Bridging The Gap Colloquium

Join us for an inspiring event rooted in faith, spirituality, and a shared commitment to justice and community. Together, as citizens, advocates, leaders, and people of all beliefs, we will address critical gaps in our society, including access to services, mental health/SUD, violence, human trafficking, isms/othering, and generational divides.

Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
Time: 4 PM – 9 PM
Location: Joynes Road Church of God | 31 Joynes Rd, Hampton, VA

Keynote speakers, breakout sessions, food, and refreshments will be provided.

Learn more here: www.voachesapeake.org/bridging-the-gap-colloquium/

The six gaps that we are covering are access to services, mental health/SUD, violence, human trafficking, isms/Othering in faith, communities, and generational gaps.

1. Access to Services by Thomasina ValentineUnderstanding Integrated Services is essential to help persons served achieve wholeness in body, mind and spirit. In this Gap Session, led by Thomasina Valentine, we will define and discuss Ancillary Services, the pitfalls and challenges and solutions to help bridge the gap!
2. Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder: “The Bones We Carry”, by Amere Langley and Nabila White“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will” (Mahatma Gandhi). In our breakout session, we are highlighting the commonalities between mental health and substance abuse as it relates to the tidewater region. We will discuss the various “bones” people unintentionally carry with them along the road called life and provide space and opportunity for growth. Substance abuse works in tandem with mental health when you consider depression, anxiety, and other disorders prevalent in the community. Byb attending our Gap Session you will learn what role you play in your own healing and the collective healing needed for your community to thrive and progressively move forward.
3. Violence: By Moderator-Rev Dan Carrera, Gang Violence-Adrian Cook, Domestic Violence,· Neisha C. HimesThis interactive breakout session will focus on the critical role individuals and communities play in addressing domestic violence as part of a broader conversation on violence, including gun violence. Rooted in advocacy and empowerment, the session will provide an overview of domestic violence dynamics, share a personal survivor perspective, and explore practical bystander intervention strategies. Participants will leave equipped with tools and inspiration to stand in the gap and foster safety, healing, and justice in their communities.
4. Human Trafficking by Patrick McKennaWith an estimated 300,000 women and children being trafficked in the USA each year with many right here in Hampton Roads and 24.9 million children, women, and men being trafficked worldwide, it may seem like it's too big to be able to do anything about it. However, each of us has abilities, talents and experience that may help us make a difference in combating this evil. In this breakout, we will look to identify what human trafficking is and the myths that keep us from seeing it, who’s vulnerable, who the traffickers are and their recruiting tactics and what it is about Hampton Roads that make our region particularly vulnerable to it occurring here. Most importantly we will explore how each one of us, by taking even one action, can make a huge difference in helping a victim/survivor get and stay free and how, when we combine those actions together, we can Bridge the Gap to a community free from human trafficking.
5. Isms/Othering in Communities of Faith: “If I Can Help Somebody”: Practicing Love and Grace in Communities of ISMs and Otherings by Rev. Marian Clifton and Rev Darrell TownsendThis session is meant to get outside of our religious boxes/traditions/prejudices and look at creating supportive solutions and safe spaces in communities that surpass racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and other ISMs.
6. Generational Gaps: Reframing Aging: Bridging Generational Gaps with Dignity and Respect by Dr Brooke Covington & Randi Keesee How we perceive aging shapes the way we connect across generations and support our aging communities. In this session, we’ll explore strategies to reframe aging as an asset rather than a challenge, emphasizing the wisdom, resilience, and value older adults bring to our communities. Together, we’ll discuss practical approaches to fostering intergenerational relationships, combating ageism, and creating a culture where all stages of life are honored. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to bridge the generational gap in their own communities.
7. How to Start & Grow A Business: Rising Above Getting by and having an entrepreneurial mindset by Tim DavidsonDo you want more out of life but feel stuck in your 9 to 5? Do you have creative ideas for innovation but lack the knowledge and tools needed to start and grow your business? Are you curious about the path to being your own boss? If you answered yes to any of these questions. this Gap Session is for you!
   

For questions, please contact Chaplain Jules at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas