Tagged With "Health and Wellness"
Blog Post
With VBS coming up, attitudes and conversations can make a difference when you have a rambunctious group of kids
Summer is here, and recently I’ve been doing my early morning walk on the beach. In our part of the country we have a beach restoration project going on. This project involves ships, pipes 4 feet in diameter, tractors, backhoes, and other equipment needed to dredge the sand off the bottom of the ocean and pump it up onto the beach. It’s quite interesting to watch the sand pour out of those very large pipes onto the beach and then observe the large earthmoving equipment move all the sand...
Blog Post
Yoga Transformed Me After Trauma and Sexual Assault [yogajournal.com]
Laura's note: This story of sheer determination of transformation of self and community in the face of personal trauma AND systemic racism is breathtaking. Be warned: it may blow you away, as it did me. As a child, Ebony Smith survived sexual assault but didn’t have the tools to cope with the trauma until years later, when she found yoga. Now, she’s bringing the practice to her community, and others in crisis. Exactly 247 people came to practice yoga with me today. Why is that such a big...
Ask the Community
Building Resilience and Expanding Health Linear Plan
Hello All, Attached is first draft Linear Plan on Building Resilience and Expanding Health. Please edit away and track changes then send your edits to Kimberly dot Konkel at hhs dot gov and I will incorporate them. Shalom, Kimberly
Ask the Community
Worth Forwarding - "Caught between the Amygdala and a Hard Place" - by Karyn Purvis, Ph.D. & David Cross, Ph.D.
As so many disturbing and traumatic events involving children have been covered by the media recently - it caused me to reflect on my own journey of becoming trauma-informed. Now that I know what I know, I cannot view such stories in a trauma- un informed way. I've found myself in discussions with others who may, or may not be, trauma-informed. It turns out this one factor predictably correlates with the type of conversation that ensues around any topic covered by the media where children...
Ask the Community
Faith Based Organizations Paragraph on the new Wikipedia Site
I see that the organizers of ACEs Connection have added a page on Wikipedia about the ACE Study . Bravo! Much needed and well done! In that I am an author on Wikipedia - I have taken the liberty to add a paragraph on the contributions...
Ask the Community
from my blog... Creating Communities of Hope for those with ACEs
Before coming to Intermountain, I spent a little over 15 years in children’s and youth ministry in the local church setting. For 8 years I was the youth minister at a small church in Southwest Washington, and most recently spent 7 ½ years...
Ask the Community
Systemic Abuse Within Mission Communities/Organizations
The mission community, on both an agency-level and as a collective community, functions as a closed family system. Closed family systems have some inherent characteristics which have allowed abuse to go unchecked in many settings. The followings...
Reply
Re: Faith Based Organizations Paragraph on the new Wikipedia Site
Hi Jane, I'm happy to do that. I like your sentence better - a little more clinical. See the changes here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/..._Based_Organizations Be well, Dale
Comment
Re: A program to Teach ACEs concepts/Importance of Avoiding Toxic Stress to Parents at our Local Lutheran Church. Ideas?
Hi - I have done exactly this for both faith-based communities as well as schools (teachers and kids). I have a presentation all set - where are you located? Perhaps we could do something together that you could then carry forward? I have presented to Episcopal churches in Philadelphia; and I live in Elkins Park, just north of N. Philly. Feel free to contact me directly: kryscooperLCSW@gmail.com . Oh - I see you are in Michigan. That'd be a tough one to coordinate. Happy to share info,...
Comment
Re: Something to Consider... for the next time you teach or preach on worry
Excellent points, Sandy... just another affirmation of how valuable this online community can be, as your words challenge and fuel me and encourage me at the same time! Vulnerability, TRUE vulnerability, is very hard in spiritual leadership... I have had church members get visibly agitated my times I have dipped my toe in these waters (years ago... pre-ACE Study), because their image (read: idol) of a minister was someone that was a spiritual superhero that didn't bleed... especially not...
Comment
Re: Confused
Hi Ed, I have found the SAMSHA principles helpful to understand what it means to be trauma informed. What Does it Mean to be a Trauma Informed Church? There is a growing trend in education, mental health, social services, and health care: becoming trauma-informed. For those in ministry, “trauma informed” can be a confusing phrase, bringing up images we might not naturally associate with the church and its mission and ministry. Trauma results from something that occurs in a person’s life that...
Comment
Re: Following MLK’s Example Means Ending Our ‘Whatever’ Mindset [BillMoyers.com]
Thank you for this post Jane. As people of faith, I believe we are called to stand for justice, and that it is our responsibility to reach out to the poor and vulnerable. Where would Jesus be spending his time if he were to walk this earth again? He would be spending his time with those that society says..."whatever". He would be criticised for those He chose to love unconditionally. He would be accused of lowering educational standards, not holding our poor and vulnerable accountable...
