't just train clinicians, it also teaches community members who are ready to learn about how to serve their community well. The purpose of this fall's event is to help in understanding trauma, support survivors and strengthen the church's response.
All UIC Rockford faculty, residents, fellows and students in the colleges of medicine, nursing and pharmacy along with other health care professionals in a faith setting are invited to this day seminar. Coffee service and lunch provided to those attending in-person.
Schedule:
8:30-9 a.m.: Registration and coffee service
9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Presentations
12-1 p.m.: Lunch & Networking
1-3 p.m.: Presentations
Sessions will cover the following topics:
Community response & advocacy
- Overview of the Family Peace Center’s history
Understanding abuse in a faith context
- What intimate partner violence looks like beyond physical abuse
- Power and control dynamics
- Misconceptions in faith settings (forgiveness vs. safety, “pray and stay”)
Trauma & the human response
- Impact of trauma on the brain and behavior
- Trauma bonds and barriers to leaving
- Shame, silence and spiritual conflict
Responding as a church community
- What to say vs. what not to say
- Responding to disclosure safely
- Supporting without causing harm
- When to refer vs. when to intervene
Trauma-informed ministry
- Creating safe spaces within the church
- Language that preserves dignity
- Avoiding spiritual by-passing
- Walking alongside individuals
Impact of trauma on children
- How children experience and internalize violence
- Behavioral and emotional signs
- Long-term developmental impact
- Supporting children and families
- Breaking intergenerational cycles
Role of faith leaders & community
- Influence of pastors and ministry leaders
- Responding when someone comes to you first
- Balancing compassion, confidentiality and safety
- Partnering with community resources
Practical tools & resources (working group for each church)
- Safety planning basics
- Local advocacy resources
- Building a church response plan
- Identifying a point person/team
- Building a church response pathway
Registration closed.
Date posted
Jul 21, 2026
Date updated
Sep 21, 2026
Speakers
Ashley Baylor | Transformations Counseling | Licensed Professional Counselor
Nancy DeLand and JoAnn Jones | VOICES Committee | Family Peace Center
Jessica Gregg | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | The Healing Chapter Counseling Center
Kelsey Hart | Training and Care Coordinator | Family Peace Center