Asking clients to talk about their challenges can be difficult, painful and stressful for those who work with people experiencing homelessness. Finding solutions to address these very complex issues requires service workers to develop a mutual understanding of how to problem solve collaboratively across agencies.
Recognizing this, the leaders of 12 local homeless service agencies have come together to bring nationally-recognized trainer Beth Wonson, to San Luis Obispo.
Spearheaded by Janna Nichols, Executive Director of 5Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC), more than 100 staff will join together to work with Wonson to strengthen communication and collaboration for homeless service providers throughout the county.
From senior executives to line staff, attendees will work together to develop their skills and build cross-community relationships. Those attending include representatives from 5Cities Homeless Coalition, CAPSLO, ECHO, SLO Food Bank, Housing Authority of SLO County, The Link, Lumina Alliance, Restorative Partners, Salvation Army, Shower the People, SLO Legal Assistance Foundation, Transitions-Mental Health Association, and Department of Social Services.
The training is scheduled for May 8-12 and will focus on developing a common language and tools for emotional self-management, conflict resolution, collaboration, and strategies for building trust and connection.
“I am especially grateful for the vision and leadership of our sponsors in helping us bring this training to our community,” Nichols said. “If not for the support of the Community Foundation, CenCal Health, First 5 Commission, must! Charities, the County of San Luis Obispo, and 5Cities Homeless Coalition, through a grant from the Bank of America Foundation, we would not have been able to leverage this training to support so many staff or the breadth of agencies both large and small. I am especially excited to have such a broad cross-section of community services coming together.”
Navigating Challenging Dialogue® is a communication and conflict tool developed by former SLO County resident Beth Wonson. Wonson has been training nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations to use the strategies of the NCD approach to reduce drama, increase collaboration, and navigate conflict since 2015. She is a well-known communication expert, coach, and speaker and has published two books that focus on helping organizations and leaders communicate with clarity.
“I was so taken by everyone’s commitment to bring this training to the Central Coast. My mission is to help people learn to have tough conversations in healthy ways so that together we can solve the complex problems facing us as a society. Homelessness and the impact on communities and individuals is one of those complex challenges. I love SLO County and am grateful for the opportunity to work with those invested what is one of the most complex social challenges we face,” Wonson said.
For more information on the training or how you can support this initiative, contact Janna Nichols at [email protected]. For more information on Navigating Challenging Dialogue, reach out to Beth Wonson at [email protected] or visit ncdsolution.com.