Pro Bono Referral Service to Aid Victims, Families of Parkland Shooting

Students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, have been back in classes for a week now hoping for some sense of normalcy. It is going to be a long road back to normal which is why Bradley University graduate, Les Gordon, sprung into action to make a difference in the lives of those impacted.

Reaching out to 25 of his colleagues, the licensed marriage and family therapist asked them to provide free services to the families of Parkland. Within three days, more than 150 licensed therapists, pediatricians, and psychiatrists (most of whom are highly trained in trauma and crisis treatment) signed on to join his cause. 

Among the group was class of 1980 alumnus Paul Dolnick, who is a licensed mental health counselor. Gordon earned his undergraduate degree in speech from Bradley in 1976 and a master’s degree in learning disabilities in 1978.

“The goal is to offer long-term care, not just a one-time appointment,” said Gordon, whose caseload includes many of the students and their families from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. “We expect to see the need for counseling pick up in the weeks after students try to return to some semblance of normalcy.”

The group, Professionals United for Parkland, has opened a referral line and is active on Facebook. The intent is to unite professionals who specialize in supporting our community through grief, loss, and trauma, including:

- free service referral phone line for the public
- general community support groups being offered
- specialized groups for Parkland community being offered
- community resources for Parkland
- resources for therapists on grief/trauma/crisis treatment
- school district policies/procedures