Circle Training Day 1 & 2

During our first weekend session of Healing Circle Training, we focused on building trust and strengthening relationships within the group. The session emphasized connection, creativity, and intentional communication.

The group began with introductions and a creative name tag activity, allowing each participant to express themselves through color, symbols, and words that represented who they are. Throughout the session, they participated in a variety of interactive games and team-building activities designed to encourage laughter, collaboration, and comfort within the group. These activities helped break the ice and move forward to the check-in questions, allowing everyone to share how they were feeling upon arrival in the space.

After the group finished, with started opening up the circle into more vulnerable conversations to start training for what a circle looks like.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

Community Yoga

This week’s community session was yoga, led by Daisa Key, a yoga instructor who previously led multiple yoga sessions in our community. Dasia guided the participants through a mix of stretches and grounding poses. There were also quiet moments on the mats, with calming music playing in the background. Daisa gave everyone space to pause and lie back.

Big thanks to Dasia for holding the space with so much care and being attentive to each participant.

Community Art Therapy | Memory Bracelets

This workshop was focused on creating meaningful memory bracelets to honor our loved ones who have passed and celebrate cherished relationships with those still in our lives. Through the art of bracelet making, we explored grief, memory, and the ways we carry connection.

This workshop was led by Yekseny Guerrero, MA, ATR-P, starting the process by asking “What does grief mean to you?” Participants shared openly - describing their own experiences and feelings. Yekseny continued by asking “Do you go through the grief stages in order?” and reminded everyone that grief is different for everyone. Before we began crafting, Yekseny invited everyone to relax in their chairs, take some breathers, and to focus on a on loss of a loved one or someone personal to them - telling them to allow themselves to feel.

It was time to make bracelets. Yekseny went through each charm/bead, as everyone chose their own. Each charm/bead represented their loved one’s favorite things and what reminded them of their loved ones. Once finished, each bracelet was tied and worn.

Thank you Yekseny for guiding with such care, and to every participant who showed up with openness.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

District 89 Back-To-School Picnic

It was great to be a part of District 89’s Annual Back-to-School Picnic! We were able to get the chance to share information about The Firehouse Dream and how students can get involved with our upcoming programming at our Proviso East Calm Room and PMSA Health Club. In addition, The Firehouse Dream has workshops that the entire family can attend! We gave away resources with additional information and displayed the mental health kits for our community to see. Lastly, we shared our upcoming Mental Health Kit giveaways at Proviso schools. Families are invited to help us pack Kits in preparation for our giveaway on September 10th, 6 PM to 8 PM!