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Wisconsin elementary-school teachers are incorporating simple mental exercises in the classroom to promote well-being, thanks to a partnership between the Madison Metropolitan School District and the Center for Healthy Minds at the Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

We knew this was coming but it doesn't sting any less... Read about DJUSD Superintendent Roberson's resignation, including his departure date and plans for his replacement. Supt. Roberson has been supportive of educating DJUSD staff about ACEs and introducing trauma-informed practices and restorative practices into schools. We want to be sure and have a voice about what we feel is needed with the new Supt. Read the Davis Vanguard article here: ...

A group of middle and high school students in Compton have filed a first-of-its-kind federal lawsuit saying violence at home and in their neighborhoods has impaired their ability to learn at school. The students, along with three teachers who are also plaintiffs, allege the Compton Unified School District has failed to recognize and address their trauma-induced disabilities, and therefore has denied their legal right to an equal education. ....You have to address trauma in order to do...

A year after the completion of Yolo Countys Bridge to Housing program, graduates are still faring well. According to Tracey Dickinson, Homeless Program coordinator for Yolo Countys Health and Human Services Agency, 42 of 53 participants are still engaged in services with case managers. The project helped 38 people find permanent housing and as of last week, 32 of them are still being housed. It has been reported that six participants lost their permanent housing due to changing family...

(The community meeting notes, below, are also attached.) Yolo County Health & Human Services Agency, Walker Room 137 N. Cottonwood St, Woodland, CA 95695 AGENDA Welcome - Gail, Julie - Mindfulness Moment, Tracy Introduction of all present. Cards for new members, sign in sheet. History/Overview of YRN started in probation with collaboration in community. Jane Stevens lives in our community and is founder of ACEsConnection.com, organization to help build collaboration and share...

THIS IS A GREAT PODCAST! I had a couple of "ah-hah" moments about my own healing and some possible things to prioritize here in Yolo county. Well worth a listen!! Human memory is a sensory experience, says psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk. Through his longtime research and innovation in trauma treatment, he shares what he's learning about how bodywork like yoga or eye movement therapy can restore a sense of goodness and safety. What hes learning speaks to a resilience we can all cultivate in...

First 5 Yolo Children and Families Commission released its annual evaluation report on Friday, showing that it invested $3.1 million in local programs and services and served 5,400 children during fiscal year 2014-15. When adding in parents and other family members, more than 10,000 Yolo County residents were helped by First 5 Yolo grants, the commission reported. Programs funded focused on increasing the number of Yolo County children who are healthy and ready to learn as they enter...

February 24, 2016 3-4:30 137 N. Cottonwood St, Woodland

"We're beginning to see a shift in thinking." I saw this short video for the first time today after viewing Jen Hossler's post of it on the San Diego ACEs Connection site (thanks Jen!). Produced by The California Endowment it is a great tool for engaging folks throughout our community, or within your own organization. Yolo County is part of the "growing network" of people coming together to make an impact to address childhood adversity and trauma throughout our community. ClICK HERE to view...

If you've seen the documentary Paper Tigers , you may remember the stress target -- or color wheel -- in Lincoln High School Principal Jim Sporleder's office. Now you can have one, too! The steering group members of the Yolo Resilience Network in Yolo County, CA, (you can find them on the Yolo County ACEs Connection group) realized the needed to have some tools that they could give to local educators for whom they did presentations about ACEs and trauma-informed practices. "We'd see people...

Sara Lazar , a neuroscientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, was one of the first scientists to take the anecdotal claims about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness and test them in brain scans. What she found surprised her that meditating can literally change your brain. Read complete interview from Washington Post HERE

February 17 at Tower Theater, 7:00-10:00 pm: Katie Holmes stars and Spike Lee produced  Touched With Fire , a film about the experiences of people with bipolar disorder. For complete details, see attached flyer and click here to view the event on our calendar.  March 5 at South Sacramento Christian Center, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm:  Sponsored by Californians for Safety and Justice, the Healing Festival  will feature activities that promote well-being, including...