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Delaware ACEs Action (DE)

The mission of the Delaware ACEs Action group is to advance trauma-informed initiatives in Delaware, including trauma-informed approaches in any and all settings where people are served.

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EXCITING NEWS – PACEs Connection is BACK!

Former PACEs Connection employees Dana Brown (L) with Vincent Felitti, MD, co-author of the 1998 Adverse Childhood Experiences study, and Carey Sipp (R) in San Diego in January, 2024.

The last few months have been quite challenging, but we pushed, persevered, and didn’t give up hope.

The “we” is Carey Sipp and Dana Brown. We were long-time staff members of PACEs Connection determined to reinstate the website and the resources and information we provide to communities after the platform went dormant in April when our funding stream dried up.

We both vowed to do whatever we could to keep PACEsConnection.com from slipping away because imparting information about the lifelong effects of positive and adverse childhood experiences and ways to promote nurturing conditions for children, families, and communities is too important to leave to chance. So over the last six months, we’ve spent countless hours working to keep the site and the organization alive.

With encouragement and support from two key organizations—National Prevention Science Coalition to Improve Lives (NPSC) and PACEs Connection’s former fiscal sponsor, Third Sector New England (TSNE)—as well as from many individual supporters—PACEs Connection’s doors are again open!

Our new mission-aligned home!

Screen Shot 2024-10-13 at 12.06.05 PM“We understood the importance of PACEs Connection to have a nonprofit organizational home with similar goals under which it could operate and bring in funding to continue its work,” Diana Fishbein tells us. Dr. Fishbein is founder and co-director of NPSC.

“NPSC and PACEs Connection had worked well together on several projects over the last couple of years, so having PACEs Connection become a division of NPSC made perfect sense,” Dr. Fishbein added.

Screen Shot 2024-10-13 at 12.06.21 PM

(Graphic is an example of our work together on the 2022 webinar series on Building a National Movement to Prevent Trauma and Foster Resilience.)

As its website shows, NPSC is “a professional organization dedicated to translating scientific knowledge from the field of prevention science into effective and sustainable practices, systems and policies.”

Among the 70+ organizations affiliated with NPSC is the Campaign on Trauma Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP), with which PACEs Connection has partnered for several years to advance the trauma-informed movement.

Screen Shot 2024-10-06 at 4.15.50 PM

"We are thrilled that Jesse Kohler, who sits on the NPSC board and is executive director of CTIPP, will be the board liaison with PACEs Connection,” Dr. Fishbein adds.

We are happy and grateful to continue the work with CTIPP and Jesse Kohler, too!

We welcome back our 60,900 members engaged in the important work to prevent ACEs and promote health and wellbeing!

Please feel free to start posting again! Let the PACEs world – and us – know what you’ve been up to. (Posting instructions and trauma-informed community guidelines remain the same.)

Amidst the celebration of being back, we must also share this reality: We’re not out of the woods yet.

Our previous fiscal sponsor (TSNE) is kind enough to keep the social networking platform that drives PACEsConnection.com running until November 11. By November 5 (allowing time to process funds), we’ll need nearly $15K for PACEs Connection to stay afloat until March 31, 2025.

We’ve already heard from prior donors that they are ready to support the cause but we need more. The donor button is accessible here!

Also, several content contributors we've alerted are planning and preparing posts to gin up support for PACEs

Dr. Lori Dorfman, director of the Berkeley Media Studies Group, a project of the Public Health Institute, was delighted to hear news of PACEs Connection’s revitalization, and is eager to see the network continue to grow and thrive.

“BMSG has conducted research on media portrayals of ACEs science for many years. BMSG found that the number of (ACEs) stories increased dramatically after 2012 – the year science journalist Jane Stevens founded the social network comprising ACEs Too High and ACEs Connection – especially in local and regional news outlets, even though the number of stories was low compared to other topics, particularly considering how impactful ACEs are,” said Dr. Dorfman.

Screen Shot 2024-10-09 at 12.14.46 PM



As we think about new blog posts and resources to add to our Resource Center, the research on media coverage and subsequent studies are on the list to help show how important news coverage is to expanding awareness of the science.

Every blog post our members share on social media helps build awareness of the need to prevent and heal trauma; to foster resilience.

Support, patience, and some of what’s ahead!

You can support PACEs Connection today by making an online donation here, or mailing a check made out to the National Prevention Science Coalition to Improve Lives with “PACEs Connection” on the memo line – in care of Dana Brown, 4364 Bonita Road, PMB322, Bonita, CA 91902. To make a wire transfer or other type of gift, please email Carey Sipp at carey.pacescommunities@gmail.com to receive NPSC’s wire transfer or other electronic funds transfer information. No amount is too small!

We ask you to be patient with us as we update our social networking site. There are broken links and scores of communities with new leadership. We’ve also been working on a business and sustainable funding plan so we can overhaul the site, be paid for our efforts, and hire staff as needed.

We are determined to continue to raise awareness of the impacts of adverse and positive childhood experiences. The benefits of preventing trauma and increasing positive experiences must be considered in all of our decision making, especially by parents, educators, child-serving entities, and policymakers. All organizations, including those in healthcare, business, education, childcare, and all levels of government, need to be aware of the causes and effects of trauma and well-tested approaches to prevent it.

Dr. Fishbein agrees: “We are excited about the opportunity afforded us to play a role in keeping this vitally important social network—the primary source of news and connection in the trauma prevention community—online and leveraged to further the movement to prevent trauma and build resilience.”

For more information about the origins of PACEs Connection and the history of the relationship between Vincent Felitti, MD, co-author of the 1998 Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, and Jane Stevens, founder of PACEs Connection, please click hereor visit ourHistory of PACEs Connection.

Plans afoot to bring stability to PACEs Connection

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  

csipppaces@icloud.com

CRC Accelerator Hiatus Reminder & April “Hour of Power” to Support CRC Participants With Only One Event to Completion Learn CRC Fellowship Next Steps

As we’ve recently announced, the CRC Accelerator is taking an indefinite hiatus, but this moment of growth is anything but goodbye. Two years into this unique program, we are aware of the incredible impact access can have on PACEs initiatives and we now have a CRC Fellowship that grows with each CRC graduate. Throughout the CRC Accelerator, we’ve discussed the important role relationships play in systems transformation and resilience as a way forward from trauma-inducing to trauma-reducing.

When we circled up this month for a CRC “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) LIVE Discussion this month, we were reminded that when change occurs, the door is wide open to grow the PACEs movement. What made our time together meaningful was the connection we shared and the sense of hope and trust in the digital room as we discussed hiatus updates.

We’ve learned from passionate advocates of this important work that some of our CRC Accelerator participants only have one final CRC event they were unable to complete for their certification and, as a result, can’t begin the CRC Fellowship application process. In an effort to wrap up on a high note, we invite accelerator participants who only have one final CRC event they were unable to complete, to join the “CRC Accelerator Hour of Power” on April 3, 3:00 pm (ET).

