A wellness walk is not about distance or destination, but about presence. It's an intentional activity designed to support healing after trauma.

After experiencing mass violence, public and community spaces can feel overwhelming or threatening. Wellness walks create a supportive bridge back to shared social environments. Walking alongside others who understand trauma's impact helps rebuild trust in community settings at a comfortable pace. MRC staff will be there for support and conversation.

Time spent in natural settings can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and activate our parasympathetic nervous system—the body's natural relaxation response.

We suggest that you:

• Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes
• Bring water and any medications you might need
• Consider bringing a journal to record thoughts or feelings
• Remember you can step away or take breaks whenever needed

All advocates and allied professionals are welcome at the MRC for the National Organization of Victim Advocacy's 51st Conference/Training. This year the conference is virtual and we will be streaming 2 keynote speakers at the center.

RSVPs are appreciated and you can register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NMNQYYL

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

The center is best accessed through the parking garage at 26 Chapel Street, drive up to the third level and you will see a catwalk that leads directly to our lobby.

About Wednesday's Speakers: 2-3PM: A Conversation With Tarana Burke Tarana Burke We are thrilled to announce that Tarana J. Burke, the trailblazing activist, advocate, and founder of the groundbreaking ‘Me Too.’ Movement will be joining us as a keynote speaker for NOVA’s 51st Virtual Training Event. For over 25 years, Tarana has been a champion for survivors, a voice for marginalized communities, and a driving force behind a global reckoning with sexual violence and systemic inequities. Her profound work at the intersection of racial justice, gender equity, and anti-violence advocacy has inspired millions and continues to empower survivors worldwide

3:30 - 4:30PM: Advocates Unplugged: Stories From the Field: Advocates Unplugged: Stories from the Field Storytelling has long been a powerful way to inspire, educate, and connect—going back to when we first gathered around campfires. During this special keynote, we will hear from three advocates who will share stories from the field, reflecting on our theme of Celebrating Community and uplifting the voice of advocates around the country. Andrew Echols, Executive Director, Every Voice Coalition Lakeydra Houston, Founder, Advocate, and Motivational Speaker, K.E.Y. Fit LLC Monique Massey, Senior Coordinator of the Student Victim Assistance Office at Georgia State University

Are you an artist, photographer, songwriter, poet, writer, fiber artist, creative soul, OR want to explore your creative side?

Do you have a work in progress? Have a new idea or project to start? Need some inspiration? Looking for some feedback?

There's something powerful about creating in community. When we work with our hands, we give our minds permission to rest and process. When we share creative space with others, we remember that we're not alone in our experiences. Art has always been a language that speaks when words fall short, and together we can explore that language in whatever way feels right for each of us.

The simple act of making something – whether it's a bracelet, a poem, a drawing, or even just doodling – can be profoundly grounding. It connects us to the present moment and reminds us of our capacity to create beauty, even in difficult times.

We invite you to drop in and get creative with the MRC advocates. ASL interpretation will be available.

We hope you will join us for this event - a chance to participate in a community project that will become a permanent display in Lewiston.

Registration/Sign up: Click here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XCXBZX9 R egistration is appreciated so that we can ensure enough supplies and food are ordered.

No art skills or experience required!

What: Each person creates their own personal piece. The individual pieces will then be assembled into a larger piece symbolizing our shared strength and resilience - to be displayed at a later date

Who: For MRC guests and those impacted by 10/25, all ages

When: Wednesday, May 28 5PM-8PM (ASL interpretation) or Thursday, May 29 5PM-8PM

How: You can make a piece about yourself, your loved one, grief, hope, anger, love—anything. It can be a picture, words, shapes, whatever you want it to be. Not sure? We’ll be there to help!

Androscoggin county area first responders and/or their spouses are invited to unwind and connect. Food and axe throwing are free of cost. Law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch.

Questions? The MRC can be reached at info@maineresiliencycenter.org, by phone at 207-515-3930, or through direct message here.

We hope to see you there! MRC staff and facilitators for our upcoming spouse support group will be on site.

If you would like to join our listserv to learn about other future events, please contact us with your name and e-mail.

These nights are an opportunity for our community to be together and enjoy some friendly games in a supportive environment.

There is no registration required for cornhole, we have boards set up in the large space for anyone who wants to stop by and toss some bags around. Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up bags for the first time, everyone is welcome to participate. We'll have multiple sets available, so there's room for players of all skill levels and ages to join in.

We will also have our board games and puzzles available in the dining area, you may bring your own games as well. This is an informal, drop-in style event where you can participate as much or as little as feels comfortable. Our staff will be present to join in and provide support as needed.

We have center snacks and water/tea/coffee on site, you are welcome to bring your dinner or own food with you.

A wellness walk is not about distance or destination, but about presence. It's an intentional activity designed to support healing after trauma.

After experiencing mass violence, public and community spaces can feel overwhelming or threatening. Wellness walks create a supportive bridge back to shared social environments. Walking alongside others who understand trauma's impact helps rebuild trust in community settings at a comfortable pace. MRC staff will be there for support and conversation.

