Focus on the Family offering support in Oregon

A group of counselors at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs are offering support to those affected by Thursday’s mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon.

Since Friday, counselors have been on the line taking calls. The director, Dr. Jared Pingleton came up with the idea because he says he knows how hard it can be for those involved to cope.

“Our goal is to reach out to hurting people in a very real and practical way,” said Pingleton.

Counselors have taken more than 100 calls on a daily basis.

“Many of them were connected to the victims by relation or acquaintance so there was a grateful response,” said Pingleton.

Pingleton says one call in particular sticks out the most.

“When we were reaching out to the superintendent, it was actually the parent of one of the victims that had been wounded. She was very appreciative and thankful and said our resources were helpful,” said Pingleton.

Counselors are also trying to help the entire community in Roseburg, Oregon by calling churches, schools and first responders.

“We’re trying to help people not just with their grief but to process the tragedy and trauma,” said Pingleton.

They say they’ll keep offering both resources and support, no matter the distance.

“Moving forward, were going to mobilize our team and in a very direct way whenever there’s ever future crisis or tragedies or disasters,” said Pingleton.

The line is open Monday through Friday to anyone who has been traumatized. You can call 1-800-a-family.