Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute - PACEs Connection (KS)

Five years ago, I wrote a blog for this site to encourage readers to engage in a different type of cookie exchange to spread comfort and warmth during a time of year that isn’t always experienced as “merry” or “joyful”. I’d like to revisit that 2019 post with a “HOPE-ful” lens… In their book, Fostering Resilient Learners , Kristin Souers and Pete Hall introduce a concept called “the cookie jar” – the art of giving praise. It’s part of human nature to rely on external feedback to develop a...

Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can ease toxic stress and help children and youth grow into more resilient, healthy adults. Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) identifies ways that our communities and systems of care can better ensure that all children (and their families!) have access to positive experiences and they have the right support to nurture and celebrate their strengths. The HOPE National Resource Center utilizes a nationwide network of facilitators to...

Drive Impactful Change in Your Work Environment The Trauma-Resilient Professional Certification is designed for educators, social workers, mental health providers, and community leaders who want to develop an understanding on the impact of trauma, build resilience, and foster trusted relationships with those they serve. Please click here Trauma-Resilient Professional Certification | Trauma Resilient Educational Communities (TREC) to learn more. Attached, please find attached a 3-page overview.

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...