“A compassionate ear.” “The greatest understanding.” “The reason I am the whole person I am today.” These are the kinds of things that have been said about therapists who work at Rose Brooks Center. But more specifically, they are all the things that have been said about one in particular – Erin Langhofer.
Becoming a therapist is often a rewarding and fulling career choice, but it is also a challenging one. They help others move through some of their deepest times of need, and for therapists at Rose Brooks Center, that also involves the complexities of working with someone who has experienced domestic violence.
When you work with survivors and victims of violence, it requires a deeper assessment of an individual’s safety and risks, a better understanding of the systems in which victims find themselves navigating, and many other complex emotional issues. For these reasons, the therapists who are part of Rose Brooks’ Clinical Program are some of the most cherished people in the eyes of survivors.
In August of this year, we lost Erin Langhofer to gun violence when she was hit by a stray bullet at a popular community event in Kansas City. As you read the letter from Erin’s family on the other side of this insert, you not only begin to understand the enormity of this loss, but the extreme gratitude Erin’s family feels by the community’s outpouring of love and understanding. “We at Rose Brooks Center share in their gratitude,” adds Rose Brooks Center’s CEO, Susan Miller. “We miss Erin terribly and thank the community for supporting the work of Rose Brooks in her honor. As a therapist and shelter support advocate, she was committed to bringing hope to others, and that hope will live on because of your kindness.”
Erin was a dedicated and gifted therapist who was completely invested in her work. Staff recall Erin’s ability to light up a room and for many, was the team member who brought everyone together. It was not uncommon to see Erin sitting outside enjoying a brief break or lunch, and before long others would gather to join her. For those she served, she was this and more – often tailoring her process to meet the client’s needs in the most supportive way. This was the power of her light and one of the reasons her legacy will live on.
For those who gave in Erin’s memory, you are now part of her legacy. A legacy that will continue by supporting the mission and programs she served, with enhancements made in the very building she worked. Because of the kindness of both strangers and those who knew her well, Rose Brooks therapists and staff will continue to help others who need the healing and safety of Rose Brooks Center. One individual who gave in Erin’s memory may have said it best: “Thank you Rose Brooks for continuing to help the many people that Erin didn’t get the chance to touch yet through her bright light on this Earth, but I know her legacy will be continued on through all of you.”
To that, we all respectfully say thank you.
The Clinical Program: Offering therapy services that help empower adult and child survivors to reclaim their lives through the complex healing process. To read more: https://www.rosebrooks.org/services/emergency-safety-and-support/