As a member agency for providers that address both child abuse and neglect as well as children’s mental health issues, Benchmarks is always elevating these issues and their impacts on the community. These two issues are the focus of annual national awareness month activities during the months of April and May. April is National Child Abuse Prevention month, which recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. May is Mental Health...

To all of you, who, like me, love this website and want to see it and its communities flourish as we work to prevent and heal trauma; build resiliency: please know there is a move afoot by a small group of strategic partners to find a suitable host for PACEs Connection. More will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, friends, we are figuring out email addresses and other communications logistics and opportunities. PEACE! Carey Sipp, former director of strategic partnerships ...

As Benchmarks concludes its role in the Pathways to Permanency project, the focus turns to ensuring the project’s continued success and impact. Through a robust consultation process, Benchmarks has developed resources to empower Vaya and its stakeholders to carry forward the project's mission and deliverables effectively. At the heart of this conclusion lies a triad of tools: an overarching project report, sustainability guide for staff, and sustainability considerations for leadership.

In late 2023, recognizing the prevalence of trauma among the youth in their care, Alexander County leadership took proactive steps to address this pressing issue. Collaborating with Benchmarks, they embarked on a journey to equip their Department of Social Services (DSS) staff and foster parents with the tools and knowledge necessary to support these vulnerable individuals effectively. Understanding the profound impact of unaddressed trauma on young lives, Alexander County DSS sought to...