Our First JLD Community Support Circle Session

On Monday, November 10th, JLD Community Solutions held its very first JLD Community Support Circle — a safe space designed to bring healing, connection, and collective strength to individuals and families in Lexington, NC who have lost loved ones to gun violence.

Led by Alphonso Thomas of CHAMP Wellness, the evening centered on helping participants begin to shift their mindsets — introducing practical tools for self-awareness and personal growth. Alphonso reminded attendees that we think nearly 60,000 thoughts each day, and 95% are the same as the day before. The challenge? To start feeding our minds with new intel — knowledge, affirmations, and perspectives that help us heal and grow.

🌱 Areas of Focus for Whole-Person Wellness

The discussion focused on nurturing wellness across eight key areas:
Intellectual · Social · Environmental · Physical · Emotional · Occupational · Financial · Spiritual

Participants reflected on how small steps in each area can help move them toward balance and peace — and how caring for one dimension often helps strengthen the others.

🥊 Building a Personal Support Team

Alphonso also shared a powerful analogy: building your personal “support corner” like a boxer’s team in the ring.

• Trainer: Knows the rules and strategies to help you navigate challenges.
• Medic: Knows when it’s time to rest and helps you take needed breaks.
• Cutman: The encourager who believes you can still win, no matter how tough the fight.

This reminder reinforced that healing is not meant to be done alone — and that it’s okay to lean on those who want to see you succeed.

💬 What Participants Said

Feedback from attendees was deeply positive:

• All participants rated the session as Good or Excellent.
• Every participant said they would recommend the group to others and continue attending.
• Many noted that what felt most meaningful was feeling welcomed, supported, and not pressured to speak.

This feedback reaffirms that the Support Circle is meeting a vital need in our community — offering a space where people can breathe, connect, and know they are not alone.

Continuing the Journey

As we prepare for our next session, we’re excited to share that a special gift is planned for attendees — a small token of appreciation for their courage and commitment to healing.

We also encourage everyone to explore the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network (NCVAN), our incredible partner in this work. Download their Surviving Violent Crimes Handbook.

🧡 A Special Thank You!

Thank you to Southern Lunch for catering the meal for our first support group meeting. We appreciate you so much!