Tagged With "adverse childhood experience"
Blog Post
Whole People Series & Study Guide (www.pbs.org)
There's a fantastic five-part series, Whole People , done by PBS, " spotlighting the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) through personal and community stories. It explores the long-term costs to personal well-being and our society. While much work needs to be done, there are many innovative developments to prevent and treat ACES. We all play a role in becoming a whole people." It's amazing. The five topics covered are as follows: Childhood Trauma Healing Communities A New...
Blog Post
Why be "trauma-informed?" - a training for churches by Chaplain Chris Haughee, DMin
As I wrap up my doctoral studies, I am excited to see how the concept of becoming “trauma-informed” in ministry is starting to pick up steam across the country. A large part of the credit for furthering that conversation goes to you--my friends and colleagues here on ACEsConnection! It's been humbling to see how our relatively small ministry in Montana has something to add to the conversation. In fact, far from being behind the curve here in Montana, we are on the cutting edge in terms of...
Blog Post
Why do kids of divorce ask, “Who am I?”
Posted on August 13, 2015 by Linda Jacobs Imagine looking like your father and being proud of that fact. Perhaps at some point in your young life your grandmother proudly said to her friends,...
Blog Post
Why you faith community should know about ACEs - from Helenair.com
As I begin to share with faith communities throughout Montana why adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) matter and how they can help build more resilient children and healthier communities, I sometimes hear something like this: "But why does it matter? What difference should it make in ministry?” The ACE survey measured the prevalence of ten stress-inducing factors in childhood including abuse, neglect, and substance abuse in the home, and these factors definitely influence ministries...
Blog Post
You know I really believe!!!
Folks from Pastors to Priests to dharma brothers and sisters and beyond really do have the power if they become educated about adversity in childhood to really make a change for individuals and for the larger community you live in! In fact it is...
Comment
Re: Linear draft plan
This paragraph that's the Mission Statement: Build capacity of faith leaders in the community to address issues of trauma. Creating trauma-informed congregations that are able to address the co-occurring epidemics for violence, untreated mental illness, suicide, and addiction in their communities through engagement of the faith community and health ministers. I suggest this for the second sentence: Creating trauma-informed congregations that are able to address the consequences of adverse...
Comment
Re: Linear draft plan
My suggestions to the linear plan from Kimberly for tomorrows discussion from our most recent email: A. Under mission and Values: Create trauma-informed congregations that are able to address the co-occurring epidemics of Violence Against Children (ACEs) , adult violence, untreated mental illness... etc.... VALUES Prevention as Young as Possible ( T h ere needs to be a statement here somewhere as to preventing ACEs --- it needs to be specific.... such as our values are to protect the rights...
Comment
Re: You know I really believe!!!
Tina, Thanks so much for sharing your story. Nearly every week someone tells me how their childhood was nearly unbearable were it not for a little old lady who took him or her to Sunday School or took them into her home. Churches have a huge impact, but I'm afraid most pastors are unaware of how a traumatic childhood affects people. I recently read an article in a magazine intended for pastors about "high maintenance" people in church. It spent time bemoaning how some people take advantage...
Comment
Re: You know I really believe!!!
Hi Tina, Thanks for being so open to share your story. I believe it takes courage to share and to heal from childhood adversity. It is time. This is the season to reach more lives and give hope. To help restore dignity and value to wounded people who feel lost even though they are saved. Much love.
Comment
Re: You know I really believe!!!
Originally Posted by Dave Lockridge: Tina, Thanks so much for sharing your story. Nearly every week someone tells me how their childhood was nearly unbearable were it not for a little old lady who took him or her to Sunday School or took them into her home. Churches have a huge impact, but I'm afraid most pastors are unaware of how a traumatic childhood affects people. I recently read an article in a magazine intended for pastors about "high maintenance" people in church. It spent time...
Comment
Re: You know I really believe!!!
I agree with you. Matthew 26: 67-68 gives an account of the physical abuse of Jesus. I am new to posting here, however, have also experienced childhood adversity. It is good to both see and hear the stories and testimonies of God's faithfulness, and the unconditional love from someone or a family in the community. Peace and blessings
Comment
Re: Was Jesus' ministry "trauma-informed?" [part 1]
Chaplain, I love this take. I'm going to be waiting anxiously for the next installment. I've often used Isaiah 61:1 in workshops but now I'm going to incorporate it into my trauma-informed churches workshop. Jesus understood and he had empathy one of the most important traits in dealing with kids in trauma. Thanks so much. Linda
Comment
Re: Was Jesus' ministry "trauma-informed?" [part 1]
Thank you, Linda! Honored that you'd be looking forward to the next installment!