Comment
Re: Silent Cries: How the church can help people with mental illness [ChristianityToday.com]
I'm going to stick my neck out and share that as a person of faith, I struggle using the word "church." I think our churches can be fear-based, therefore if you struggle, it can be seen as you don't have a strong faith, you haven't prayed hard enough, or that it is a sin that you struggle to overcome an obstacle in your life. I trained a Christian High School on trauma-informed care and I shared how important it was for them to listen to their students and how important it was for their...
Reply
Re: Validated Measurement tools to gauge spiritual well-being?
Hi Chris, I recently ran into an old acquaintance, who's now working at the National Center for PTSD, where their database has just about any known assessment instrument, probably with some notes about its efficacy. While his project is separate from the Library & Database, he may very well be able to be of some help. I noticed, after I started this note, that you included your email address at the bottom of your note. I'll try to send you particulars. In the meantime, If you go to their...
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?
Reply
Re: Building Resilience and Expanding Health Linear Plan
Kimberly, I just made some suggestions/edits and forwarded them to you! ~ Dale
Comment
Re: Getting_Together_poster_
ANTHC's EpiCenter partered with the State of Alaska Family Violence Prevention Project (AFVPP) and Adolescent Health Program to create the "Getting Together" and "We Are Worthy" safety cards, which are evidence-based tools used to address violence. Following the safety cards, ANTHC’s Behavioral Health’s Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative (DVPI) partnered with the Epicenter to create the “Getting Together” and “We Are Worthy” posters that deliver the same positive messages on the cards...
Comment
Re: We_Are_Worthy_poster_
ANTHC's EpiCenter partered with the State of Alaska Family Violence Prevention Project (AFVPP) and Futures Without Violence to create the "Getting Together" and "We Are Worthy" safety cards, which are evidence-based tools used to address violence. Following the safety cards, ANTHC’s Behavioral Health’s Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative (DVPI) partnered with the Epicenter to create the “Getting Together” and “We Are Worthy” posters that deliver the same positive messages on the cards...
Comment
Re: What does it mean for a ministry to be "trauma-informed?"
Love it, Robyn! I share your passion. Of what I wrote, here's where I feel the crux of the matter lies... moving from advocacy for to advocacy with and empowerment of those with past (and present) trauma: Empowerment, voice and choice : Are those that are ministered to also given opportunity and empowered to minister within the church, understanding that they bring value and wisdom to the worshipping community? Are they fully integrated into the life of the church and given a voice for...
Comment
Re: What does it mean for a ministry to be "trauma-informed?"
Yes, Chris. That is the next step for someone who has found healing. They have lived through trauma and damage, so, in my belief, they are highly qualified to move forward and "use their pain for good." We find in our participants, that after finding that healing, they then feel much more worthy and accepted wherever they go, including the church. Concerning Chained No More participants, we sometimes have them come in and observe the next set of classes, share a little of their journey of...
Comment
Re: An ACES Presentation as a Sermon
This is an answer to prayer indeed! Thank you for sharing. And please do share the slides - greatly appreciated. Be well & keep going!
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: An ACES Presentation as a Sermon
Dale, You are continuing to do such great work...not just directly with those in your programs, but by sharing your material so generously. Thank you so much. I was thinking about how each of us reacts to ACEs when we first hear about them--immediately trying to see where we fit in the survey. Have you read anything written about this? Such as specific calls for action depending on where you fit...hi score, low score, children have high score but you don't, etc. I hope you are well. I can...
Comment
Re: An ACES Presentation as a Sermon
Thanks for the encouragement Donna! To answer your question, I have not yet developed such a 'next step' document, etc. In doing a quick search I found this - My ACES are too high, now what Is this the kind of thing that you are talking about, but from a faith perspective? And thanks for the encouragement to self care. I'm on it.... with God's help! ~ Dale
Reply
Re: Presenting to my congregation
Hi Dale, I would love to connect with you. I am a ACE's Child Advocate at a DV/SA support center. My role is to educate those in the community and trying to implement sustainable programming. My next steps is to reach out to the faith based communities. I would love to see your presentation as well as any information or resources you have that would be helpful. Thank you so much. I hope we can connect!
Reply
Re: Child abuse can be found in every culture and religion
Not just in every cutlture and religon Dave, but in homes, streets, public view, schools every where. Child abuse can be found anywhere and everywhere. I agree we must teach every religious leader as well as the entire public the damaging effects of child abuse. The only effect of keeping it quiet is a bad life long outcome, with decisions, perceptions, betrayls from trusting yet again as an adult. My experience my body grew, but my mind remained a child, well thats just from my experience.
