A group formed to provide mental health support and healing after the mass shooting at the Tree of Life plans to extend its work into 2028.
The 10.27 Healing Partnership group said it completed 716 one-on-one consultations, 883 counselor-led group therapies, 212 community presentations, and reached nearly 10,000 people through its social media accounts and website following the Oct. 27, 2018 shooting. The group is also the organizer of the annual memorial service held each year on October 27, the anniversary of the attack.
The group said it decided to announce the extension of the service because the upcoming trial of accused gunman Robert Bowers will take place in April and it will likely be a traumatic time for survivors, the victim’s family and the wider community.
“The next few months are likely to be particularly challenging and re-traumatizing for our community. People are concerned about the upcoming lawsuits, and in October we will honor the fifth commemoration of the 2018 attack,” said Maggie Feinstein, director of the 10.27 Healing Partnership. “We want to say loud and clear: The 10.27 Healing Partnership is here for the fellowship and plans to be here for the next five years.”
The 10.27 Healing Partnership is located in the Squirrel Hill branch of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. The group said they plan to operate on the Tree of Life during the 10-year commemoration of the shooting. .It offers therapy, education and a community space for reflection.
Carol Black’s brother, Richard Gottfried, was shot dead in the tree of life. As a survivor of the incident, she was one of nearly 60 people who participated in 10.27 Healing Partnership’s strategic plan and said the counseling helped her recover from the loss of her brother.
A cure initially seemed impossible,” Black said in a press release. “The 10.27 Healing Partnership has supported me with counseling services for years and continues to honor my brother’s memory by providing a space for remembrance.”
Andrea Wedner was praying inside when a gunman entered the Wilkins Avenue synagogue. she was hurt Her 97-year-old mother, Rose Mallinger, was killed.
“I am grateful that the 10.27 Healing Partnership intends to remain open for another five years as we will all continue our healing journey after the process is complete,” she said.
Funding for the Healing Partnership — which was provided through a grant from the federal Antiterrorism Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP) — expires September 30. The group is seeking other sources of funding, including private donations and public funds, to continue its mission.
State Representative Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, represents the district where Tree of Life Synagogue is located. He said it was important to continue to support the partnership as the community is still grieving and recovering from the shooting.
Those interested in supporting the work of the 10.27 Healing Partnership should contact info@1027healingpartnership.org.
Ryan Deto is a Contributor to the Tribune Review. You can contact Ryan via email at rdeto@triblive.com or via Twitter.
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