Healing Through Connection: How Libraries Support Children and Communities with Trauma-Informed Care

Libraries play an important trauma-informed role by providing safe, welcoming spaces where children and families can experience stability, connection, and stigma-free access to resources and support. Through everyday interactions, community partnerships, and responsive programs, libraries help foster healing, resilience, empathy, and belonging. Join us for a panel discussion on how library staff can strengthen trauma-informed approaches in services and programs while deepening empathy, awareness, and civic engagement.

Our moderator will be Emilio De Torre, Executive Director of Milwaukee Turners at Turner Hall.

Panelists include:

Dr. Thomasina Jenkins, LCSW, is a therapist specializing in trauma, substance use disorder, and perinatal mental health.

Norma Duckworth, Interfaith Coordinator of Voces de la Frontera

Gabriela Dieguez Hurtado, MSW, CSW, is a bilingual therapist with Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers. Gabriela is a generalist provider who enjoys being a witness to growth and change while working with children, adults, elderly individuals, and families.