Comment
Re: Confused
Hi Ed, I'm excited that you want to share the information about childhood trauma with the church. It is my belief that God wants to heal the Church from its trauma wounds so that we can reach out to others and offer healing. I've started a movement and written a spiritually integrated trauma recovery model to use in churches and any location open to understanding more about ACE impact. I have a book and workbook on Amazon.com (Break EVERY Stinking Chain! Healing for Hidden Wounds) and offer...
Comment
Re: Youth Ministry and Mental Illness
Yes it is important to respond to mental illness among adolescents as they will be the next set of parents but if we understand adversity in childhood and work with families on prevention and health, rates of adolescent mental health concerns would plummet. A dual approach recognizing and mitigating mental illness, addiction, suicide, family and community violence is the most effective way to gain major change and give so many hope!!!! Dr. Heckman really focuses on this for example early...
Comment
Re: Peek Inside a Classroom: Jasmine
Thank you for such an insightful article. I wish every teacher, child care worker and church leader would read this post. You have explained what is happening in that child's brain very well. Why can't we as a nation figure this out?
Comment
Re: Peek Inside a Classroom: Jasmine
Thank you so much Linda ! Your concluding question is probably the most important thing we do not "see".... Frustrating. I don't get much response even in the church.... Thanks for your support. It only takes one right message in one right place at the right time ! Peace
Comment
Re: Peek Inside a Classroom: Jasmine
I understand about the church issue. I am constantly doing workshops and seminars for children's pastors and for the most part they are clueless. And church family could make such a difference in the lives of these kids. I know because we see this in our DC4K (DivorceCare for Kids) groups. I wish you could be a fly on the wall of a DC4K group. Oh my the healing and changes that take place in these kids in such a short time is amazing. The power of prayer plus the program written to...
Comment
Re: Peek Inside a Classroom: Jasmine
Great article! Keep up the good work Daun! And know that you are on the right track, as you said all it takes is the right message in the right place at the right time. We must continue putting that message out there! Blessings
Comment
Re: Peek Inside a Classroom: Jasmine
Thank you James! For more on a very different defense by children dealing with trauma see "Peek Inside a Classroom:Jose" -- "Peek Inside a Classroom" is a 2 part set (So far). It's on ACEsConnection and HERE
Comment
Re: What does it mean for a ministry to be "trauma-informed?"
I have another friend that has developed a program called "Chained No More." This program is run in churches and is about breaking the chains from childhood. My friend, Robyn Bessemann didn't know much about trauma in the beginning but after lot of study, being raised in a minister's home and ministering to kids and youth of divorce she learned. The Lord impressed upon her to write this program. http://robynbministries.com/chained-no-more/ She also now has an Internet radio show where is...
Comment
Re: What does it mean for a ministry to be "trauma-informed?"
I am the author of "Chained No More...A Journey of Healing for Adult Children of Divorce/Childhood Brokenness ." I did not grow up in a horribly dysfunctional home, did not divorce, or have divorced parents. I did not suffer from abuse, although I had other issues growing up in a pastor's home. It used to be that we all kept our "family business" private, so never really discussed it, nor did we heal from it, so we took it forward into our adult lives. Churches proclaimed the gospel and gave...
Comment
Re: An ACES Presentation as a Sermon
Hi Folks! I'm attaching two documents that I used to deliver the teaching I mentioned in the post above. There is a Powerpoint file that I used on the Sunday that I've converted to a PDF. And the script that accompanies the Powerpoint is also in a PDF document. This presentation and the supporting documents are a 'work in progress.' As Ronnie and I present this to other churches and ministries in the area, I'm sure that it will evolve. We are doing our best to share this important material...
Comment
Re: The Soulful Journey of Recovery: A Guide to Healing from a Traumatic Past for ACAs, Codependents, or Those with Adverse Childhood Experiences
Thanks for this review. I just ordered it---just what I was looking for as I organize a presentation about ACEs. Trying to offer as many recovery suggestions as possible, particularly from a Christian perspective. serenityandhealth.com
Comment
Re: Call for Proposals Philadelphia Trauma Conference (March 6th)
Thank you so much for your interest, Stacy! The conference focuses on interprofessional work, drawing attendees from the Medical & Healthcare, Mental Health, Early Childhood, K-12 Education, Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, Higher Education, Faith, and Community(Block Captains, organizers, etc.) sectors. The majority of sessions are accessible to cross-disciplinary audiences, while a few are targeted to attendees from specific backgrounds/professions. the website for the conference is...
Comment
Re: Religious Engagement Effects on Outcomes of Early Childhood Maltreatment
I find it sad and frustrating that this type of study would have such minimal and inconclusive results. We know the negative impact on a childhood that is steeped in trauma, and I would love to see the church spend more time and resources on stabilizing family life for those in their congregations who are at risk of ACEs. The financial aspect of research is very costly, but the suffering from loss of childhood and quality of life for those impacted by trauma is even higher. I am deeply...
