Last month, LegacyWorks Group was able to participate in a training surrounding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) science and trauma informed care, led by Terri Allison. While LegacyWorks Group is a non profit focused on community driven projects, we are not healthcare providers nor do we work directly with youth in the community. Yet we still value ACEs science and wanted to incorporate the language and practices more within our own work.

Most of the trainings associated with California’s ACEs Aware initiative, including those led by Santa Barbara County’s Network of Care, focus primarily on healthcare clinics and other social service providers, so we needed to find a way to adapt these teachings for ourselves, making it applicable to the type of facilitation work we do. Terri and I were able to collaborate and shape a training session specifically for our needs; focusing more on personal growth, toxic stress, and shaping a constructive organizational culture.

This training was an hour and a half long and included various sections of powerpoint presentations as well as small breakout group sessions, to take part in thoughtful discussions. For many this was their first exposure to ACEs terminology and for others an opportunity for deeper growth and understanding. After a quick introduction into ACEs science and watching video resources, we delved into learning the effects of toxic stress on the body and how the stress response lies on a continuum, reaching from your normal baseline levels to massive stress arousal. The flight or fight response kicks in the further down you go, leading to differences in behavior, lashing out, and aggression. This stress continuum chart resonated heavily with our staff, especially with those that facilitate meetings regularly. They now have a tool they can refer to when conflict arises and they can best mediate and reach common ground.

Beyond the connections within our own work, learning about ACEs increased personal growth and understanding, and provided tools to our staff for emotional and physical regulation. Now staff are able to identify when toxic stress and past trauma arise within themselves, and can regulate themselves, allowing for their most authentic selves to come back to work mindfully.

This training was a great first step in LegacyWork’s journey through ACEs and will hopefully be the first of many learning opportunities. I myself and the rest of the LegacyWorks team is highly grateful for Terri’s time in walking us through this training and leading us through contemplative discussion.