A resilient community fosters a network of people and resources that can adapt, learn, and thrive in the face of challenges. Building such a community requires intention and effort. One example of such an effort is the Self-Healing Communities (SHC) project in Lompoc, a collaborative partnership between local government, nonprofits, and community members who share the responsibility and long-term commitment to its success. This project exemplifies the power of collective action in building a stronger, more hopeful community.

Collective Cultures Creating Change (C4) is an all volunteer led non-profit organization in Lompoc, California, working to reduce violence and improve the lives of young people. Founded in response to a string of youth deaths, C4 recognized the need to address the root causes of violence in the community. Last fall, the C4 team successfully launched the Self Healing Communities Kick-Off event with support from LegacyWorks Group, Resilient Santa Barbara County (RSBC), and ACE Interface. This core group of partners are organizing and coordinating efforts to implement an innovative grassroots framework called Self-Healing Communities. The outcomes of the collaboration aim to support healing, and to empower residents to build a safer, brighter future for their city. Attended by over 80 community members, this event gave participants the chance to learn more about ACEs, share their concerns, and co-create positive change in their neighborhoods. This innovative approach empowers ordinary, every-day people to take part in systemic change to reduce intergenerational trauma, increase hope, and start healing. LegacyWorks Group's role as a supportive partner is crucial in bringing the Self-Healing Communities vision to reality. They provide training and support in project management and project design, developing a comprehensive plan that outlines the project's goals, strategies, and timeline. By providing this critical behind-the-scenes support, LegacyWorks Group helps ensure the Self-Healing Communities project has the foundation it needs to succeed.

How does a community "self-heal"?

The Self-Healing Communities model is a community empowerment/engagement framework that helps communities build their own capacity to define and solve problems. The framework, developed by Laura Porter, has been utilized in communities across the country and implementation of this model has been linked to reductions in violence, youth suicide, child-related hospitalizations, youth arrests, and other community health issues.

The evidence-based approach has proven to develop strong networks that promote much greater collaboration across sectors. It also empowers local leadership and nurtures sector leaders to think about whole systems, not just their part of a system. It made visible changes that helped to instill a real sense of hope in communities that had given up on the prospect of a better world for their children. Grounded in the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the community learns how patterns of experience are connected. Together, community members begin to take hope-filled action that promotes change and strengthens support systems so that the community can better protect and nurture the next generation.

A core value of the project is to enhance the voices of community members and empower them to create the change they wish to see in their neighborhoods, ultimately building the capacity of the community to envision and co-create the future. C4 is committed to facilitating a process for the community of Lompoc where all residents feel safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. The project will develop neighborhood and organization networks that promote collaboration across sectors and empower local leaders to think about whole systems. Monthly meetings co-facilitated by project core partners and emerging leaders are designed to engage a vast array of sectors, socio-economic, religious, ethnic and marginalized groups. They include educational opportunities on ACEs, trauma, family violence; shared learning opportunities with mini grants updates, problem solving, outcomes discussion; celebration of successes; exploration of community needs, strengths, assets, priorities and more.

Other activities include:

• Walk the Block Events - Bi-monthly events implemented by C4 volunteers who go door to door to distribute resource bags, engage community members and invite them to project gatherings.
• Block Parties - Three events with food and informational booths from area organizations to create energy and excitement around Self Healing Communities and project gatherings.
• Lompoc Self-Healing Communities Launch - Celebration with Laura Porter, SHC pioneer, as guest speaker on the Self Healing Communities model and community discussion on their experience of violence and trauma.
• Community Speaks Meetings - Monthly meetings co-facilitated by project core partners and emerging leaders that engage a vast array of sectors, socio-economic, religious, ethnic and marginalized groups. They include educational opportunities on ACEs, trauma, family violence; shared learning opportunities with mini grants updates, problem solving, outcomes discussion; celebration of successes; exploration of community needs, strengths, assets, priorities and more.
• ACES Awareness Event - Presentation on Adverse Childhood Experiences, activities on self awareness and understanding of how trauma affects the self, family and community.
• Emerging Leaders Mentorship - Regular stipended mentorship in leadership, facilitation and community organizing. C4 is providing training and mentorship opportunities, encouraging the growth of new leaders.
• Market Place Event and Mini Grants - Gathering at the Market Place to present and co-design community led projects for Mini Grant funding. There will be set-asides for youth and adults. Grant recipients will attend Community Speaks meetings to report on progress, challenges and success, providing an opportunity to learn, problem solve and celebrate together.

The Self-Healing Communities project is a powerful example of increasing community capacity for change. By building resilience from the ground up, the Lompoc community will be enabled to create positive outcomes for their future and take part in creating a safe, supportive community where there is equal opportunity to flourish.

LegacyWorks is proud to show up in service to this incredible project, and the C4 team, and grateful to the partners and funders who make it possible. Funders include The Fund for Santa Barbara, Joan Hartmann with Santa Barbara County, and the James S. Bower Foundation, the McCune Foundation, and the Towbes Foundation.

If you're interested in learning more about the Self-Healing Communities project, please visit the C4 Lompoc website.