The New River Valley (NRV) Resiliency Network is a fantastic example of the importance of a trauma-informed response to your network itself. When the pandemic hit in March, many of us were forced to halt business-as-usual and imagine different approaches to our work and our daily lives. Andi Golusky, executive director of NRV CARES, is the NRV Resiliency Network Co-Coordinator with James Pritchett, Executive Director of New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS). Andi describes the time the network paused from March to late summer as “a deep breath rather than a hiatus,” which is a wonderfully helpful framework. On an individual level, taking a deep breath can help calm the nervous system and help resilience. Our collective networks may also benefit from a deep breath now and again, especially as so many of us work in organizations that directly deal with trauma and may at times be overwhelmed.
NRV CARES and NRVCS are the backbone agencies of the NRV Resiliency Network and collaborate on the path forward for the network. Working collaboratively rather than competitively is one of the network’s core values, and they prioritize getting information out as widely as possible through various available channels. For example, Radford University recently received grants centered on trauma-informed care and are conducting trainings, so they were invited to be part of the NRV Resiliency Network to collaborate and share their work.
As NRV Resiliency Network is relatively new and volunteer-run, Andi and James are focused on intentionality as they grow, using organizational assessments to get baseline information about the needs of their communities and what kind of interest organizations and individuals have in participating in the network. This mindful approach is both strategic and trauma-informed, helping to build a resilient foundation for the network.
The NRV Resiliency Network serves the city of Radford and the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski. The network includes roughly 15-20 agencies committed to a more resilient region.
FACT Emergency Funds Grant - Info Session
It’s time to begin working on your applications for the next round of funding. We are hosting an information session with Nicole Poulin (FACT) on Tuesday February 9 from 10am-11am for any TICN who is interested in applying for this important funding opportunity. This is your time to ask questions and get clarity on the process.Join the Zoom here.
Catch up on the 2021 Legislative Session with Voices for Virginia's Children! Read about Trauma-Informed & Equity-Informed Policy Solutions, Funding Community Networks Through The Family & Children’s Trust Fund, and the Campaign for a Trauma-Informed VA: Racial Truth & Reconciliation Advocacy Day, which took place on January 25. You can read even more updates on special topics and legislation on the Voices blog.
As part of Black History Month, Black HIS*Story Week will celebrate the stories, resilience and varied accomplishments of Black men and youth throughout the Greater Richmond region. The event will take place February 22-28 and include daily community events on a range of topics, from mental health to business. Visit the event website to see a more comprehensive schedule - and keep checking back as more resources will be added!
Mobilizing Action for Resilient Communities (MARC) has launched a new podcast featuring network leaders using the science of ACEs and trauma to build a just, healthy and resilient world. Click on any of the links below to listen and learn!
Episode 1: Effective Network Leadership
Episode 2: The Role of a Backbone Organization
Episode 3: Using Data to Effect Change
Read about seven ways adults can help build a child’s resilience during the pandemic (and long after it ends), such as labeling difficult emotions and setting brave goals.
'The Hill We Climb'
In case you missed it: watch National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman read her incredibly moving poem of hope and resilience.
February 2, 1:00pm-2:00pm | An Introduction to Child Trauma
February 4, 1:00pm-6:00pm | Racialized Trauma and Child Well-Being: Powerful Insights and Practical Tools for Healing
February 9, 8:00pm-9:00pm | Self-Love Yoga
Resilience Week VA 2021 will take place May 2-8! Stay tuned for information about this year's events.
Visit the recap video from Resilience Week VA 2020 to review last year's successes!
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). Serving the U.S. and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who—through interpreters—provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources for children and caregivers. All calls are anonymous and confidential.
Mental Health America of Virginia's Warm Line is a peer-run service for individuals, family members, and other concerned parties in Virginia who would like someone to talk to, or who request community mental health resources, or who have specific questions about their recovery journey. Call 1-866-400-6428, Mon-Fri 9am-9pm and Sat-Sun 5pm-9pm.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 support for survivors and their loved ones. Call 1-800-799-7233, use the website's live chat function, or text LOVEIS to 22522. They also provide services for those who are deaf and hard of hearing.
SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) offers a Disaster Distress Helpline for immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. For services in both English and Spanish, call 1-800-985-5990. To connect with a trained crisis counselor, text TalkWithUs (for English) or Hablanos (for Spanish) to 66746.
Please feel free to share any resources or events that you would like to see in the next eNote by replying to this one or emailing Charlotte Eure at ceure@grscan.com.
For questions and support, contact:
Melissa McGinn, MSW, LCSW
State Trauma Informed Community Networks Coordinator
mmcginn@grscan.com
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