Where Is God In All of This?
Where Is God In All of This?: A Seminar on Grief and Faith will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 466 Elm Street, on Jan. 27, at 5 p.m. The event is free to attend.
We’ve all experienced some type of grief. Grief over a lost job, ruined relationship, health or financial woes, a lost loved one. It’s easy to immediately ask, “Why me? Why does God let these things happen?”
The seminar will be led by Doug Ryniewicz, a pastor and professional therapist, to help attendees understand God’s role in difficult situations and how to can stay mindful and optimistic during difficult times.
Virtual forum on Human Trafficking Prevention
BRIDGEPORT, CT — Since 2008, more than 1,000 children between the ages of 2 and 18 have been referred to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families as possible victims of child trafficking.
The report from the Human Anti-trafficking Response Team states, “that most of these victims were living with a parent or guardian when the suspected trafficking occurred.”
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and The Center for Family Justice is hoping to raise awareness about the issue by hosting a virtual forum on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m.
Debra Greenwood, CFJ’s President and CEO, said the community needs to understand that human trafficking is a local issue, and should know how to protect themselves and their families.
“Those who would traffic teens communicate with them through texting, through messaging on social media apps or going to places where teenagers hang out,” Greenwood said. “Families and individuals everywhere need to know the signs because anyone can be vulnerable.”
All are welcome to attend this panel. CFJ staff hopes students, parents, community organizations and local leaders will tune in.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Alina Marquez Reynolds – General Counsel and Justice Initiative Deputy Director for Grace Farms Foundation
- Melanie Kmetz – DCF Program Supervisor, Bureau of Quality Improvement and Strategic Planning. Melanie is a Tri-Chair for the Connecticut Anti-Trafficking Council and a founding member of the DCF Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team.
- Genesis Polanco – Director, Project Rescue at the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.
To register for this free and open event, follow this link.
Questions about the virtual forum can be directed to CFJ’s Development Department at (203) 334-6154.
For information on The Center for Family Justice or its Online Training Institute, email Amanda Posila, director of Prevention & Community Engagement, at [email protected].
Unveiling Courage
Unveiling Courage, an art gallery empowering survivors and raising awareness will be unveiled at The Center for Family Justice’s headquarters, 753 Fairfield Ave., in Bridgeport, on Thursday, April 4, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Pints for Paws
STRATFORD, CT — Stratford Animal Rescue Society (STARS) is hosting a fundraiser to benefit animals impounded at Stratford Animal Control.
Pints For Paws in a Winter Wonderland will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, from 6-9 p.m. at Two Roads Brewery, 1700 Stratford Ave., Stratford.
Tickets are $60 per person and include a pint glass, dinner, two drink tickets (beer, wine, cocktail or hard seltzer) and a door prize ticket.
Click here to see the flyer and link below for ticket purchases. All proceeds benefit the animals.
STARS will offer a group discount. For information and to see the menu, click here.
