A Note on Collective Trauma from Bridge to Belong

Collective trauma occurs when a community or group experiences a shared event that disrupts not only individual lives but also the social fabric that holds the community together. It can result from acts of mass violence, war, displacement, or systemic oppression. Unlike personal trauma, which affects an individual, collective trauma lingers in the collective memory of a group, impacting relationships, culture, and a shared sense of safety and belonging.

Effects on Those Most Directly Impacted – For survivors, victims’ families, and first
responders, collective trauma often manifests as:

● Profound Grief & Loss – The pain of losing loved ones, community members, or a sense of personal safety.

● Disrupted Sense of Identity & Belonging – Feeling isolated or disconnected from one’s own life, work, or relationships.

● Hypervigilance & Anxiety – The world no longer feels safe, leading to heightened stress, fear, or avoidance of certain places and activities.

● Emotional & Physical Distress – Difficulty sleeping, recurring memories, deep sadness, or struggles with daily functioning.

The Ripple Effect: How Trauma Moves Through a Community – Even those not directly impacted feel the effects of collective trauma. It can show up in:

● A Fractured Social Fabric – A sense of division, tension, or loss of trust within the community.

● Heightened Fear & Uncertainty – People questioning their safety, their role in the community, or how to support one another.

● Compounded Stress in Service Providers – Educators, healthcare workers, and community leaders may experience burnout as they navigate their own emotions while trying to support others.

● Generational Impact – When trauma remains unaddressed, it can shape how future generations experience community, security, and belonging.

The Path to Collective Healing

While trauma has the power to isolate, healing has the power to reconnect. This is why projects like The Forget ME Not Project matter—not only as a way to process grief, but as an opportunity to rebuild trust, reclaim spaces for connection, and create something that honors loss while affirming life. Through shared storytelling, art, and intentional spaces for healing, we can begin to shift the weight of collective trauma toward collective renewal.

For more information, visit Bridge2belong.com.

Operated by Community Concepts

The Maine Resiliency Center (MRC) was established in response to the tragic mass shooting that occurred in Lewiston on October 25, 2023. It serves as a safe and welcoming space where individuals can find connection, support, and healing resources.

Many people impacted by significant trauma often face barriers to care and lack access to dedicated support. At the MRC, no formal diagnosis, lengthy intake process, or insurance is required. People and communities from across Maine are welcome and encouraged to access the free resources and support available.

Who We Serve

• Family, friends, and loved ones of individuals killed on October 25th
• Anyone present at either of the shootings
• First responders and medical personnel
• Any member of the community who feels impacted by these events

How We Support

Advocacy & Support 

1–to–1, family, and group services designed to provide people with the support they need to process trauma and grief. 

Education & Training 

Equipping survivors, their loved ones, first responders, and allied professionals with the knowledge and skills to better understand the impacts of trauma, increase awareness of community resources, and manage the effects of both direct and vicarious trauma. 

Community Connection 

Facilitated opportunities for people to connect with others who share similar experiences-through wellness activities, community events, and programs co-created with input from the people we serve.

Walk-in Hours: 3-6 PM Every Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

26 Chapel Street Lewiston, ME 04240 Parking Garage Level 3 

(207)-515-3930 

www.maineresiliencycenter.org/

@MaineResiliencyCenter