REGISTER FOR THE “CRC ACCELERATOR HOUR OF POWER”

As we’ve discussed in CRC modules such as Organizing for Resilient Communities, from framework to action, common organizing activities are relationship driven across meetings, leadership development, and base-building. A takeaway that really stands out is how essential it is to focus on scaling the PACEs movement in order to support global expansion. Thanks to the feedback of our members, we’ve also discussed how lean & scrappy nonprofits can continue to model our values as our transformation evolves. Relationships are the key.

Grow your PACEs network with intention.

Nothing can hold back our incredible network from learning, growing, and relating but we’ll share a few tips and networking best practices to spark meaningful connections.

  1. Join PACEs Connection communities to introduce yourself and your PACEs initiative.
  2. Comment directly on this article with your Linkedin profile URL, sector, why you’d like to connect with others in the PACEs movement, and maybe even a fun fact—we’ll do it, too! The idea here is to use social tools to stay connected.
  3. Share ways your PACEs initiative is making an impact in the world like CRC Accelerator graduates Monica Morehead and Heidi McCaulley did, along with their colleagues. They co-authored and published this article about PACEs science and nursing.



RECAP FOR PARTICIPANTS OF THE CRC ACCELERATOR WHO COMPLETE ALL EVENTS BY MARCH 30, 2024

  1. Upon completion of your final CRC event, email this completed checklist or confirmation you have completed all CRC events to kevans@pacesconnection.com—include any/all emails you utilized when registering for various CRC events
  2. You will receive a certification and be invited to join the CRC Fellowship program (which is currently only available for those who have completed the CRC Accelerator certification program)
  3. You will be updated on your CRC Fellowship status by March 30, 2024.



NEXT STEPS FOR PARTICIPANTS OF THE CRC ACCELERATOR WHO HAVE NOT COMPLETED ALL EVENTS BY MARCH 30, 2024

  1. For accelerator participants who are unable to complete the CRC Accelerator program, a certificate of participation and toolkit can be found here.
  2. We recommend downloading the certificate of participation and the toolkit to your computer or device.
  3. For accelerator participants with only one CRC Accelerator event they were unable to take, REGISTER FOR THE CRC ACCELERATOR HOUR OF POWER taking place on Wednesday, April 3 @ 3:00 pm (ET).



SPRING FORWARD: STAY INSPIRED IN APRIL AND BEYOND

Let’s embrace change by bringing tools with us that empower our role within the PACEs movement! As a reminder:

➤ Use the PACEs Connection Milestone Tracker starting point to assess your organization and particularly your community’s progress in integrating policies and practices based on PACEs science.

➤ Download your Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Tool to make sure nobody’s left out.

➤ This month is also an ideal time for members to visit Children and Families Displaced by War & Violence in the PACEs Connection resource center, an evergreen well researched resource that is free and available to the general public.

➤ Additional evidence-based research is found in the PACEs Connection Resource Center.

➤ To continue building the digital skills you need, we invite you to participate in the 2024 Grow with Google Career Scholarship program—As a reminder, while PACEs Connection manages the CRC program, Google partners will manage participants who sign up for additional training through 2024.

➤ The CRC Fellowship will continue. Additional details about how the CRC Fellowship is impacted and the way forward will be discussed directly with Fellows.

➤ There’s still time to fund the CRC by pledging to sustain resilient communities through fee-based training and services at PACEs Connection. Email Ingrid Cockhren, M.Ed., at icockhren@pacesconnection.com for more information.

For thought provoking inspiration, tune into the History. Culture. Trauma. Podcast.

What CRC Grads Have to Say About the Accelerator

Thank you to all who have participated in the CRC Accelerator program. Your insight, discoveries, ideas, and feedback will live on. To stay motivated, here some spring inspiration from our CRC members:

“It is a transformational journey.” —Sabriti Sanyal

I really enjoyed hearing from colleagues across the country in our discussions about their experiences and initiatives in their communities. I am inspired to belong to a group of like-minded professionals that are working hard for change. This gives me a sense of hope for moving our agenda forward. —Jennifer Liesen

“Resilience is built intentionally and the idea that "children are resilient" have left room for all types of injustices to be done without regard to the impact of children, (and adults). PACEs has given me a different perspective on my life experience and more hope.” —Sabrina Garcia

I learned about ACEs for the first time in a college class, and became immediately hooked as the research weaves together my passions for mental health and social justice. When I stumbled upon the PACES Initiative website, I was ecstatic to learn that I could continue to not only build my education on this topic, but also taking it one step further by learning how to grow resilient communities.” Cassidy Miller

“The CRC is moving an individual beyond trauma informed and gives tools for being trauma responsive.” Jodi Stuart

“I loved the CRC Accelerator Program because through a step by step process it provided a road map on the key pieces of how to build resilient communities.  The information and resources that were made available are great tools that break down the science and the art of building a robust and resilient community.” Robert B. Franklin

The classes were well laid out with lots of room for discussion and questions.  Great forum. This field is not restricted by race, social status or circumstance, moreover, trauma is what we all have in common as part of the global race.“ —Zareen Hasan

“[The CRC is] the most holistic work on PACEs, it encompasses all the knowledge that anyone would require to support and impact change in their various communities - I highly recommend it.” —Risikat Busari

April Showers Bring May Flowers. As a Part of the PACEs Movement, It’s Raining Gratitude!

PACEs Connection is grateful that you’re as passionate about trauma-informed awareness and heart-centered resilience building through a PACEs lens as we are. Our science is for everyone who wants to create, grow, and sustain resilient communities. We also know access matters. Thanks to the generosity of grants, Genentech sponsorship, and partners, the *CRC* Accelerator certification program is FREE. Pay it forward through this Click-to-Tweet link we created to make it easier to promote the CRC or share the CRC with your communities and workplaces.

Emails to the CRC Accelerator team may have a longer than expected email response time as we wrap-up this amazing program. As always, the consultant staff at PACEs Connection celebrate your passion for PACEs science. We hope to see you at the CRC "Hour of Power" on April 3 at 3:00 pm (ET).


About the author: Kahshanna Evans brings her passion for uniting people through stories and trauma-informed awareness to her role as the Director of Creating Resilient Communities at PACEs Connection. Kahshanna has been a leading strategic thinker in various industries, including communications, tech, professional services, and wellness. Stay in touch on Linkedin!

CRC Accelerator Hiatus Announcement: Limited Time Left to Complete the CRC Accelerator Program, Certificate of Participation Toolkit & The Road Ahead

Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day arrives with a change of season each year. We tip our hat to Ingrid Cockhren, Chief Visionary Officer and Jane Stevens, founder of PACEs Connection and ACEs Too High in recognition of the powerful collaborations that have impacted thousands of advocates. Thanks to these visionaries, and thanks to the generosity of Genentech, the granter of the CRC Accelerator certification program, we can honestly say the CRC has had an incredible two years.

