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Welcome to the KCIT CONNECTION
Quarterly Update
July, August, September 2025
A way to connect and share updates about the work we do across PA
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Annual Volunteer Meeting
Camp Hill, PA
KCIT's annual Volunteer Meeting took place in Camp Hill, on July 16th. We had 30 volunteers attend, over half the team. The day started with an Advisory Committee meeting in the morning, followed by a training from Dr. Toya Jones in the afternoon, ending with networking time to connect to fellow volunteers, staff, and Dr. Jones.
Attendees found the training presented, "How Racialized Trauma Takes Root: The Generational and Systemic Impact of Racism" to be informative and engaging. Some survey responses from attendees:
-"The trainer was excellent. She was a very dynamic speaker and did a great job at highlighting an uncomfortable topic impacting race and diversity and provided real life examples of how those things intersect in our professional and personal lives."
-"I liked her energy and broad range of experience. I learned some nuances of intergenerational trauma from her content, as well as resources to do follow up research on my own. Also, I appreciated the impromptu nature of having her husband speak rather than a video."
| | | | Staff and Volunteers connect over dinner after the Volunteer Meeting | |
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KCIT Trainings
Our final Group Crisis Intervention Training took place in September, with 18 participants certified. We look forward to getting started again in 2026, and if you would like to be on the mailing list to stay informed about our trainings as they are scheduled, please utilize this link: Sign me up for 2026 mailing.
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KCIT's Training and Outreach Specialist, Beth Fyffe (formerly Coutts) presented at one RASA/VOJO regional meeting.
Beth Fyffe, in partnership with Angela Keen, presented the training "Tools to Empower Victims of Crime in Various Settings" at PCCD's Pathways Conference. Systems and Community based advocates explored the neurobiology of trauma and crisis and acquired tools for trauma-informed crisis response and rapport building to better support crime survivors in a variety of settings like legal/court accompaniment, crisis calls, communal living environments, and medical advocacy.
KCIT was invited to conduct an advance training on Validating Trauma for the US Army in Carlisle. Beth presented to approximately 30 people in person and more than 250+ virtually, both domestic and international.
| | Pathways Conference, September 2025 | |
KCIT At Pathways 2025
KCIT attended PCCD's Pathways for Victim Services Conference in September at the Kalahari Resort in the Poconos.
We provided Companioning Support for attendees, networked and shared information about KCIT at our table, Beth Fyffe presented a training with volunteer Angela Keen, and many KCIT Volunteers in attendance reconnected and spent important time together in the waterpark!
This year coincided with the remembrance of 9/11 and featured a keynote from the Sandy Hook Promise organization. Violence in the country also made headlines that week, leading to an emotionally complex and sometimes activating event. KCIT volunteers provided multiple individual interventions over the course of the conference, and many expressed their gratitude for our presence. Thank you to our volunteers!
Thank you to Danie Loewen for the creation of the 'KCIT Support' sign!
Not pictured but part of the support team, Keeley Rosenthal and Michelle Wade.
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9/11 Tribute at Pathways
PCCD honored 9/11 victims and responders at their conference this year, and after remarks from Kathy Buckley a version of KCIT's video was shown to attendees. KCIT's response to the Shanksville Community was a swift and impactful deployment for volunteers involved, and they generously shared their stories from that time. View the video below or follow this link.
| | | 2025 Pathways | Remembering September 11th, 2001 | |
KCIT Connections
PCCD's Pathfinder Awards honored Alice Paul House this year for their Program of the Year Award.
Huge Congratulations to our long-time volunteers, advisors, and partners in Indiana County!
The Alice Paul House is a lifeline of support for survivors of domestic violence in Indiana County, offering emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and community education that address immediate safety needs while promoting long-term healing and independence. Known for its close-knit staff and volunteers, the organization creates a safe, welcoming environment where survivors feel supported and valued, while also fostering professional growth for those who are employed there. By prioritizing survivor-centered care and collaboration, the Alice Paul House has built a model of effective support that strengthens the local safety net and inspires programs across Pennsylvania.
To watch the video and hear from Alice Paul House: Click Here
| | September 2025 Volunteer Spotlight | | Our quarterly Spotlight series featured Danie Loewen for a fun conversation on her involvement with KCIT and her background in victim services. Click to watch the video above, or check it out on our YouTube channel. There are 19 volunteers featured in our Spotlight playlist, meaning there is plenty of content to catch up on if you're new to the series! | |
Helpful. Hopeful.
Fred Rogers once said, “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.” He believed that even life’s most difficult moments become easier when we talk about them, because those conversations remind us that we are not alone.
Source- Fred Rogers Institute and Newsletter
Beth Fyffe reminded us of the power of Mr. Rogers this year. When asked for an 'ethical role model' during a training, she immediately shared his name with her neighbor for the day, Kelsey Dellaporte. (Who had been stumped on their own person and grew up watching him!)
Two generations of Mr. Rogers fans sat at the table together, reminiscing and admiring the man that he was, the person he chose to be. Beth recently gave a training on Validating Trauma, and included his quote, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." Fred's mother told him this in response to his fear. His overwhelming feelings as a child seeing the news which reported scary things. The news may still report scary things, but we're grateful to the helpers, and those who carry hope in their hearts. They are always there for us to look to.
We hope you take some time to think about your sources of hope and inspiration, and support yourself as you need through challenging times.
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