March 3, 2021, marks the one-year anniversary since a series of tornadoes devastated lives, homes and businesses in Middle Tennessee, from North Nashville to Cookeville.
On Wednesday, March 3, Catholic Charities invites all survivors to come share their stories of recovery and survival. Staff members will be present at three area locations to guide survivors through a unique process of reflection through art. In addition to the artwork, therapists will be present to assist with necessary mental health needs.
“Trauma isn’t just one and done,” said Catholic Charities therapist Kamrie Reed, LCSW, who works primarily with clients who have experienced trauma, including tornado survivors.
“Things can feel fine and settled, then something comes up and people may need help again.”
That is especially true around significant dates, like the March 3 tornado anniversary. “It’s really normal that emotions come up around a trauma anniversary,” Reed said.
People who have experienced a trauma event, like the tornado, often “feel powerless,” Reed said. “We want to empower people.”
The “Pathways to Recovery” events that Catholic Charities is hosting on March 3 aims to help heal and empower people. On Wednesday, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at three locations spread throughout Nashville, an art canvas will be available for survivors to create, express, and reflect on their experience.
Each of these sites is located in a neighborhood that was heavily damaged by the tornado.
Locations include:
- McGruder Family Resource Center, 2013 25th Ave. N., Nashville, 37208
- East Park Community Center, 600 Woodland St., Nashville 37206
- St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3259 McGavock Pk., Nashville, 37214
After March 3, the canvases from each location will be brought together to create a central work of art for the community. The art will be displayed at various locations throughout the month of March.
For more information call 615-352-3087.
Starting next week, Tuesday, March 9, from 5:30-6:30, Reed will host the first of a series of ongoing weekly virtual meetings for tornado survivors, where participants “will be invited to find support and reflect on their experience in a safe space.”
For more information, contact Reed at kreed@cctenn.org.
If tornado survivors still need construction, food, or financial assistance, they can visit www.tornadorecoveryconnection.com, or call 615-270-9255.
