Wadadli Healing Symposium 2026: A Strategic Framework for Generational Healing
An initiative of the Jane E Toussaint Foundation, equipping our communities with culturally resonant, evidence-based tools to overcome historical trauma and build a resilient future.
October 6th and 7th, 2026
Shape the Future: Take the SurveyAbout the Jane E. Toussaint Foundation
The Jane E Toussaint Foundation, which was founded by the Underwood Family in memory of the family's matriarch, is committed to advancing the mental, emotional, and social well-being of Antiguans and Barbudans. We know that sustainable national progress requires addressing the root causes of our societal challenges rather than just the symptoms.
By bridging the gap between empirical research and community action, we develop strategic initiatives that empower our people and transform our collective future. We focus on continuous learning, applying rigorous data to create actionable solutions for our communities.
Meet the Headliner: Dr. Joy DeGruy
We are proud to present our keynote speaker, Dr. Joy DeGruy, a globally recognized researcher, educator, and author. Dr. DeGruy will share extensive insights from her pioneering work on Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS).
Her empirical research provides a vital framework for understanding how centuries of systemic oppression and inherited trauma continue to influence behaviours, family dynamics, and mental health in the present day. By examining these historical realities with clarity and academic rigour, she provides actionable pathways for profound healing, cultural reclamation, and the dismantling of destructive generational cycles.
Our Four Core Pillars
Mental Health and Healing
We move beyond imported Western therapeutic models to develop culturally adapted interventions. This track focuses on integrating historical context, local idioms, and evidence-based clinical practices to better serve our population.
Youth Development
We provide strategies to empower the next generation. This pillar focuses on building emotional intelligence, positive cultural identity, and practical life skills to ensure our young people thrive in a competitive landscape.
Parent Engagement
We equip families with the tools to break negative inherited disciplinary habits. This area focuses on fostering supportive family structures and promoting healthy, constructive communication between generations.
Male Engagement
We address the specific challenges facing men in our society. This track promotes active male leadership in community healing, redefining strength, and building networks of positive mentorship.
Shape the Strategy: Take the Baseline Survey
We rely on precise, front-line intelligence to drive our programming. To ensure the Wadadli Healing Symposium directly addresses the most urgent needs of our community, we are conducting a comprehensive baseline assessment.
The current surveys for the Mental Health and Healing and Youth Development tracks must be completed by April 29th to ensure your insights shape our strategic direction. Additional surveys for Parent Engagement and Male Engagement will be launched in May, expanding opportunities for further input and collaboration.
Your insights will dictate the clinical and developmental frameworks we build. We urgently require data from professionals and stakeholders aligned with our primary tracks.
Please select your area of expertise and complete the assessment to secure your role in shaping this initiative:
Mental Health and Healing Track
For Clinical Practitioners and Therapists: Contribute your professional observations to the Mental Health and Healing track.
Start Mental Health SurveyDeadline: April 29th
Youth Development Track
For Educators, Social Workers, Youth Advocates, and Young People: Provide your frontline intelligence and lived experiences to the Youth Development track.
Start Youth Development SurveyDeadline: April 29th
Confidentiality and Data Privacy
Your data is strictly confidential and will serve as the foundation for our symposium's strategic agenda. We thank you for your commitment to advancing our nation's well-being.
We maintain strict adherence to professional research ethics and global data privacy standards. All survey responses are strictly confidential and will be analyzed and reported exclusively in an aggregate format. No individual will be identifiable.