LEWISTON, Maine — Thursday marks six months since the deadly mass shootings in Lewiston.
It's been a long healing and recovery process for those directly affected by the events on Oct. 25, Mainers in the Lewiston community, and individuals across the state.
The Maine Resiliency Center was established nearly three weeks later to provide a safe space for individuals and families to process what they witnessed that day, while supporting them as they continue to recover and heal.
“Trauma and grief like this isn’t something you just get over, it’s something you learn to live with," Maine Resiliency Center Director Danielle Parent said. "We’re seeing people at all stages of healing, certainly folks that are continuing to struggle, certainly folks that are forming new relationships and new social connections that are helping."
The center also hosts support groups for Mainers who witnessed the shootings, victims, and their friends and families. Parent said anyone who is from Lewiston or not is welcome to utilize its resources.
On Thursday night, the Center is hosting a "Commemoration Event" at 6:30 p.m. at Simard-Payne Memorial Park for a remembrance ceremony. The event will include remarks, moments of silence, and provide an opportunity to honor the lives of the 18 Mainers we lost.
There will be American Sign Language Interpretation at the event, according to a social media post by the City of Lewiston.
City officials are also encouraging people to wear blue for the ceremony and to place a light in their windows in solidarity with the tragedy that occurred six months ago.
Parent said these community events can also provide a great opportunity to help people heal and process their own grief.
"And the reality is that talking about it can be really helpful for individuals, so I think that any time you’re given the opportunity to check in with somebody who may be directly impacted, take advantage of that opportunity," she added.
Gov. Janet Mills issued the following statement honoring victims and survivors Thursday:
“Six months ago, the tightly woven fabric of Maine was torn apart by a horrific attack that robbed us of the lives of eighteen beloved people – our family, friends, and neighbors – leaving an immense hole in the heart of our state and in the hearts of their families and the survivors hurt by wounds both seen and unseen.
“As we mark the six-month anniversary of this terrible tragedy, we reaffirm our love and support for Lewiston, for the victims and their families, and for this precious place we call home, and we recommit ourselves to embracing and valuing one another, as imperfect as we may be, as we search for happiness in the short, blessed time we have here. Our hearts are still healing, and the road to healing is long, but we will continue to walk it together.”
Students within the Lewiston School Public School System were also encouraged to wear blue during school Thursday. Superintendent Jake Langlais told NEWS CENTER Maine the last six months have been "a cycle of extremes."
The high school was utilized by law enforcement as a staging area during the manhunt for the shooter, and exactly one week after the shootings, Lewiston hosted Edward Little High School for the annual 'Battle of the Bridge' football game.
It was an emotional moment for the "Twin Cities" as the large crowd was able to come together and honor local first responders. Another uplifting moment for the community came later last fall when the Lewiston boy's soccer team won their state championship game. The Lewiston boy's hockey team also won a state championship in March.
“We can remember the tragedy and the pain from it but we also have to recognize the strength that came out of it," Langlais said. "We truly are Lewiston strong."
There are still lingering effects in classrooms around the city, he added, and students and teachers are still dealing with a lot every day.
Langlias said it's been inspiring to see people looking out for each other, and even seeing students thinking about how their teachers are processing what happened.
"It’s okay to grieve, it’s hard to do, but you’ve got to do it because you can't just carry all this stuff every day," Langlais said.
The Maine Resiliency Center holds walk-in hours from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday and you can call to make appointments at 207-515-3930.