Rev. Paul Abernathy is an Orthodox priest who works with trauma-affected communities in Pittsburgh, PA. Right now, Rev. Abernathy is mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on his community by organizing “community health deputies,” battling food insecurity, and making medical care available to people in isolation through telemedicine. Rev. Abernathy serves as chief executive of Neighborhood Resilience Project, an organization that focuses on trauma-informed community building.

We cover what inspired the founding of his organization, how trauma affects neighborhoods, and how his faith impacts the way he sees his work and community.

• Community trauma: trauma becomes foundational for a neighborhood’s worldview
• Trauma-informed community development
• Telemedicine and caring for people in isolation
• Community health deputies: building resilience among community members
• Battling food insecurity
• An epidemiological approach to gun violence
• Trauma-affected communities and overwhelmed institutions
• Physical isolation vs. social isolation
• Micro-communities
• Good neighbor fund: communities addressing tragedy together
• Community as a reflection of the Gospel: be one as Christ and the Father are one
• Letting the good news inform your work
• Supporting Neighborhood Resilience Project

Links:

Neighborhood Resilience Project Website 

Neighborhood Resilience Project volunteer application

Neighborhood Resilience Project Facebook

The Way of a Pilgrim book