Helix Human Services Announces Rise Up Conference: A Pathway to Resilience
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield-based nonprofit Helix Human Services will present the second annual Rise Up Conference: A Pathway to Resilience on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. Welcoming remarks on behalf of the city of Springfield will be given by Mayor Domenic Sarno.
Following the success of the inaugural 2024 event, titled Rise Up: A Journey to Trauma Recovery, this year’s conference builds on that foundation with its central theme, ‘A Pathway to Resilience.’ It is designed for professionals, caregivers, and advocates committed to trauma‑informed care and dedicated to strengthening resilience, both within themselves and in the communities they serve.
Throughout the day, participants can choose from a variety of breakout sessions and workshops focused on trauma‑informed practice, cultural humility, bibliotherapy, creative expression for burnout prevention, and more. Speakers such as Kim Monson, Christian Smith, Emely Rumble, Jennifer Wolfe‑Hagstrom, and Ari Kriegsman will contribute their expertise. The conference aims to foster connection, dialogue, and reflection to support both practitioner and client resilience. Continuing education units will be available, making this an enriching day of both professional development and personal renewal.
Attendees will hear from nationally recognized leaders:
Licensed clinical social worker Shari Botwin will deliver the morning keynote on how one caring adult can profoundly influence a child’s healing from trauma. In his lunch keynote, Dr. John DeGarmo will explore compassion fatigue, including emotional exhaustion and burnout, offering hands‑on tools to sustain caregiver well‑being. And in the afternoon keynote, Ja’Net Smith will deliver “And Then … Because the Story Isn’t Over,” an empowering reflection on resilience in the face of disruption and transition.
Tickets cost $150 per person and are available now by clicking here. Sponsorship packages are also available to organizations looking to support professional development in trauma‑informed care. The deadline to commit to any sponsorship is Sept. 23. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities by clicking here.