INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two local organizations are joining forces to provide trauma-informed support for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter of the Christian Theological Seminary and Tyla Ayers of We Bloom, an organization focused on healing, empowerment, and transformation, are partnering to create safe spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can engage in recovery practices. They joined News 8’s Jeremy Jenkins on Daybreak to talk about their joint venture.

Through a grant from Faith and Action, a project of the seminary, Buchleiter’s Coalition for Peace and Restoration is collaborating with We Bloom and the Recovery Café to develop programming and training for both local and national Recovery Cafés.

“Why now? That’s a question I ask myself nearly every morning,” Buchleiter said. “The need for recovery, the presence of trauma, and experiences of trauma within the community are increasing. Just being able to engage in a healing process is kind of the counter-narrative that we’re trying to launch.”

The program is open to all.

“Anyone who self-identifies with the queer community or has family or connections…can come into this program,” Buchleiter said. “There are no financial barriers to get into the program or to the Recovery Café.”

Ayers emphasized the importance of community support as the organizations prepare for an upcoming fundraiser. “I feel the love, just like you started out saying, you feel the love today,” she said. “The purpose of the event is really just to spread love and show love, give love and receive love from people who support our mission.”

We Bloom’s sixth annual Fueling the Love Breakfast will be held Thursday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Cinderwood Event Center. Tickets are free, and donations are welcome.

“So far, we have about 150 registrations and have raised about $25,000,” Ayers said. “We hope to match that amount at the event.”

For more information on the event, click here.

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