On December 21, 2023, Journey: Healing Together celebrated the beginning of winter with Raise The Roof - Winter Solstice Celebration at Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, 201 W 11th St, Erie, PA. The event included an art show, food, art projects, an intention setting ceremony, and a cozy fire!

On Thursday, December 21, from 5:30 - 8 PM, Journey: Healing Together will host Raise the Roof Winter Solstice Celebration at 201 W 11th St, Erie, PA. Raise the Roof is an opportunity for the community to support the safe haven Journey: Healing Together has come to be for many in our community. Healing begins once safety and basic needs are established. Until then, people are focused on finding a safe place for themselves and their family. As we gather to honor those who have sought shelter under Journey: Healing Together's roof, we recognize the need for this shelter (both figurative and literal) to be restored. This year, we will observe the Winter Solstice through a celebration of community building as we Raise the Roof of healing over our families and community. The community is invited to share restoration messages through works of art, poetry, spoken word, and song, highlighting their own journey of hope. This collective creative energy will also assist Journey: Healing Together complete its campaign to raise a total of $50,000 to replace our roof. With this much-needed physical shelter covered, Journey: Healing Together can focus on the mission to Unite, Restore, Discover, and Transform.

"Why would anyone tell you what you can read"? "If someone tells me not to read something I would ask why." Both of these statements were made by our 7-year-old daughter when we were explaining that we joined a banned book club. She understood the book part, they have been a part of her life from the start. It was the word 'banned' that peaked her curiosity. She didn’t understand and I must admit, neither did I. A college professor once told our class that, "if a book offends or upsets you, ask yourself why, don’t just stay offended."

Journey: Healing Together thanks those who could join us in celebrating the Winter Solstice on 12/21/22. Coming Out of the Dark honored the many who have healed and demonstrated post-traumatic growth throughout the year. Together we welcomed in the light of a new season of healing and growth.