community-connect-may-2025

Thriving Together: Nurturing Wellness in the Family and in You

May 21, 2025 Torrance, CA

Join El Camino College President, Dr. Brenda Thames in the latest installment of the Community Connect series addressing the importance of psychological and emotional health and well-being on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This info-packed event includes a Community Resource Fair, Panel Discussion and Workshops. 

President Thames will lead a discussion by expert panelists exploring adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), how trauma moves through generations, and strategies and resources to help individuals and families heal and build resilience at 11:00 a.m. in the Campus Theater. 
 
The event is being sponsored by El Camino College (Office of the President and Schauerman Library), the National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Los Angeles Chapter, and the California Black Women's Health Project.  
 
Workshop topics include Healing While Helping: Mental Wellness for Caregivers and Unshakeable: Building Resilience & Joy as a Woman.
 
Highlights of the resource fair include Barbara Lawson of Meet Me in the Dirt who will offer plant therapy and Todo Verde demonstrating healthy food preparation and the Los Angeles County Library MakMo  vehicle providing fun STEM projects for children.  Helpful resource information will be provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, NAMI South Bay LA, The Maple Counseling Center, Del Amo Behavioral Health Hospital, United American Indian Involvement, Tarzana Treatment Centers College, Black AIDS Institute, the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, and more. There will be interactive activities such as storytelling, pet therapy dogs, art therapy, dance therapy, yoga, meditation, breathwork and stretching. 
 
There will be FREE food and refreshments. Free parking is open in Lots J and K (in front of the Marsee Auditorium and Campus Police Department); near the campus entrance on Crenshaw and Redondo Beach Boulevards. 
 
Registration is required. Go to www.elcamino.edu/community  to sign up, or contact Linda Cooks for more information: lcooks@elcamino.edu. Media inquiries can be made to Kerri Webb, Public Information Officer at kwebb@elcamino.edu or (310) 660-3406. 
 
El Camino Community College District encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact lcooks@elcamino.edu.