Building Bridges & Exploring Shared Challenges

October 8-9, 2025

American Bible Society

101 North Independence Mall East FL8 Philadelphia, PA 19106

A two-day gathering for Connection, Learning & Collaboration for organizations working to help survivors of trauma from around the world

Build relationships and understanding of each other’s work

Explore shared challenges and systemic gaps in the trauma healing space

Identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation

Lay a foundation for the future

8:30 - 9:00 AM Arrival & Welcome
A light breakfast with opening prayer and a Scriptural reflection on healing
9:00 - 9:30 AM Setting the Stage
Hosts will frame the topics and flow, and have participants introduce themselves and purpose of their work
9:30 - 10:30 AM Understanding Our Work fireside chat
Panelists will share insights from their approaches to trauma healing in various contexts
10:30 - 10:45 AM Break
10:45 - 12:00 PM What We Wish Others Knew
Small group breakout discussion and come back together for sharing from each group
12:00 - 1:30 PM Lunch & Table Conversations
1:30 - 2:15 PM Mapping Our Landscape
After placing our work on a spectrum, participate in facilitated discussions in where do we overlap and where do we diverge?
2:15 - 3:30 PM Identifying Common Challenges
An exercise to identify major challenges gives way to small group conversations exploring the top emerging challenges
3:30 - 3:45 PM Break
3:45 - 4:30 PM Reflections & Looking to Tomorrow
Explore what stood out from the day’s discussion and identify what we are drawn to
What stood out from today’s discussions?
What do we feel drawn to explore further?
Closing prayer for discernment & collaboration
5:30 PM Optional Dinner Gathering

9:00 AM Arrival & Morning Devotional
Scripture-based reflection on resilience and healing
9:00 - 10:30 AM Digging Deeper into Key Themes
Choose a breakout based on Day 1’s identified challenges to discuss what is working, what are the gaps, and one area for which we feel called to focus
10:30 - 10:45 AM Break
10:45 - 12:00 PM Exploring Collaboration
Identify where we naturally align and what would be helpful for staying connected
12:00 - 1:30 PM Lunch & Connection
1:30 - 2:30 PM What Would Help Us Continue?
Decide what form of follow up will keep us connected and moving together
2:30 - 3:00 PM Final Reflection and Prayer