Avondale launching Community Conversations series for building resilience

After introducing Michael Ungar and his teachings on resiliency in children to Avondale United Church, the church is partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Stratford, the Huron Perth-Centre of Children and Youth and the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth for a new series.

The first “Community Conversations: Building Resilience in Children, Youth and Adults,” will be held over Zoom on March 25. The event will start welcoming participants at 6 p.m. and start at 6:30 p.m.

The virtual event will begin with a short video featuring Ungar’s teachings, followed by participants discussing what they learned with their group in a break-out style session, and end with groups discussing what they learned and ask any questions they have for a mental health professional.

The event series follows other Avondale events featuring lessons on building resilience in children and youth from Ungar’s book I Still Love You and his list of nine things all children need to be resilient. In October 2025, Ungar himself had a virtual visit with Avondale United Church and members of the community.

“We know that one of the powerful things that he brings is his research and interest in why is it that some people somehow manage through great adversity,” said Terri Sparling, member of the Avondale congregation and retired CEO of the Huron Perth Centre for Children and Youth. “While much of his work is about kids and families, it's actually concepts that can be applied to adults as well. Instead of asking what is wrong in someone's situation, he's always looking for what has helped them." 

There will be two additional Community Conversations events scheduled at a later date this calendar year.

“Building resilience is a life-long endeavour. It is a skill that does not become obsolete at the age of 18,” said Avondale’s community engagement coordinator Aleah Graff. “Everyone could use tools in their resilience, whether they're eight years old or 80 years old, so hopefully making this a series, participants will learn a variety of skills through a variety of resources and a variety of professionals."

Online registration for the free event will be open until March 23 via https://tinyurl.com/3yx3eujj. For more information on the event, contact Graff by calling 519-271-7946.