In the historical novel, A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway made a significant observation regarding trauma and resiliency. He wrote “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are stronger in the Broken Places.” These very words inspired Roger Weisberg, writer, producer and director, to create a unique film that reexamined four decades of film footage in relation to the impact of toxic stress on children.
Thus, the film, Broken Places, was produced by Weisberg who invited the viewer into the lives of three families demonstrating how some people are really damaged by toxic stress and trauma, while others are able to thrive. The film explores this concept and challenges the audience to consider how to effectively prevent and treat toxic stress and break the cycle of adversity and disease. The film relies on experts to explain how childhood adversity effects the brains of young children and clearly depicts that childhood interventions strengthen resilience.
Many community members from Cleveland County, North Carolina accepted an invitation to view Broken Places at an event hosted by Benchmarks’ Partnering for Excellence and Cleveland County Healthcare Foundation on November 19th. Following the film, a group of four panelists with various areas of expertise were available to answer questions moderated by Dick Baker, executive director of the Healthcare Foundation of Cleveland County. The panelists included representatives from Cleveland County Schools, Cleveland County Department of Social Services, Children’s Homes of Cleveland County, Alexander Youth Network, and a foster alumnus. In addition, Cleveland County Government championed the event through promotion and support.
The panelist stressed how protective factors in children’s lives were the notable difference they have observed in the ability for individuals to be resilient. Explained best by the words of Felicia, a thriving and resilient young woman who is an alumnus of the foster care system, “Be the ONE.” She explained that one person made the difference in her life and she knows one person can be the difference in a child’s ability to acknowledge their trauma, receive trauma focused therapy and break the cycle of intergenerational trauma. She was very inspirational to the audience when she expressed how she is now paying forward by being the “one” for her younger sibling.
Community leaders concur that Cleveland County is now stronger after viewing Broken Places and look forward to taking the next steps in the journey to promote resilience among individuals and communities.
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