Minnesota Communities Caring for Children (MCCC) is the only nonprofit in Minnesota to focus on the prevention of child abuse and neglect before it starts. One way we do this is by educating communities about how our early experiences shape lifelong health and well-being.

A lot of our work is influenced by the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, which showed that certain experiences in childhood can cause toxic stress and result in physical changes in brain development.

Using a national curriculum, MCCC empowers individuals to raise awareness about the effects of trauma and the promise of prevention in their communities. Barb Sorum, the Director of Prevention Initiatives in Southern Minnesota, is one of the more than 40 ACE Interface Presenters who were trained in Fiscal Year 2016. As a certified ACE Interface Trainer and Presenter, she has co-presented 5 educational presentations across Southern Minnesota.

“I'm excited to be ACE Interface certified with Minnesota Communities Caring for Children.  As we recognize epigenetics and continue grasping a better understanding of how significant childhood adversity interrupts the brain's natural development, it's essential to recognize, build and strengthen resiliency within families and communities across Minnesota.  Knowing my individual roots, how the past has affected who I am today, and accepting the circumstances I may not have had control over has helped me build a stronger foundation to grow and confidently move into the future for my children and grandchildren.”

Interested in hosting an ACE Interface presentation in your community or workplace? Please contact our Evaluations and Community Education Manager, Kate Bailey, kbailey@pcamn.org, or our Program Assistant, Jeannette Lewis, jlewis@pcamn.org.