We developed ACEs Connection's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Tool — called the Inclusion Tool, for short — to ensure that ACEs initiatives across the world focus on being inclusive when forming a steering committee, recruiting leaders, providing education about ACEs science, recruiting members, or providing resources and services within their communities. The more inclusive your ACEs initiative is, the more diverse it will be, giving your initiative a real shot at achieving equity and...

https://lohf.org/ending-racism-to-improve-childrens-mental-health/ I joined 10 colleagues from Lancaster organizations last week to learn how to apply racial justice in our work. For me, this was helpful to explore how racism can discourage children and families’ mental health, and how racial justice can improve it. YWCA Lancaster and the Lancaster Theological Seminary hosted the racial justice training. The 3-day workshop was a follow-up to one I attended last summer. We asked ourselves...

By Alice Yoder, Lancaster Online, September 22, 2019 Even though you cannot always see it on the outside, we are all more likely to have some kind of trauma or adverse childhood experience than to have none. With awareness, knowledge and the right tools, we can reduce stigma and create a supportive and safe community for everyone. We can make simple yet important changes that recognize daily challenges and fight the mental and physical health effects of trauma or ACEs. A restorative,...

The second session of the Starting & Growing Resilient Communities: Online & IRL (In Real Life) was a success. Many members tuned in and were able to learn more about mission/vision statements, creating norms and strategic planning. I have embedded the video in this post. The third session, Launching Your ACEs Initiative , will take place March 15th. If you have any questions about the series, please contact Ingrid Cockhren , TN & Midwest Community Facilitator.

This training is excellent, providing education and deep insight into the impact of trauma in our society but offers ways to tap into the resilience that leads to healing.

Anna: This series sounds incredible. Thank you for sharing the notes and the future workshops. Cissy

You are invited to join the Manheim Township Education Foundation's Virtual Education Forecast Breakfast, on Nov. 11 from 8:00 am - 9:15 am. We'll be discussing Trauma-Informed Care - valuing wellness in schools and the workforce. Melanie Snyder, OWDS, MHFA, will provide a keynote address about Adverse Childhood Experiences, Trauma, and Resilience. Panelists Dr. Pia Fenimore, Anna Brendle Kennedy, Sharon Schaefer, and Matt Pfeiffenberger offer insights from their perspectives in healthcare,...