Comment
Re: Religious Engagement Effects on Outcomes of Early Childhood Maltreatment
I completely agree with you Connie. This is an area where the church could have such a great impact. It's my hopes and intention to help our church become 'trauma informed' and see what we can put into place to be intentional at addressing this issue.
Comment
Re: Personal stories from witnesses, U.S. representatives provided an emotional wallop to House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on childhood trauma
Powerful summary. Thanks for including calls to action and all the video testimony links. This feels hopeful. I'm especially struck by this quote: "Members of the committee held up the courage of the witnesses who told their stories of childhood trauma. “I am so sorry you have to weaponize your pain in order for this and the survivor tribe to be seen and heard, but it is so critical for this work to be survivor-led,“ said Pressely. (Click here for the video of her statement). DeSaulneir told...
Comment
Re: The Power of a Trauma-Informed Ministry
Hello all! I'm very interested in getting trained. I run an organisation in Zambia that helps adult survivors of Child sexual abuse find healing. And i believe this training will really help us. Is it possible to get a schedule of the trainings, so that I can plan on when to attend?
Comment
Re: Resilience Surveys and the Christian Faith
You might check in with Shelley Melia. I went to a workshop last year at the LifeWay KidMin Conference and she talked about grief and resilience in kids. She has a child's capacity for resilience survey and a parent survey. Don't know if this is what you are looking for but contact and her and find out. Here is her contact info: Shelly Melia, PhD Assistant Professor of Childhood Education Program Director of MA in Children’s Ministry and MA in Christian Education/ Graduate School of Ministry...
Comment
Re: Influencer's Church of Cumming, GA Hosts Strategic Trauma and Abuse Recovery: A Detailed Map for Healing
This sounds terrific Denise! I SO much appreciate that this resource is grounded in the God of the Bible and in the truths associated with the Christian faith.
Comment
Re: Influencer's Church of Cumming, GA Hosts Strategic Trauma and Abuse Recovery: A Detailed Map for Healing
Thanks, Dale. I am very excited to share this with everyone and look forward to seeing what God is going to do with it. We are completing our first research project now and hope to share that with you by the end of the year.
Comment
Re: Influencer's Church of Cumming, GA Hosts Strategic Trauma and Abuse Recovery: A Detailed Map for Healing
What is the date for the super early bird registration?
Comment
Re: Influencer's Church of Cumming, GA Hosts Strategic Trauma and Abuse Recovery: A Detailed Map for Healing
Hi Linda! The super-early bird has passed, but the early bird is until April 5th. For the other two locations, the super-early-bird is until March 30. I hope this helps!!
Blog Post
Forsyth County Trauma Informed Care Network
The Forsyth County Trauma Informed Network is taking great strides into recognizing and addressing community post Covid-19 impacts. PowerPoint attached.
Blog Post
What Do We Do? What Do We Do Now?
People’s response to the great chasms of structural inequities glaringly laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic have been further inflamed by the murder of George Floyd and deaths of other African Americans in recent weeks. The acute emergency of the pandemic has eased, but the violence inflicted on racial minorities and now those who are protesting the inequities in our society has compounded the outrage. Right after the pandemic began running riot across the US, I often heard people ask: When...
Blog Post
ACEs Champion Danette Glass says COVID-19 increases the need for trauma-informed communities
Glass’s mission has always been to protect and foster the practice of nurturing children. That’s because she herself experienced at least five types of adverse childhood experiences, as measured in the original CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE Study). If the scale could account for childhood adversity such as structural racism and community violence that’s more likely to occur in communities of color, her burden of ACEs is higher.
Blog Post
Perhaps now is the time for your church to become trauma-informed?
Wondering what your church can do in response to the unrest, riots, and disharmony we see? Perhaps this is the time to invest in becoming trauma-informed using "Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks," a study where sound biblical principles intersect with the science of adversity and trauma. Order on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/ Bruised-Reeds-Smoldering-Wi cks-trauma-informed/dp/ 1733812318 Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks is a study on the intersections between the science of adversity...
Blog Post
Racism's Effect on Health, and the Heartbreak of Being a Black Parent Right Now: California's Surgeon General Speaks [kqed.org]
By KQED Science, KQED, June 14, 2020 The coronavirus pandemic and the recent killing of George Floyd have brought longstanding racial inequities into sharp focus. One of those disparities concerns the high rate of coronavirus transmission among people of color. To talk about the intersection of race and health, KQED's Brian Watt spoke last week with California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, who is known for her pioneering work on the role that childhood stress and trauma play on...