Reply
Re: from my blog... Creating Communities of Hope for those with ACEs
I agree with you, Chris! There are so very many people hurting that the generic sermons just don't reach them. We have to get out and serve the hurting people like Jesus did. We started a ministry that we are waiting for 501c3 status for, called Lapeer P.E.A.R.L.S. (Prevent. Educate. Advocate. Restore. Love. Support) that is faith based, using Matthew 18:10 Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my...
Reply
Re: from my blog... Creating Communities of Hope for those with ACEs
Chris, I understand what you are saying. My expertise is in ministering children from divorce and single parent homes. For years I ran a therapeutic child care in OK. I had no church to send these families to because churches just didn't understand what was needed. Parents would say, "why should I go to church? I just get called out to deal with my own child so I might as well stay home." Thankfully more and more special needs ministries are cropping up now. However, church leaders and...
Comment
Re: For those that ordered... the trauma-informed curriculum for churches is headed out the door this week!
Thanks for putting this together Chris! Well done!
Comment
Re: What the World Needs Now: Healing-a sermon addressing ACES
Your sermon was wonderful and SPOT on Aaron. Well done! We all need the love of Jesus to be extended to us through the relationships we have with others.
Reply
Re: Examples of churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other faith communities practicing child trauma prevention and intervention?
ACE Overcomers has been at the forefront of the faith-based trauma-informed movement. We train pastors, laymen, law enforcement officers, social, behavioral, and mental health workers in many states. My curriculum, "Overcoming a Difficult Childhood" is used across the states, into Canada, D.R. Congo, and Uganda. Additionally we have a secular program, "Building Healthy Life Skills" (TM) used in high schools and jails. Both programs have been studied by University of California Merced and...
Comment
Re: Intermountain hosts trauma-informed ministry training and workshop
Hi Chris, I have used your description of what it is a trauma informed church. Could let me know how you would like to be sited on that piece?
Comment
Re: Unconditional Love: Faith Leaders as Agents of Change in the ACEs and Resilience Movement
This was terrific! Thank you for posting Anndee! I just watched the video of Sanghoon Yoo as he explained how trauma informed care and resiliency is rooted biblical scripture. Its well worth the 90 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?...28&v=tjrmrTHN7UY
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 Hawai‘i Blessing (7-minutes Hawaiian Island Ministries)
This was beautiful and well done. Thank you!
Reply
Re: Trauma Informed Congregations - A Strategy Document
You are more than welcome to use this document Lauralee. You may wanes to see and make use of the material I added to this blog post on this network about two weeks ago as well.
Reply
Re: Trauma Informed Congregations - A Strategy Document
Thank you so so much sir!!! On Saturday, December 7, 2019, 03:58:01 AM GMT+10, ACEsConnection < communitymanager@acesconnection.com > wrote: Reply By Dale Fletcher: Trauma Informed Congregations - A Strategy Documen... | == To reply by email, write above this line. == | | | | | Hello, lauralee cummings: We're sending you this notification because you are either following the forum, the content, or the author listed below. New Reply To Ask the Community | Subject: Trauma Informed...
Comment
Re: The Need for Trauma-informed Education During Seminary
Thanks for the mention of the post on trauma -informed churches that I wrote. I can't wrap my mind around why ministers and seminaries are not engaging in this conversation and training their people. I too believe that early trauma is trauma to the spirit and the heart. Churches could do so much to soothe the trauma the little ones are experiencing. I see this all the time in my DC4K, DivorceCare for Kids, group. Just last night in my group 2 little girls really opened up. They laid it all...
Comment
Re: The Need for Trauma-informed Education During Seminary
Hi Kimberly, I'd like to be a part of the Community of Practice group as well, and would appreciate being added. I work as a chaplain in a large regional hospital, and am also involved in bringing ACE presentations to local churches and faith-based organizations. I have presented on ACEs and theology/pastoral care at one local seminary/school of theology, and would like to do more. I believe this education is critical. Thanks! Amie Schumacher
Comment
Re: Trauma can bring about growth [NCROnline.org]
Greetings, Samantha and All! Dwayne, here! Thank you for this insightful post! I spent much of my life suffering from abuses; and then suffering more, from my failed attempts to cope with those realities. But, each time -- from adolescence to the present day (I'm 54, now) -- I have taken the disturbed earth and used it to grow an opportunity. I am a Peer Counsellor... I began this ministry as a teenager, still trying to fathom all that had happened and was happening still; and I reached out...
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