Tagged With "Experiences"

Perhaps it wasn’t the optimum time to update the network’s vision and values statements: a virtual meeting held in the midst of a global pandemic. But a record number of people—51, compared to the typical 30—tuned in for the May 1 Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH) Collective Impact Council, and they gave the new values statement, which highlights inclusivity and collaboration, an enthusiastic thumbs-up. At the virtual table were members from key state departments—Children...

Did you know that yoga can reduce stress and heal the mind, body, and soul? Let me explain how yoga can prevent, treat, and heal Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and toxic stress. In my personal experience as a Sonoma County preschool teacher, I noticed many children, parents, and teachers in our program had very high levels of stress and anxiety. We all live busy lives and tend to focus on the next activity instead of the one at hand. So I decided to try yoga. I started doing yoga with...

The Center for Youth Wellness (CYW) is a clinical research center located in Bayview Hunters Point, that was created in response to the medical understanding that early adverse traumas can harm the developing brain and bodies of our children. They operate on the mission to improve the health of children and adolescents exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The CYW has collaborated with the Bayview Child Health Center (BCHW) to develop tools and methodologies for early detection...

This new technical assistance tool from the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) offers a variety of approaches for screening adults and children for adverse childhood experiences and trauma, including examples of screening protocols used at several provider practices that have embraced trauma-informed care.

Thanks to an explosion in scientific research now possible with imaging technologies, such as fMRI and SPECT, experts can actually see how the brain develops. This helps explain why exposure to adverse childhood experiences can so deeply influence and change a child's brain and thus their physical and emotional health and quality of life across their lifetime. The above time-lapse study was conducted over 10 years. The darker colors represent brain maturity (brain development). I have added...

Here is a short video clip that explains how toxic stress effects development. Learning to cope with stress is an important part of healthy development. When experiencing stress the stress response system is activated and once the stress is relieved the stress response winds down. In severe situations of abuse or neglect where there is no caring adult to act as a buffer from the stressor, one’s stress response stays activated. Absence of response from adults and constant activation of the...

Thank you for sharing this video, Liz! Harvard is doing a great job putting this science into bite-sized videos.

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your story! The photo of your preschoolers is fabulous. I also rely on my yoga practice to help me cope with stress. I put on a " Yoga with Adriene " youtube video every morning. This helps me get my tired and achy body moving more fluidly, and puts my mind in a much more positive space. She even recently created a video called "Yoga for After Disaster":

It is that time of year, summer.. Summer means Peacetown! This is a FREE community summer concert series from July 7th-September 8th from 4:30-7:30PM in The Barlow, Sebastopol. One element of Peacetown is the Family Village, this is a space for families to play, engage, and have access to local resources. Every week organizations come and have authentic community engagement and conversation that provides positive experiences for both the families and the children. Sonoma County ACEs...

Love, love this 4 minute video! Sharing widely via Twitter etc

Sonoma County [California] ACES Connection was one of 30 organizations to come together and take part in Sebastopol's Peacetown Family Village to provide children and families opportunities to make positive social connections, promote awareness/outreach, and share resources and programming. This led to maximizing resources, building community, and exposing children to Positive Childhood Experiences. Enjoy the video and please feel free to share:

It’s not time, but an integrated recovery plan that heals.

By Camille Escovedo, Staff Writer of SoCo News. Sebastopolians are invited to make merry at the Peacetown Family Village and snowflake hunt on Sunday, Dec. 5, from 2-4 p.m. The free event will be held at Peacetown’s new brick and mortar location in the Barlow, across the street from Taylor Lane Coffee in the former Foundry building. Children can write letters to Santa to be “mailed” to the North Pole and take photos with the man himself at the event, according to Elizabeth Smith, a Peacetown...

Please share and enjoy the 2nd Annual Sebastopol Snowflake Hunt. Print the map and use the clues to walk around Sebastopol to find the snowflakes. Sonoma County PACEs Connection is providing this activity as a way to enjoy community traditions, make memories, and get outside.

Sonoma County PACEs Connection wants to recognize community members and organizations that have created positive experiences for children and our community. Positive experiences can buffer adversity and build resilience, belongingness, and connection. Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to help and whose positive impact is reflected in the lives of the children and families around them?(self nominations accepted) Every month we will recognize Community PACEs Champions during the...

Sonoma County PACEs Connection is proud to be a partner in the local service club led Annual Easter Egg Hunt. This is the first in person community Easter egg hunt since 2019.

In April, Sonoma County PACES Connection partnered with 25 organizations to "Celebrate Parents as Heroes". Inspired by National Parent Leadership Month and April's Child Abuse Prevention Month, 150 parents were nominated and celebrated. This video was made to highlight the event. Enjoy!

As the season begins to wind down, I love to reflect on the impact made during the Peacetown Summer Concert Series. As a board member, Founder of the Peacetown Family Village, and took on a new role this year as Stage Manager for a youth led stage, it was a HUGE undertaking with more value than any price tag (thankfully because I do this uncompensated). Moving from a local park with one stage to The Barlow with 13 different music venues every Wednesday for 14 weeks during the summer. I take...

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” —Desmond Tutu Today memories on social media reminded me of a moment in time where creativity shined through brightly to ensure that children had access to Positive Childhood Experiences and Protective Factors during a time where isolation was at an all time high, and it spread 500 miles away from Sonoma County all the way to Los Angeles County. I wanted to find a way to meet...

Watch the video: Elizabeth Smith and Lifeworks Awareness Video This message was sent on social media platforms Tik Tok (I had to download the app), Instagram, and Facebook through Lifeworks Sonoma County to bring a voice to someone with lived experiences, giving me a seat at the table to be heard. Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Elizabeth Smith, LifeWorks volunteer, and community advocate for suicide awareness and prevention, shares the importance of having open conversations about...