TONIGHT: Community gathering in Bend to focus on healing after Silver Rail Elementary shooting

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A community gathering in Bend tonight will bring students, parents, school staff and community members together to discuss healing and recovery following the deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School.

The event, titled “Let’s Talk About How We Heal,” is scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Hop Mahal at Worthy Brewing, located at 495 NE Bellevue Drive in Bend.

The gathering will feature Frank Zenere, Ed.S., a school psychologist and national crisis responder who spent 31 years on the crisis team for Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Zenere has helped communities recover following major tragedies, including the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Uvalde and the Pulse nightclub, as well as the Sept. 11 attacks and natural disasters.

Organizers say the conversation will focus on helping children and adults cope with trauma, recognizing behavioral struggles early, navigating challenges ahead, understanding the path to recovery and wellness, and discussing prevention strategies for families and schools.

Community members are encouraged to bring their questions, concerns, and personal experiences.

For those who need immediate support, organizers recommend calling or texting 988 or contacting the Deschutes County Crisis Line at 541-322-7500, extension 9.