By John Hayden

Medical professionals, police, staffers at non-profits, and more keep the world running. They always prioritize the health and well being of others, often at their own expense. That’s in the best of times. Throw in a pandemic and isolation, it takes a harder toll on some. It’s not something that ‘just happens.’ It builds gradually, and no doubt you’ve seen it in others or experienced it yourself. 

Now, Moving Forward is launching trauma-informed wellness training to community clinics and non-profits.

“The idea is that by supporting our professional caregivers, we can prevent burnout and prevent sanctuary trauma for their clients,” says Elizabeth Davis, best known as Coach Kitty. “We train, coach, and help plan for sustainable, trauma-informed wellness in the workplace to benefit the staff and help prevent sanctuary trauma for their clients. We can do this one on one, in groups, by department, or service/management levels. Whatever the agency needs.”

According to Davis, burnout is more common than ever, yet people don’t do self-care. She stresses that people shouldn’t minimize their own trauma and that help isn’t a zero sum game, and wants people to take a step back, take a deep breath, and love themselves. 

“We look for the low hanging fruit,” she says. “Another Moving Forward value. We can’t change anyone. What we can do is provide space, resources, and a soft place to land when looking to make a change. We guide people to see the easiest places for them to make a change for themselves, when they are ready and go from there. We do this with compassion, curiosity, humor, and love.”

As a member of the queer community, Davis says part of healing means looking at our everyday lives from a new perspective, like putting the ‘T’ first in LGBTQIA+. 

“It’s 2022 and about time,” she exclaims. “Visibility and active support are important. Our trans and nonbinary siblings suffer the most because of our culture and systems. They are under direct attack by every aspect of our larger community and every aspect of policy making. It’s the right thing to do.”

Part of the healing is expression through art, and Moving Forward is launching the program with HIE Art, which stands for Healing Inspiration Expression. Davis and company are hosting the launch event at Richardson Park in Wilton Manors on Saturday, September 24, 2022. 

“Every artist has an opportunity for passive income, and we get to associate Moving Forward programs with art and keep the connection between art and wellness front of mind,” she says. “HIE Art participants have their own page on the Moving Forward site. When you click on the art, it goes to our vendor page, where people can order the art on T-shirts, tote bags, and canvas. The split is 75/25 to the artist. They maintain 100 percent control of their work. The only requirement for the artist is that they believe in the Moving Forward mission.” 

The exhibit will be an eclectic mix of exhibits and a much needed snack to cool off. There will be entertainment, books, and art for sale, as well as proficient community resources, fitness and dance demos, mini yoga classes, and a catered artist reception. 

As a trauma-informed wellness coach, Davis believes good business and employee health go hand in hand. 

“I started in grassroots community organizing in Detroit, working on community reinvestment with banks and insurance redlining,” she explains. “It taught me about systems, how racism is embedded, and that they profit from racist practices. In the late 90’s, I co-owned a coffeehouse called the Lavender Moon Cafe, which was all about the connection between wellness, community, and art in all forms. We held the very first Detroit Gay Pride celebration and literally had to fight city hall because they didn’t have a clue what Pride was or what it was about.”