Time spent in natural settings can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and activate our parasympathetic nervous system—the body's natural relaxation response.

We suggest that you:

• Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes
• Bring water and any medications you might need
• Consider bringing a journal to record thoughts or feelings
• Remember you can step away or take breaks whenever needed

We are looking forward to celebrating July 4 with you all here at the center - please RSVP so we can check you in upon your arrival - you can do so by contacting your advocate, e-mailing us, or signing up by clicking here. Let us know your name, how many are in your group, and how many vehicles you will have.

• MRC doors will open at 6PM
• Please park in the garage by 9:00PM to check in with staff
• We will have security at the parking garage entrance, however the parking garage is easily accessible to the public and we cannot guarantee 100% privacy for the event
• Light snacks and water, coffee, tea on site - you are welcome to bring your own food and drink
• We recommend you bring your own chairs and/or blankets
• Check out the L/A Liberty Festival nearby in Veteran’s Park
• Outdoor activities in the parking garage, indoor activities available inside
• Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:30PM and can be viewed from the roof of our parking garage

A wellness walk is not about distance or destination, but about presence. It's an intentional activity designed to support healing after trauma.

After experiencing mass violence, public and community spaces can feel overwhelming or threatening. Wellness walks create a supportive bridge back to shared social environments. Walking alongside others who understand trauma's impact helps rebuild trust in community settings at a comfortable pace. MRC staff will be there for support and conversation.

Time spent in natural settings can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and activate our parasympathetic nervous system—the body's natural relaxation response.

We suggest that you:

• Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes
• Bring water and any medications you might need
• Consider bringing a journal to record thoughts or feelings
• Remember you can step away or take breaks whenever needed

Wednesdays through the end of June starting at 6PM, you can join us for an evening of community connection. Everything is inside, we will be here rain or shine.

These nights are an opportunity for our community to be together and enjoy some friendly games in a supportive environment.

There is no registration required for cornhole, we have boards set up in the large space for anyone who wants to stop by and toss some bags around. Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up bags for the first time, everyone is welcome to participate. We'll have multiple sets available, so there's room for players of all skill levels and ages to join in.

We will also have our board games and puzzles available in the dining area, you may bring your own games as well. This is an informal, drop-in style event where you can participate as much or as little as feels comfortable. Our staff will be present to join in and provide support as needed.

We have center snacks and water/tea/coffee on site, you are welcome to bring your dinner or own food with you.

Wednesdays through the end of June starting at 6PM, you can join us for an evening of community connection. Everything is inside, we will be here rain or shine.

These nights are an opportunity for our community to be together and enjoy some friendly games in a supportive environment.

There is no registration required for cornhole, we have boards set up in the large space for anyone who wants to stop by and toss some bags around. Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up bags for the first time, everyone is welcome to participate. We'll have multiple sets available, so there's room for players of all skill levels and ages to join in.

We will also have our board games and puzzles available in the dining area, you may bring your own games as well. This is an informal, drop-in style event where you can participate as much or as little as feels comfortable. Our staff will be present to join in and provide support as needed.

We have center snacks and water/tea/coffee on site, you are welcome to bring your dinner or own food with you.

Wednesdays through the end of June starting at 6PM, you can join us for an evening of community connection. Everything is inside, we will be here rain or shine.

These nights are an opportunity for our community to be together and enjoy some friendly games in a supportive environment.

There is no registration required for cornhole, we have boards set up in the large space for anyone who wants to stop by and toss some bags around. Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up bags for the first time, everyone is welcome to participate. We'll have multiple sets available, so there's room for players of all skill levels and ages to join in.

We will also have our board games and puzzles available in the dining area, you may bring your own games as well. This is an informal, drop-in style event where you can participate as much or as little as feels comfortable. Our staff will be present to join in and provide support as needed.

We have center snacks and water/tea/coffee on site, you are welcome to bring your dinner or own food with you.

A wellness walk is not about distance or destination, but about presence. It's an intentional activity designed to support healing after trauma.

After experiencing mass violence, public and community spaces can feel overwhelming or threatening. Wellness walks create a supportive bridge back to shared social environments. Walking alongside others who understand trauma's impact helps rebuild trust in community settings at a comfortable pace. MRC staff will be there for support and conversation.

Time spent in natural settings can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and activate our parasympathetic nervous system—the body's natural relaxation response.

We suggest that you:

• Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes
• Bring water and any medications you might need
• Consider bringing a journal to record thoughts or feelings
• Remember you can step away or take breaks whenever needed

Valo Support Group (Ages 14-17)

Valo is a Maine-based nonprofit who has partnered with the MRC to provide support and cultivate connection and emotional well-being. This is a drop-in group for teens who feel impacted by the mass violence event that took place in our community on October 25th, 2023

Questions? Contact us at info@maineresiliencycenter.org or 207-515-3930