As excited as we are about the change of season, it is with gratitude and bittersweet sorrow that we announce that March marks the final month of the granting period for the CRC Accelerator certification program. As a small nonprofit, we join several organizations that have struggled with funding for the last few years for a myriad of reasons. According to Giving USA 2023: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2022, there’s been a major decline following two years of record generosity.

While we hope this will be a temporary pause, we can’t be sure. As our program heads into a period of recess, the CRC is committed to leading with transparency as our value. We invite our participants to embrace the PACEs pivot by joining the remaining CRC events in March to complete the certification and utilize PACEs tools, resources, and best practices to support the transition. We continue to dedicate time to deeply reflect on the insight and feedback you’ve shared throughout the program and discuss scalability strategies to streamline the experience of participants. Our goal is to continue what we’ve learned about ways we can expand the important work, if and when we secure funding again for this vital program.

Throughout the program, we’ve also learned the power of the PACEs movement continues to unite our efforts in creating a world where all people thrive, no matter the challenges. Given the timing of the announcement, it seems fitting to put some time on the calendar to talk about it together. Program participants are invited to join our “Ask Me Anything” LIVE CRC discussion.

REGISTER FOR OUR CRC “ASK ME ANYTHING” LIVE CRC DISCUSSION

NEXT STEPS FOR PARTICIPANTS OF THE CRC ACCELERATOR WHO COMPLETE ALL EVENTS BY MARCH 30, 2024

  1. Upon completion of your final CRC event, email this completed checklist or confirmation you have completed all CRC events to kevans@pacesconnection.com—include any/all emails you utilized when registering for various CRC events
  2. You will receive a certification and be invited to join the CRC Fellowship program (which is currently only available for those who have completed the CRC Accelerator certification program)
  3. You will be updated on your CRC Fellowship status by March 30, 2024.
  4. We invite you to join our AMA (ask me anything) for the CRC on Thursday, March 7 @ 3:00 pm (ET).



NEXT STEPS FOR PARTICIPANTS OF THE CRC ACCELERATOR WHO HAVE NOT COMPLETED ALL EVENTS BY MARCH 30, 2024

  1. For CRC participants who are unable to complete the program, a certificate of participation and toolkit will be provided in the CRC community.
  2. We recommend downloading the certificate of participation and the toolkit provided in the CRC community.
  3. We invite you to join our AMA (ask me anything) LIVE CRC discussion at the end of this month on Thursday, January 29 @ 1:30 pm (ET).



REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND THE “AMA” LIVE CRC DISCUSSION

THE ROAD AHEAD: STAY INSPIRED IN MARCH AND BEYOND

In an effort to empower our members during this time of transition, we’d like to lead with transparency about the road ahead. Here’s what you need to know:

➤ Use the PACEs Connection Milestone Tracker starting point to assess your organization and particularly your community’s progress in integrating policies and practices based on PACEs science.

➤ Download your Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Tool to make sure nobody’s left out.

➤ This month is also an ideal time for members to visit Children and Families Displaced by War & Violence in the PACEs Connection resource center, an evergreen well researched resource that is free and available to the general public.

➤ Additional evidence-based research is found in the PACEs Connection Resource Center.

➤ To continue building the digital skills you need, we invite you to participate in the 2024 Grow with Google Career Scholarship program—As a reminder, while PACEs Connection manages the CRC program, Google partners will manage participants who sign up for additional training through 2024.

➤ The CRC Fellowship will continue. Additional details about how the CRC Fellowship is impacted and the way forward will be discussed directly with Fellows.

➤ There’s still time to fund the CRC by pledging to sustain resilient communities through fee-based training and services at PACEs Connection. Email Ingrid Cockhren, M.Ed., at icockhren@pacesconnection.com for more information.

For thought provoking inspiration, tune into the History. Culture. Trauma. Podcast.

What CRC Grads Have to Say About the Accelerator

To kickstart March with inspiration, here are a few inspiring takeaways from our CRC participants and grads that remind us when perfection fails, progress prevails:

“I found the information about resilience building new to me, and encouraging. I really enjoyed the PACEs science discussions. It was helpful to have the stats broken down into greater detail, particularly regarding the adult impact of ACEs. I learned a great deal specifically about the cultural and climate aspects of this material; that was information to which I had not been exposed before. In addition to the a-ha moments I discussed above: more than once, via more than one course and the discourse between participants in them, I was put into a deep kind of touch with understanding an aspect of trauma I hadn't given due recognition as even having been traumatic: food insecurity. I was very grateful for, and positively catalyzed by, the opportunity to hear others discuss the traumatic impact of food, food experiences, and/or the absence of food as a traumatic wound. It's not something I have come across often outside discussions of eating disorders. Since I don't specifically have one, it just really hadn't crossed my bow. Now that I've opened that exploration within myself, I'll have another empathy point when encountering others with food issues in their past.” —Heather Hanslin

“I learned about the widespread application of its lessons across fields, and grew more familiar with the extensive communities being built across the country and across sectors integrating trauma-informed approaches.” —Acadia Jacob

“I have heard and seen the AHA moments my nursing students have had through their study of ACEs and then interactions with humans during clinical experiences once they have had the ACE's Training. I witnessed the tears following discovery, the deep breaths of acceptance, then the look of resolve and determination to apply this newfound awareness in their practice as caregivers in the future.” —Heidi McCaulley

“My company is now enroute to collaborating, extending and providing Trauma Informed Support services to the displaced/refugee community; founders, teachers, activists, students, men, women and children. I plan to work alongside local clinics who provide basic medical services to the displaced/refugees. Meanwhile, I plan to extend TI services, training to other areas of the commercial industry, where possible. Eg. Private International Schools, Kindergartens, Occupational Safety and Health, Universities and colleges, in Malaysia.” —Michelle Soo-Yen Choong

“I loved the CRC Accelerator Program because through a step by step process it provided a road map on the key pieces of how to build resilient communities.  The information and resources that were made available are great tools that break down the science and the art of building a robust and resilient community.” —Robert B. Franklin

As a Part of the PACEs Movement, It’s Raining Gratitude!

PACEs Connection is grateful that you’re as passionate about trauma-informed awareness and heart-centered resilience building through a PACEs lens as we are. Our science is for everyone who wants to create, grow, and sustain resilient communities. We also know access matters. Thanks to the generosity of grants, Genentech sponsorship, and partners, the *CRC* Accelerator certification program is FREE. Pay it forward through this Click-to-Tweet link we created to make it easier to promote the CRC or share the CRC with your communities and workplaces.

Email Kahshanna Evans, Director of the CRC kevans@pacesconnection.com with any questions, at any time. The consultant staff at PACEs Connection look forward to seeing you soon!



About the author: Kahshanna Evans brings her passion for uniting people through stories and trauma-informed awareness to her role as the Director of Creating Resilient Communities at PACEs Connection. Kahshanna has been a leading strategic thinker in various industries, including communications, tech, professional services, and wellness.