Blog Post
THURSDAY!! Cracked Up, The Evolving Conversation: Generational Trauma - Breaking the Cycle [crackedupmovie.com]
CRACKED UP THE EVOLVING CONVERSATION Episode 4: Generational Trauma - Breaking the Cycle with Darrell Hammond, Comedian, actor, SNL Legend Michelle Esrick, Filmmaker, activist Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Author of The Body Keeps the Score Jane Stevens, Founder of ACES Connection and special guest Jane Fonda Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author and activist Thursday June 25th at 1pm PDT / 2p MT / 3p CT / 4pm EDT Hosted by ACEs Connection THE PRICE OF THIS LIVE EVENT IS $12.50 We have...
Blog Post
Resilient Georgia and Georgia Public Broadcasting present "Mental Fitness for Resilience" Second Panel - The Trauma of Racism
Resilient Georgia recently presented a roundtable discussion, featuring a distinguished panel of professionals, on the trauma associated with racism and racial discrimination, as part of the Mental Fitness for Resilience Campaign. The distinguished panel for this Georgia Public Broadcasting production included Dr. Patrice Harris, MD, MA, psychiatrist and the first African-American woman to be elected president of the American Medical Association; Dr. Terri McFadden, a General Pediatrician...
Blog Post
"A Different Distribution of Power": ACEs, Trauma and Resilience Networks Sharpen Focus on Racial Justice and Equity
For the leaders of Sarasota Strong (or "SRQ Strong") Florida, anti-racism work isn’t about inviting people of color to tables long-occupied by white professionals fluent in academic jargon and theories of change. It’s about venturing, with humility and openness, into spaces where Black people worship, work and live. Helen Neal-Ali from SRQ Strong. Photo courtesy of Andrea Blanch. Which is why, before SRQ Strong even had a name or held a formal event, educator/minister Helen Neal-Ali launched...
Blog Post
Help Navigating the Road to Community Resiliency
The first time I ever heard the words trauma-informed care and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study was in the summer of 2014. At the time, I was working for the local Police Department as the Director of a grant-funded Crime Reduction Project aimed at reducing drug-related and violent crime. Of the many program goals, one was to develop a rehabilitative corrections program for felony offenders with addictions in order to reduce recidivism. Though I’ve lived in this region for...
Blog Post
Do safe, stable, and nurturing relationships work? New research has important findings for responding to ACEs
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...
Blog Post
Greater Richmond Trauma Informed Community Network, first to join ACEs Cooperative of Communities, shows what it means to ROCK!
In 2012, Greater Richmond SCAN and five other community partners hatched a one-year plan to educate the Richmond, Virginia, community about ACEs science and to embed trauma-informed practices. Eight years later, the original group has evolved into the Greater Richmond Trauma-Informed Community Network (GRTICN) with 495 people and 170 organizations. And they're just scratching the surface.
Blog Post
Donald Trump is the product of abuse and neglect. His story is common, even for the powerful and wealthy.
“In order to cope,” writes Mary Trump, “Donald began to develop powerful but primitive defenses, marked by an increasing hostility to others and a seeming indifference to his mother’s absence and father’s neglect….In place of [his emotional needs] grew a kind of grievance and behaviors—including bullying, disrespect, and aggressiveness—that served their purpose in the moment but became more problematic over time. With appropriate care and attention, they might have been overcome.”
Blog Post
Trauma-informed policing: Learn how three highly experienced community leaders strengthen ties between police and community
ACEs initiative participants in communities where there is tension between the community and law enforcement will want to join Becky Haas in a compelling conversation on law enforcement, ACEs science, COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement and protests. Haas is a nationally recognized adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) science initiative builder and trainer. She and colleagues Renee Wilson-Simmons, the head of the ACE Awareness Foundation of Memphis, Tennessee, and Maggi Duncan,...
Blog Post
Baby courts: A proven approach to stop the multigenerational transmission of ACES in child welfare; new efforts to establish courts nationwide
The organization Zero To Three estimates that in the U.S., a child is taken into the child welfare system every six seconds. “Many of society’s most intractable problems can be traced back to childhood adversity. Being in the child welfare system increases the likelihood of more adversity and criminality. Baby court is a proven approach to healing the trauma of both child and parent, and breaking the cycle of maltreatment,” says Mimi Graham, Ed.D ., director of the Florida State University...
Blog Post
My Abuse In Christian Settings
Sixty years ago this summer I told. My parents fought to have my perpetrator removed from the organization - to no avail. They were accused of being the ones with the problem because they could not forgive, forget and move on. Thank God, my parents did move on. They left that group. Their belief in me and their sacrificial actions gave me the foundation to thrive. However, the abuse became flesh and dwelt inside me and for decades I suffered great gynecological problems. Recent studies link...