Town Hall Held to Help Those with Loved Ones in Areas Affected by Hurricane Melissa

Last night, students, faculty, and staff came together in Gaddy Atrium for a powerful town hall in support of those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. The gathering provided a space for reflection, emotional support, and collective action as the community rallied around those impacted by the storm.

The evening began with heartfelt words from Christopher Barto, Vice President for Compliance and Government Relations, who brought comforting words from President Marc Jerome that emphasized the importance of unity during challenging times. "As a community, as a university, we stand together as an extended family who cares for each other," he said. 

He meaningfully shared a quote from Jamaican Prime Minister Holness urging the Caribbean community to draw strength from faith, culture, and resilience. VP Barto echoed these sentiments, reaffirming Monroe's commitment to support all members of the community as they cope with the aftermath of the disaster.

Dr. Kameil Douglas next addressed the gathering, acknowledging the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean. She stressed that the town hall served two key purposes: to assess the immediate needs of those impacted and to mobilize the university’s resources in support of the affected members. “This is a time for us to come together as a unified body,” Dr. Douglas said. “We must work together to move from crisis to recovery.”

Emotional support was also a central theme of the evening. Vannett Coburn, Director of International Student Services, noted it was the toughest week in her 21 years at Monroe, but that she was grateful for the opportunity to be there for students and help them process their own feelings of grief, anxiety, and sadness. "Sitting with my students, holding them, and putting my own emotions aside just to make sure they’re okay  -- in spite of all the devastation that's happening -- I want you students to know that it was one of the greatest joys and I am always going to be here for you." She reminded international students that it's okay to feel guilty or overwhelmed, and that reaching out for help is a crucial step in healing.

Lorna Williams, a Monroe therapist, spoke about the importance of recognizing emotional distress and seeking support. She reminded attendees that it’s normal to experience feelings of anxiety, stress, or physical symptoms like difficulty sleeping or concentrating during such a crisis. "It’s okay to not be okay. But what’s not okay is not acknowledging it," Williams said. She also highlighted Monroe’s generous mental health services, including 15 free counseling sessions for enrolled students. "We are here for you, and it’s essential that you utilize the support available," she urged.

Urania Castaneda, faculty with the School of Criminal and Social Justice and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience in trauma-informed care, then led a series of deep-breathing exercises to help those in attendance better manage the stress they are feeling. 

The evening closed with a reminder of Monroe’s commitment to supporting its community and that nobody need face their pain alone. The event concluded with a call to action, encouraging attendees to complete a survey to help the University better understand the specific needs of affected students, staff, and faculty. Monroe is working to ensure its response is both thoughtful and effective, addressing the unique challenges those affected by the hurricane are facing.

For students in need of support, Monroe’s Health and Wellness Department is available to assist. Please reach out to Therapist Jessica Pollas (jpollas@monroeu.edu) for more information on the services provided or to schedule an appointment.

The University community is committed to moving forward together -- healing, rebuilding, and standing united in the face of adversity.