February Collective Care Through the CRC & PACEs Movement: The Way Forward for Civil & Human Rights is Trauma-Informed

Radical simply means 'grasping things at the root.' —Angela Davis

February is recognized for Black History Month and President’s Day. These nationally recognized days of awareness remind us of important civil and human rights movements led by Black and African-American communities and social justice advocates. February puts leadership, education, access, justice, policy, and governance under the spotlight. Through a PACEs science lens, this month is an opportunity to consider trauma-informed transformation through a PACEs science lens as the way forward.

Where would the PACEs science movement be without each grant, sponsor, partner, or community advocate who play an important role in the work we share globally across sectors. We’re proud to now add CRC Fellows to that list because they carry a torch for powerful trauma-informed community and resilient network building. Our Fellows are deeply committed to cultivating the healing-centered cultural wisdom of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) across sectors, just like we are.

REGISTER FOR INTRODUCTION TO PACES CONNECTION

During times of global change and human rights crises, social justice advocates and trauma-informed (TI) leaders will continue to play a critical role in ensuring TI awareness and resilience education, tools, and resources remain accessible. From grassroots organizers to community managers to social justice change agents, we want to continue modeling the balance between collective care and self care, and create environments where all people can thrive.

CRC Accelerator Program Summary

The PACEs 16-hour Creating Resilient Communities (CRC) accelerator certification program is focused on supporting and developing individual advocates and organizational agents of change in transforming their communities and organizations using PACEs science, trauma-informed awareness and resilience frameworks.

The CRC accelerator will cover fundamental topics such as understanding PACEs science, community organizing, multi-sector collaboration, and strategic planning; as well as several timely topics. Participants who complete all events in the series will receive a Certificate of Completion and will qualify for PACEs Connection Fellowship program.

What’s new in February

The CRC Fellowship application process available to graduates of the CRC Accelerator program will now be considered on an ongoing basis. The CRC Fellowship supports Fellows to continue to explore trauma-informed transformation through healing centered and relationship building practices, antiracism, DEI(B), and cross sector collaboration. CRC Accelerator graduates that join the CRC Fellowship will utilize the Growing Resilient Communities framework to further develop PACEs initiatives. Stay tuned for news about an Ask Me Anything (AMA) this quarter.

We will have updates this month on how to request participation in our Grow with Google Career Certificate Scholarships. A limited number of GRC program participants interested in additional digital skills will now have access to additional training, program materials, and dedicated support for additional certifications in marketing, AI, and cybersecurity through Google partners. While PACEs Connection manages the CRC program, Google partners will manage participants who sign up for additional training. As our first Grow with Google participants complete training, access to additional free certificates will become available through our program.

The CRC invites people who are as passionate about PACEs as we are to support and share our #GivingTuesday campaign to ensure our program stays free to the general public. This month is also an ideal time for members to visit Children and Families Displaced by War & Violence in the PACEs Connection resource center, an evergreen well researched resource that is free and available to the general public. For thought provoking inspiration, tune into the History. Culture. Trauma. Podcast.

4 FAQs we’ve recently added:

FAQ: Can we meet?

FAQ: Will there be an invitation for the next Fellowship?

FAQ: The link for other webinars have already passed. When is the next event?

FAQ: Tech & Accessibility

New to the CRC Accelerator Certification Program? Become a Member of PACEs Connection and Register for Introduction to PACEs Connection To Get Started!

As a friendly reminder, attending Introduction to PACEs Connection is a required prerequisite of the CRC. There are several event dates available and you only need to attend ONE time. If you already attended, you will receive links for the remaining events via email. Click the registration link to choose from multiple options:
Join PACEs Connection

Introduction to PACEs Connection

February Collective Care & Self Care: Pick Up the CRC Accelerator Certification Program Where You Left Off

Review a brief description of each event and this certification overview.

➤ Look out for the dedicated monthly CRC newsletter with a list of updated event registration links.

➤ If you haven’t seen the list of events, you may want to check your bulk folder. Email communitymanager@pacesconnection.com if you haven’t received the list of events.

What CRC Grads Have to Say About the Accelerator

To kickstart February with inspiration, here are a few inspiring takeaways from our CRC members that remind us when perfection fails, progress prevails:

“It’s the most holistic work on PACEs, it encompasses all the knowledge that anyone would require to support and impact change in their various communities - I highly recommend it.” —Risikat Busari, PhD

“Bring together a group of people from your community to all go through the CRC Accelerator together and then talk with each other about how to put the tools and strategies presented into practice in your own community.” —Melanie G. Snyder

“If you are truly seeking to heal the hearts and souls of individuals and communities, this is a great place to start. There is so much hurt screaming across the globe. It is overwhelming to understand or solve. But the old adage of ‘Each one, teach one’ is the way we begin within ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. This is a safe place to learn, grow, and become communities of resilience.” —Monica Moorehead, MSN, RN

“No matter what you think you already know about how your communities need to be supported and what you have to offer them, the CRC program will expand that knowledge. The program is well worth the time investment.” —Heather Hanslin

“Give yourself the compassion you would bestow upon others. Take time to reflect on what you thought you knew and question the how, where, and why you learned it to determine whose words ultimately became your beliefs. Be curious and courageous in this journey. Lead with an open heart and listening ears…” —Stacey Langer

As a Part of the PACEs Movement, It’s Raining Gratitude!

PACEs Connection is grateful that you’re as passionate about trauma-informed awareness and heart-centered resilience building through a PACEs lens as we are. Our science is for everyone who wants to create, grow, and sustain resilient communities. We also know access matters. Thanks to the generosity of grants, Genentech sponsorship, and partners, the *CRC* Accelerator certification program is FREE. Pay it forward through this Click-to-Tweet link we created to make it easier to promote the CRC or share the CRC with your communities and workplaces.

Email Kahshanna Evans, Director of the CRC kevans@pacesconnection.com with any questions, at any time. The consultant staff at PACEs Connection look forward to seeing you soon!


About the author: Kahshanna Evans brings her passion for uniting people through stories and trauma-informed awareness to her role as the Director of Creating Resilient Communities at PACEs Connection. Kahshanna has been a leading strategic thinker in various industries, including communications, tech, professional services, and wellness.

Creating Resilient Communities in 2024: The Year of Cultivating Resilient Networks Through Healing Centered Cultural Wisdom

Since the inception of the CRC Accelerator certification program in 2022, many participants in our program across various fields such as healthcare, education, nonprofit, and grassroots organizations, have come to learn that collective care begins with self care, a value we draw directly from our organization’s mission. Through the continued practice of regulating the nervous system, getting rest, eating healthy foods, being creative, and enjoying natural environments, we increase our capacity to heal, grow with others, and center the most impacted communities. As we head into our full CRC curriculum this January, we invite current and future CRC Accelerator participants to join us with collective care and self care in mind.

REGISTER FOR INTRODUCTION TO PACES CONNECTION

This year, the limitless possibilities of fellowship, meaningful relationships, and purpose-driven network building that values healing centered cultural wisdom is our North Star. Brick-by-brick relationship building blocks will continue to be a pillar of self care, strength, team-building, interventions, and transformation throughout the CRC Accelerator and among our new CRC Fellows. We aim to model the balance between collective care and self care, and create environments where we can grow at our own PACE.

