Building Bridges: How Community Transforms Lives with NJCTS

Joining me this week are two incredible guests from the NJCTS Community Connections program: Peyton Estabrook, a long-time participant, and Alina Lawas Osborn, the program coordinator. In this episode, we discuss how creating safe spaces for people with Tourette Syndrome can foster connection, reduce isolation, and empower individuals to thrive. From the challenges of starting new communities to the creative solutions that bring people together, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone looking to build or find a community of their own. 

Episode Highlights:

[0:29] - Introducing Peyton and Alina: leaders in community building at NJCTS.
[2:20] - Alina shares how she came full circle from a Community Connections member to program coordinator.
[5:18] - Peyton talks about overcoming self-consciousness and the value of finding a safe space.
[8:14] - How connecting with others in marginalized groups fosters empowerment and strength.
[11:18] - Zoom meetings versus in-person events: the strengths and limitations of each format.
[13:11] - Strategies for building community in the digital age and the decline of “third spaces.”
[19:04] - Ideas for improving virtual community events, including breakout groups and “fast friends” sessions.
[27:11] - Finding hope and resilience through community and learning from others’ experiences.
[30:29] - Alina’s advice for approaching new groups with curiosity and breaking patterns of isolation.
[36:03] - Final reflections on building community as an ongoing, collaborative process.

Links & Resources:

 Guests:

• Alina Lawas Osborn - Program Coordinator for NJCTS
• Peyton Estabrook - Community Connections member

The next community connections is on December 16 at 7pm ET. Listeners can register here: https://njcts.org/event/community-connections-for-adults-with-ts-10/ 

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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