A few weeks ago I was at a big kickoff event for a new county-wide project to address what our communities feel are the biggest concerns we face. It definitely had its moments and I was all eyes and ears ready to absorb new info and be inspired by the power of coming together for a purpose. One of the last things that I heard that morning was to show the promise of next steps – the speaker said that basically in order to do anything meaningful – you, of course, need a building which – good...

Wonderful post Robin. Thank you for the work that you do. These beautiful lines that you've written say it all for me: "To be a community at peace is the goal and peace comes by healing our own trauma histories as best we can (hint: it’s easier together) but also be ok if someone has no interest or is not ready for that work. We must be present for everyone no matter where they are on their personal journey." ~ Robin Saenger Blessings and love, Rev.James

While we know that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can cause risk behaviors, research has told us that the presence of protective factors can help mitigate the effects of ACEs. Common risk behaviors such as smoking tobacco and alcohol misuse can be a result from the trauma of childhood disadvantage. In responding to ACEs, public health research proposes that protective factors such as safe, stable, nurturing relationships (SSNRs) with a caring adult can mitigate the long-term effects of...