To kickstart the year with inspiration, here are a few inspiring takeaways from our CRC members that remind us when perfection fails, progress prevails:

“PACES offers a plethora of world class resources and training for FREE! This site is a powerful catalyst in the trauma-informed movement. I am so grateful for these opportunities to grow as an educator and person.” —Jonathan Enix, Putnam County Schools, TN

“I’m inspired to learn about the many people involved with PACES around the world!” —Alison Hughey, MT-BC, Carolina Music Therapy

“I appreciate this introductory session to ensure that everyone is aware of how to access the available resources. I also liked the suggestions for proceeding through the courses. I’m particularly excited about the effect that understanding PACEs can have on advancing anti-racism work. So grateful for the work you all do!  Thank you!!”! —K Keese, MSW, Nashville, TN

Elevating teacher regulation as important to student regulation. Adults can’t model what they have not yet learned for themselves.” —Program participant

Hearing about the systemic changes that are already taking place in some schools gives me hope that this is truly a movement that is gaining ground.” —Program participant

Program Summary

The PACEs 16-hour Creating Resilient Communities (CRC) accelerator certification program is focused on supporting and developing individual advocates and organizational agents of change in transforming their communities and organizations using PACEs science, trauma-informed awareness and resilience frameworks.

The CRC accelerator will cover fundamental topics such as understanding PACEs science, community organizing, multi-sector collaboration, and strategic planning; as well as several timely topics. Participants who complete all events in the series will receive a Certificate of Completion and will qualify for PACEs Connection fall 2023 fellowship program.

What’s new in January

All CRC Accelerator events resume in January and we kick off the CRC Fellowship. The CRC Fellowship application process available to graduates of the CRC Accelerator program comes to a close on December 31, 2023. The CRC Fellowship supports Fellows to continue to explore trauma-informed transformation through healing centered and relationship building practices, antiracism, DEI(B), and cross sector collaboration. CRC Accelerator graduates that join the CRC Fellowship will utilize the Growing Resilient Communities framework to further develop PACEs initiatives. Stay tuned for news about an Ask Me Anything (AMA) this quarter.

For added inspiration this January, the CRC has recently been accepted as a Grow with Google partner. After carefully considering important feedback about skill building, we learned our members are interested in learning and development to strengthen digital skills that can help them organize, mobilize, and build momentum for PACEs initiatives in their communities and organizations. A limited number of GRC program participants interested in additional digital skills will now have access to additional training, program materials, and dedicated support for additional certifications in marketing, AI, and cybersecurity through Google partners. While PACEs Connection manages the CRC program, Google partners will manage participants who sign up for additional training. As our first Grow with Google participants complete training, access to additional free certificates will become available through our program.

The CRC invites people who are as passionate about PACEs as we are to support and share our #GivingTuesday campaign to ensure our program stays free to the general public. This month is also an ideal time for members to visit Children and Families Displaced by War & Violence in the PACEs Connection resource center, a well researched resource that is free and available to the general public. For thought provoking inspiration, tune into the History. Culture. Trauma. podcast.

New to the CRC? Become a member and register for Introduction to PACEs Connection To Get Started

As a friendly reminder, attending Introduction to PACEs Connection is a required prerequisite of the CRC. There are several event dates available and you only need to attend ONE time. If you already attended, you will receive links for the remaining events via email. Registration links to the remaining introductory events are listed below. Click the registration link to choose from multiple options:
Introduction to PACEs Connection

Pick Up the CRC Accelerator Certification Program Where You Left Off, This January

Review a brief description of each event and this certification overview.

➤ Look out for the dedicated CRC newsletter with a list of event registration links.

➤ If you haven’t seen the list of events, you may want to check your bulk folder. Email communitymanager@pacesconnection.com if you haven’t received the list of events.

What 2023 CRC Grads Have to Say About the Accelerator

I appreciated the opportunity to learn about PCEs since traditional focus has been on ACEs. I found great value in the opportunities to learn from others who do resilience work with young adults.” —Grace Flagler

The CRC Accelerator program provided clear, practical insights, tools and strategies for engaging in trauma-informed work in multiple sectors, at multiple levels (individual, organizational, community), and with a focus on various specific aspects of the work (social justice, environmental justice, etc). Very worthwhile program!” —Melanie G. Snyder

I am always looking for TIC and PACEs graphics to utilize in my teaching. Resilience cannot happen without recognition of the harm experienced and passed across generations and communities. My work begins with each student I teach to look past the obvious patient in front of them to see the brokenness that influences their lives today, whether trauma, SDOH, poverty, homelessness, institutional injustice, etc. This is how we teach our patients to recover and live their best lives.” —Monica Morehead

As a psychology professor, learning more about social justice and advocacy has helped me develop more class assignments that get students involved in the community.” —Jessica Traylor

As a Part of the PACEs Movement, It’s Raining Gratitude!

PACEs Connection is grateful that you’re as passionate about trauma-informed awareness and heart-centered resilience building through a PACEs lens as we are. Our science is for everyone who wants to create, grow, and sustain resilient communities. We also know access matters. Thanks to the generosity of grants, Genentech sponsorship, and partners, the *CRC* Accelerator certification program is FREE. Pay it forward through this Click-to-Tweet link we created to make it easier to promote the CRC or share the CRC with your communities and workplaces.

Email Kahshanna Evans, Director of the CRC kevans@pacesconnection.com with any questions, at any time. The consultant staff at PACEs Connection look forward to seeing you soon!


About the author: Kahshanna Evans brings her passion for uniting people through stories and trauma-informed awareness to her role as the Director of Creating Resilient Communities at PACEs Connection. Kahshanna has been a leading strategic thinker in various industries, including communications, tech, professional services, and wellness.

Healing Centered Futures through the CRC & the PACEs Movement: Announcing the CRC Fellowship, Celebrating CRC Graduates, and #GivingTuesday Campaign

Something amazing keeps happening in our CRC Accelerator program that we want to shout out from the rooftops this December. Thanks to our committed participants, the number of CRC graduates keeps increasing! The number of graduates has increased by 15x this year. As we head into a new year, we are grateful for the unique role CRC Accelerator participants have played in expanding the PACEs movement through the willingness to explore healing-centered practices through a PACEs science lens.

Participants of our accelerator program continue to shift towards healing-centered practices on a path to a just society through our program. Through the meaningful discussions we’ve had with CRC participants this year, and also through feedback, it’s clear they are deeply invested change agents who are willing to pave the way for more informed, resilient systems, institutions, practices, and policies.

This year, our CRC participants have utilized multimedia tools to publish new content specific to healthcare and kick started podcasts to continue educating and exploring PACEs and resilience science. We’ve taken some time to learn more about what motivated some of our CRC graduates to complete the certification. Here’s what stood out: their commitment to learning about the role social justice plays in trauma-informed awareness and resilience building frameworks, healing generational trauma, and strengths-based interventions based on positive childhood experiences (PCEs).

