LEWISTON — City councilors directed staff Tuesday evening to work with the Maine Resiliency Center to determine the ongoing needs of victims, families and survivors of the mass shooting on Oct. 25, 2023.

The move came after a presentation Tuesday from the Maine Resiliency Center detailing its services and experiences working with those affected by the shootings. 

“The needs of those who are impacted are vast and (individual). … I think it’s impossible to really know the needs of everybody who’s impacted, (but) I can tell you that my understanding of the impact is much deeper than it ever was,” said Danielle Parent, director of the MRC.

The presentation was requested after councilors tabled a resolution at a previous meeting calling for an assessment of the ongoing needs of those affected by the shootings. 

The resolution from Ward 2 Councilor Susan Longchamps proposed an assessment or survey conducted “in a manner that is respectful and mindful of the privacy, dignity and well-being of all participants.”

Its purpose, the resolution said, was to inform future discussions and collaboration about how to address hardships.

The proposal raised concerns among council members about the legal uncertainties of city staff compiling personal information that might be subject to public information laws. Councilors determined that the solution would be partnering with a local agency like the MRC.

Parent told councilors Tuesday the organization would be willing to conduct an assessment that could be compiled into a summary report protecting respondents’ information.

The center, which is guided by a victim and survivor advisory committee, is a hub for those impacted by the shootings at Schemengee’s Bar & Grille and Just-In-Time Recreation, including the families and friends of those killed, those present that night at those locations, first responders, medical personnel, and others affected by the violence and its aftermath.

Operated by Community Concepts, the center opened 19 days after the mass shooting occurred, the second fastest opening of a resiliency center in the United States, Parent said.

Since then, she said, MRC staff have learned much about what can be done to support the victims, families and survivors, and what needs remain unmet.

“From a green laser to a popping balloon, we watch people struggle with the array of emotions that are brought on by the subsequent media and public response, and a particular need of being able to find qualified, skilled, willing providers to support them,” Parent told the council.

Proposed language for the agreement between the city and MRC for the needs assessment will be presented to the council at its next meeting April 6.

The MRC is located at 581 Sabattus St. and offers walk-in hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3-6 p.m. Appointments can be made at other times by calling 207-515-3930.