photo by: Journal-World File

In this file photo from March 30, 2017, Matt Sturtevant, Justice Matters member and chair of the city's Affordable Housing Advisory Board, asked Vice Mayor Stuart Boley and City Commission Lisa Larsen about their commitment to affordable housing at the third annual Nehemiah Action Assembly.

Justice Matters will hold its annual Nehemiah Action Assembly on May 5 in Lawrence.

The assembly is to rally community support for key justice initiatives, with a particular focus this year on youth trauma.

The event is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 200 McDonald Drive.

According to a news release from the group, the event will bring together hundreds of Lawrence/Douglas County residents to demonstrate support for addressing youth trauma, “aiming to implement strategies that promote resilience among young people in our community.”

In Douglas County, over 4,000 children and 24,000 adults have experienced significant trauma, defined as three or more Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, according to the release.

“Without proper education, screening, treatment, and support services, these individuals and their families are unable to mitigate the harmful effects of trauma, leading to long-term health and social consequences,” the release said. “Justice Matters aims to address the root causes of youth trauma and provide long-term solutions to ensure every child in our community feels safe and loved.”

The assembly will also feature updates on the group’s work to increase the elder care workforce and to end chronic homelessness. The assembly will feature testimony from those directly affected by these issues.