Congratulations, again, to our recent graduates!

Program Summary

The PACEs 16-hour Creating Resilient Communities (CRC) accelerator certification program is focused on supporting and developing individual advocates and organizational agents of change in transforming their communities and organizations using PACEs science, trauma-informed awareness and resilience frameworks.

The CRC accelerator will cover fundamental topics such as understanding PACEs science, community organizing, multi-sector collaboration, and strategic planning; as well as several timely topics. Participants who complete all events in the series will receive a Certificate of Completion and will qualify for PACEs Connection fall 2023 fellowship program.

What’s new in December

We’ll take the month of December to reflect on the year and promote our #GivingTuesday campaign to ensure our program stays free to the general public. For that reason, the CRC Accelerator is taking a hiatus but will resume in January, 2024.

We have more exciting news. We understand that reaching our full potential will continue to rely on our ability to deeply consider the multiple histories that contribute to the knowledge and wisdom we exchange, so it is with great honor that we announce CRC Fellowship applications are now open to graduates of the CRC Fellowship through December 31, 2023. The CRC Fellowship is an opportunity to further explore trauma-informed transformation through healing centered and relationship building practices, antiracism, DEI(B), and cross sector collaboration. CRC Accelerator graduates that join the CRC Fellowship will continue relationship and skill building and utilize the Growing Resilient Communities framework to further develop PACEs initiatives.

Aside from living to give, December is an ideal time for members to have meaningful discussions in our CRC community forum and visit Children and Families Displaced by War & Violence in the PACEs Connection resource center, a well researched resource that is free and available to the general public. For thought provoking inspiration, tune into the History. Culture. Trauma. podcast.

New to the CRC? Become a member and register for Introduction to PACEs Connection To Get Started

As a friendly reminder, attending Introduction to PACEs Connection is a required prerequisite of the CRC. There are several event dates available and you only need to attend ONE time. If you already attended, you will receive links for the remaining events via email. Registration links to the remaining introductory events are listed below. Click the registration link to choose from multiple options:
Introduction to PACEs Connection

Wrap up the year on a high note. Pick Up the CRC Accelerator Certification Program Where You Left Off, This January

Review a brief description of each event and this certification overview.

➤ Look out for the dedicated CRC newsletter with a list of event registration links.

➤ If you haven’t seen the list of events, you may want to check your bulk folder. Email communitymanager@pacesconnection.com if you haven’t received the list of events.

As a reminder, there are no CRC events in December but we’ll resume in January.

What 2023 CRC Grads Have to Say About the Accelerator

“CRC did an amazing job creating relatable bridges between stats and info and the demonstrable impact they have on society—from the family home to the largest cultural subgroups. [It was] really eye-opening. I found the information about resilience building new to me, and encouraging. I really enjoyed the PACEs science discussions. It was helpful to have the stats broken down into greater detail, particularly regarding the adult impact of ACEs. I learned a great deal specifically about the cultural and climate aspects of this material; that was information to which I had not been exposed before.” —Heather Hanslin

“The focus on PCEs and resilience is transformational. I've been able to take a lot of this training back to my school faculty, and we are regularly having conversations about how we can foster safe and positive environments for our students. I am grateful for what I've learned about grassroots organizing. This is not my strength; it's difficult work that, frankly, I don't desire to do. But it needs to be done, and I am absolutely better equipped for it now than I was before the CRC program.” —Jonathan Enix

“I love the way PACEs Connection has brought together helping professionals from all over the world and through so many different professions. I think it's such a beautiful Melting Pot of talent and passion that we can really leverage to make a huge difference in preventing and healing trauma and all of its collateral damage. This is what inspired me to take the CRC program.” —Mary Giuliani

As a Part of the PACEs Movement, It’s Raining Gratitude!

PACEs Connection is grateful that you’re as passionate about trauma-informed awareness and heart-centered resilience building through a PACEs lens as we are. Our science is for everyone who wants to create, grow, and sustain resilient communities. We also know access matters. Thanks to the generosity of grants, Genentech sponsorship, and partners, the *CRC* Accelerator certification program is FREE. Pay it forward through this Click-to-Tweet link we created to make it easier to promote the CRC or share the CRC with your communities and workplaces.

Email Kahshanna Evans, Director of the CRC kevans@pacesconnection.com with any questions, at any time. The consultant staff at PACEs Connection look forward to seeing you soon!



About the author: Kahshanna Evans brings her passion for uniting people through stories and trauma-informed awareness to her role as the Director of Creating Resilient Communities at PACEs Connection. Kahshanna has been a leading strategic thinker in various industries, including communications, tech, professional services, and wellness.

Trauma-Informed Principles Rebooted

BY: @Lori Chelius

One of the biggest questions that Andi and I get whenever we talk about a trauma-informed approach is something along the lines of “Ok I get ACEs and toxic stress, but what can I do about it in my organization?” We get it–this approach can seem overwhelming because it is literally a lens through which you see everything. We often say that a trauma-informed approach is less about what you do and more about how you do it. So how in the world do we even begin the work of operationalizing our understanding of the science behind stress, trauma, and resilience?

Many of us who swim in the trauma-informed movement are very familiar with the trauma-informed principles developed by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These principles serve as a mechanism for translating the key concepts of this approach into meaningful action. Working with organizations over the years, we have found that the most effective way to put the “rubber to the road” so to speak is to focus on simplification and accessibility–because our brains like simple! With that in mind, we have recently come up with our own version of the principles with the hope that they are a helpful resource as you apply this approach in your setting. 

And remember, you don’t have to do this work alone! We will continue to offer you ways to connect with others who are putting this information into practice (join our facebook group here or the alumni group here). We will also be providing new innovative resources and ways to apply these principles in your organization or community through our training workshops (sign up for The Basics here and The Resilience Champion here).

If you are interested in learning more about how to apply these principles within your organization, Trauma-Informed Tips series offers practical tips for implementing a trauma-informed approach. Using trauma-informed principles as a framework (safety, trust, togetherness, collaboration, agency & belonging) each one-hour workshop in this series focuses on one principle and offers three practical tips to support the application of that principle. Contact us for more information.

Strength Through Unity: Nurturing Trauma-informed Resilience in Families Displaced by Violence Through the CRC & the PACEs Movement

PACEs science is for everyone. If we’ve learned anything since Jane Stevens founded our organization, we’ve learned that our purpose-driven members that participate in the Creating Resilient Communities (CRC) Accelerator certification program are known for having a deep affinity for humanitarian, philanthropic, and educational causes. Beyond Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), our members seek to deeply understand strengths-based insights embedded in the remaining ACEs quadrant: Adverse Community Environments, Adverse Climate Experiences, and Atrocious Cultural Experiences.

