Conference Workshop Preview: Duplicating the Magdalene Model

In recent years, we have welcomed more than 1,000 visitors from Atlanta to Canada who have come to learn about duplicating the Magdalene model in their own communities. They've traveled to Nashville for our monthly education workshops and many of them have returned again and again to learn and share best practices. This circle has grown into a true movement with cities across the nation working together, sharing knowledge and adopting common strategies to help women and their communities recover and heal.  

At next month's Welcome to the Circle Conference, you will meet two of our favorite trailblazing kindred spirits, Kara Van de Carr and Mike Kinman. Hear firsthand how they are working to bring healing, recovery, housing and economic sustainability to women in New Orleans and St. Louis. 

Mike Kinman and St. Louis team in Nashville at a Magdalene & Thistle Farms Education Workshop in 2011

Learn how they are duplicating the Magdalene model while remaining true to what makes each of their respective communities unique. Eden House opened its doors last year in New Orleans and Magdalene St. Louis, with its board and 501c3 status in place, is in the process of hiring its first Executive Director. 

Kara Van de Carr, Magdalene graduate Clemmie Greenlee and summer intern Kiren at Eden House in New Orleans

For those of you who are social workers and LCPs, we are offering nine CEUs (continuing education units) sponsored by Mental Health Association of Middle TN and MTSU Department of Social Work. 

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all model for healing in this world, but we believe in sharing best practices with our neighbors and know that the widening of this circle represents what we can do standing together and not alone as witnesses to the truth that in the end, love is the most powerful force for change in the world. 

To learn about implementing the Magdalene model into your community and for more information on our first National Conference, go to welcometothecircle.org.