The same can be said for our body of 60K PACEs Connection members across 430 global communities who seek to ameliorate gaps in understanding about social, economic, political, criminal, and environmental justice and historic trauma—including the politicization of human rights issues and the importance of avoiding retraumatization—in order to transform their organizations and communities through the development of trauma-informed (TI) awareness and resilience building frameworks through the evidence of positive and adverse childhood experiences (PACEs).

Privilege is, by the social justice definition, the advantages people have that they don't think about because they never have to experience the oppressive side. Understanding it requires an active effort to see things from the perspective of other, underprivileged people." -Cate Harpool

We remind current and future members, including those just beginning to learn about the negative short and long term health outcomes of toxic stress, that Children and Families Displaced by War & Violence is a well researched resource that is free and available to the general public. Join the CRC Accelerator to learn healing centered practices alongside like minded members across a variety of sectors.

Program Summary

The PACEs 16-hour Creating Resilient Communities (CRC) accelerator certification program is focused on supporting and developing individual advocates and organizational agents of change in transforming their communities and organizations using PACEs science, trauma-informed awareness and resilience frameworks.

The CRC accelerator will cover fundamental topics such as understanding PACEs science, community organizing, multi-sector collaboration, and strategic planning; as well as several timely topics. Participants who complete all events in the series will receive a Certificate of Completion and will qualify for PACEs Connection fall 2023 fellowship program.

What’s new in November

As we near our final month of the year, we welcome this time with guest CRC facilitators who will share their knowledge and wisdom in education, social justice, the arts, and organizing resilient communities.

Nikole Barnes, co-founder of The Ryder | Talbutt Group, will join as a guest facilitator for CRC: PACEs Science and Social Justice. Nikole is a cis, Black, queer woman—she, her—licensed independent clinical social worker and DEIB consultant with over 16 years experience specializing and working with LGBTQIA+, young adults, BIPOC communities as a trauma therapist. Nikole believes in working to decolonize therapy and social justice work as an ongoing process that requires continuous self-reflection, education, and commitment to dismantling oppressive structures. Learn more about Nikole here.

Genesis Fisher, Esq., founder and principal attorney of Fisher Law Practice, P.C., will join us as a guest facilitator of CRC: Organizing for Resilient Communities. Prior to starting the firm, Genesis spent eight years fighting for the rights of indigent clients as a public defender with the Legal Aid Society. She began her legal career at the Southern Poverty Law Center, where she worked on national civil rights issues and Alabama jail and women’s prison reform. She became interested in public interest law when she was the coordinator of Volunteers at the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless in D.C. Learn more about Genesis here.

Lara Kain, founder of Lara Kain Consulting, Coordinator, Education consultant, facilitator, and national speaker on implementing school system transformation and trauma-informed practices into schools, will facilitate Introduction to PACEs in Education. Schools are an integral part of creating a thriving and resilient community. This session will serve as an introduction for both education and non-education folks interested in the effects of Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences in school settings and the practices of trauma-informed schools. We will take a brief dive into how trauma and adversity affect learning and behavior, why this shift in school culture is so important, and how communities can support the efforts of their local schools. Learn more about Lara here.

With so much happening, it can be easy to forget the power of creativity as a conduit for trauma informed resilience. We look forward to Introduction to Arts as Healing a Community, guest facilitated by Bridgit Dengel Gaspard, author of The Final 8th: Enlist Your Inner Selves to Accomplish Your Goals. Bridgit is a creativity coach, psychotherapist and former performer who has always been fascinated by how we lead with different parts of ourselves. Being disconnected from your creativity, your sovereign and unique essence, is disempowering on a macro and micro level. This module, based on the psychological premise that our healthy personality consists of many different inner selves or parts of ourselves, links recent evidence on the physiological benefits of creative expression as a means of healing. Through a powerful and engaging exercise, participants will learn foundational guidelines for incorporating healing creativity into relationship building with oneself and others, as well as in community programming. Learn more about Bridgit here.

Quick CRC forum recap: Login to the PACEs Connection website, head to the CRC community, and click “Ask the Community Forum” button for quick access. You can also look for the widget in the side margin to review and add FAQs or discussion topics.

New to the CRC? Become a member and register for Introduction to PACEs Connection To Get Started

As a friendly reminder, attending Introduction to PACEs Connection is a required prerequisite of the CRC. There are several event dates available and you only need to attend ONE time. If you already attended, you will receive links for the remaining events via email. Registration links to the remaining introductory events are listed below. Click the registration link to choose from multiple options:
Introduction to PACEs Connection

Wrap up the year on a high note. Pick Up the CRC Accelerator Certification Program Where You Left Off, This November

Review a brief description of each event and this certification overview.

➤ Look out for the dedicated CRC newsletter with a list of event registration links.

➤ If you haven’t seen the list of events, you may want to check your bulk folder. Email communitymanager@pacesconnection.com if you haven’t received the list of events.

November is the final month to participate in 2023 CRC sessions. We’re off for December and will resume in January.

What 2023 CRC Grads Have to Say About the Accelerator

“The CRC Accelerator program provided clear, practical insights, tools and strategies for engaging in trauma-informed work in multiple sectors, at multiple levels (individual, organizational, community), and with a focus on various specific aspects of the work (social justice, environmental justice, etc). Very worthwhile program!” —Melanie G. Snyder

“If you are truly seeking to heal the hearts and souls of individuals and communities, this is a great place to start. There is so much hurt screaming across the globe. It is overwhelming to understand or solve. But the old adage of "Each one, teach one" is the way we begin within ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. This is a safe place to learn, grow, and become communities of resilience.” Monica M. Morehead, MSN, RN, FCN

“I appreciated the opportunity to learn about PCEs since traditional focus has been on ACEs. I found great value in the opportunities to learn from others who do resilience work with young adults.” —Grace Flagler

As a Part of the PACEs Movement, It’s Raining Gratitude!

PACEs Connection is grateful that you’re as passionate about trauma-informed awareness and heart-centered resilience building through a PACEs lens as we are. Our science is for everyone who wants to create, grow, and sustain resilient communities. We also know access matters. Thanks to the generosity of grants, Genentech sponsorship, and partners, the *CRC* Accelerator certification program is FREE. Pay it forward through this Click-to-Tweet link we created to make it easier to promote the CRC or share the CRC with your communities and workplaces.

Email Kahshanna Evans, Director of the CRC kevans@pacesconnection.com with any questions, at any time. The consultant staff at PACEs Connection look forward to seeing you soon!



About the author: Kahshanna Evans brings her passion for uniting people through stories and trauma-informed awareness to her role as the Director of Creating Resilient Communities at PACEs Connection. Kahshanna has been a leading strategic thinker in various industries, including communications, tech, professional services, and wellness.

World Mental Health Day: Mobilizing the Human Family Through the CRC & the PACEs Movement

Each October, World Mental Health Day gives us an opportunity to destigmatize mental health. This year’s theme, “Mental health is a human right,” mobilizes the human family to prioritize world mental health awareness.

Individuals may be exposed to traumatic experiences, which may lead to the transgenerational transmitting of trauma in larger identity groups or within families. Insufficient coping mechanisms with highly stressful and traumatic experiences become a (difficult) psychological legacy.” —Berghof Foundation

Awareness about health outcomes are as much about the long-term impact caused by adverse childhood experiences as they are by positive childhood experiences. By providing education on trauma-informed awareness and resilience building frameworks, the CRC Accelerator certification is a tool for both. This month, we would like to acknowledge educators, schools, families, and communities that are doing the powerful work to learn more about the other ACEs the CRC explores: Adverse Climate Experiences, Adverse Community Experiences, and Atrocious Cultural Experiences. Share the CRC with your community and join the PACEs Connection Addressing the Epidemic of School Shootings Series this October.

Program Summary

The PACEs 16-hour Creating Resilient Communities (CRC) accelerator certification program is focused on supporting and developing individual advocates and organizational agents of change in transforming their communities and organizations using PACEs science, trauma-informed awareness and resilience frameworks.

The CRC accelerator will cover fundamental topics such as understanding PACEs science, community organizing, multi-sector collaboration, and strategic planning; as well as several timely topics. Participants who complete all events in the series will receive a Certificate of Completion and will qualify for PACEs Connection fall 2023 fellowship program.

What’s new in October?

Grassroots organizer and activist, Agnes Yellow Bear, owner of ReeCreeations, will join as a guest facilitator of CRC: Introduction to Arts as Healing a Community to offer creative ways to promote healing. Agnes is Plains Cree from Kawacatoose First Nation, Saskatchewan, Canada. She brings her lived experience as the daughter of a Residential school survivor and Sixties Scoop survivor, culture, and creativity together through art, fashion, activism, and advocacy as a form of liberation. Agnes uses her lived experience to advocate for MMIWP and Orange Shirt Day. As an artist, Agens combines her passion for storytelling through stitches and social justice issues as a way to empower Indigenous People and spark meaningful conversations, inspire, and challenge.

Nikole Barnes, LICSW, co-founder of The Ryder | Talbutt Group, will join as a guest facilitator for CRC PACEs Science and Social Justice. Nikole is a cis, Black, queer woman—she, her—licensed independent clinical social worker and DEIB consultant with over 16 years experience specializing and working with LGBTQIA+, young adults, BIPOC communities as a trauma therapist. Nikole believes in working to decolonize therapy and social justice work as an ongoing process that requires continuous self-reflection, education, and commitment to dismantling oppressive structures. Learn more about Nikole here.

Genesis Fisher, Esq., founder and principal attorney of Fisher Law Practice, P.C., will join us as a guest facilitator of CRC: Organizing for Resilient Communities. Prior to starting the firm, Genesis spent eight years fighting for the rights of indigent clients as a public defender with the Legal Aid Society. She began her legal career at the Southern Poverty Law Center, where she worked on national civil rights issues and Alabama jail and women’s prison reform. She became interested in public interest law when she was the coordinator of Volunteers at the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless in D.C. Learn more about Genesis here.

3 FAQs we’ve recently added:

I think I’m done, now what?

My event was canceled, now what?

How do I start my PACEs initiative?

Quick CRC forum recap: Login to the PACEs Connection website, head to the CRC community, and click “Ask the Community Forum” button for quick access. You can also look for the widget in the side margin to review and add FAQs or discussion topics.

New to the CRC? Become a member and register for Introduction to PACEs Connection To Get Started

As a friendly reminder, attending Introduction to PACEs Connection is a required prerequisite of the CRC. There are several event dates available and you only need to attend ONE time. If you already attended, you will receive links for the remaining events via email. Registration links to the remaining introductory events are listed below. Click the registration link to choose from multiple options:
Introduction to PACEs Connection

Pick Up the CRC Accelerator Certification Program Where You Left Off,

Review a brief description of each event and this certification overview.

➤ Look out for the dedicated CRC newsletter with a list of event registration links.

➤ If you haven’t seen the list of events, you may want to check your bulk folder. Email communitymanager@pacesconnection.com if you haven’t received the list of events.

What 2023 CRC Participants Have to Say About the Accelerator

Hearing about the systemic changes that are already taking place in some schools gives me hope that this is truly a movement that is gaining ground.” —CRC participant

Such knowledgeable presenters; full of energy, resources, and excellent information on programs taking place across the country.” Zareen Hasan

This training is fantastic for connecting dots and getting the wheels turning about how to effectively implement a PACES lens into the work your non-profit might already be doing. This training has left me with myriad ideas about the intersections at which I can plan to implement opportunities for youth resilience. Both the curriculum and pedagogy were top-notch. Kate Brennan, Director of Strategic Growth, Philadelphia City Rowing

Join the PACEs Movement

School shootings have had a devastating impact on communities worldwide. The psychological toll on students, teachers, and families is immense, leading to fear, trauma, and grief. These tragic events erode the sense of safety and security in educational institutions, hindering learning and academic performance. They also fuel debates on gun control, mental health, and the role of media. Preventing school shootings requires comprehensive strategies, including early intervention, improved security measures, and addressing the underlying causes of violence. Although this is our reality, we, as a society, have experienced much adversity and have created solutions for change many times. We know that we can see positive impacts and outcomes now and in the future.

That is why...On October 4th, 11th, and 18th, PACEs Connection will gather experts for a three-day series on Addressing the Epidemic of School Shootings. Each day of the series will address prevention, impact, and response. Sessions take place from 12:00 - 5:00 pm (ET).

Learn more and register for PACEs Connection: Addressing the Epidemic of School Shootings

CRC members, check the dedicated CRC October newsletter for a 15% off promo code for PACEs Connection: Addressing the Epidemic of School Shootings.

As a Part of the PACEs Movement, It’s Raining Gratitude!

We are especially excited to acknowledge Jessica Anakar and others who have recently completed the CRC! Jessica says, “The resources and education provided by this series paves the way forward for anyone working with impacted and vulnerable populations.” Congratulations!

A congratulations to Cassey Chang, LCSW, CHC, who also recently completed the CRC says, “I learned about organizational and community-based practices and approaches. I also learned new frameworks, such as RYSE Foundation framework.”

PACEs Connection is grateful that you’re as passionate about trauma-informed awareness and heart-centered resilience building through a PACEs lens as we are. Our science is for everyone who wants to create, grow, and sustain resilient communities. We also know access matters. Thanks to the generosity of grants, Genentech sponsorship, and partners, the *CRC* Accelerator certification program is FREE. Pay it forward through this Click-to-Tweet link we created to make it easier to promote the CRC or share the CRC with your communities and workplaces.

Email Kahshanna Evans, Director of the CRC kevans@pacesconnection.com with any questions, at any time. The consultant staff at PACEs Connection look forward to seeing you soon!



About the author: Kahshanna Evans brings her passion for uniting people through stories and trauma-informed awareness to her role as the Director of Creating Resilient Communities at PACEs Connection. Kahshanna has been a leading strategic thinker in various industries, including communications, tech, professional services, and wellness.

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