Blog

We have been so encouraged to hear how HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) is resonating with the ACES Connection community and are thrilled to see our community continue to grow. Here we present the fourth mini-blog in our series on the Building Blocks of HOPE. Children need ample opportunities for productive social and emotional development. Developing social and emotional competencies describes the fourth of the 4 Building Blocks of HOPE . What do we mean by social and...

By Joe Truss, Culturally Responsive Leadership, April 5, 2020 I am finally sitting down, after 3 weeks of shelter in place. (sigh) I am just starting to calm down enough to think, and write, and reflect. Here are my reflections on the coronavirus, distance learning, and what the hell it means for our education system. Ok. Here’s the current reality. The coronavirus is spreading and we are averaging a thousand deaths per day, 13,000 deaths as of April 7th, 2020 . I am sure it has gone up, and...

By Brendan Quealey, Traverse City Record-Eagle, April 19, 2020 Nash Nichols was ecstatic when his hair grew back. The now 3½-year-old’s long, blond locks first fell out shortly after he began chemotherapy. His mother, Angie Nichols, can’t forget the day it happened. Nash sat next to his grandfather, lifted his hand to scratch his head, and returned with a handful of hair. Nash looked up, unaware anything was wrong, and said, “Papa, that’s my hair.” It was a traumatic experience — one of many...

By Yasmin Anwar, Berkeley News, April 17, 2020 The intense social isolation, stress and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 is shaping up to be its own mental health pandemic. Already, spikes in post-traumatic stress disorder are being documented among vulnerable populations, health workers and other front-line personnel. In the latest in a series of Berkeley Conversations: COVID-19 live webcasts, UC Berkeley psychologists Dacher Keltner , Sonia Bishop and Frank Worrell offered advice on how to...

By Eleanore Catolico, Chalkbeat Detroit, April 16, 2020 Brianna and her friends were all smiles in the car, soaking in their high school football team’s win. The 14-year-old replayed the joys of the day in her head: the corny jokes, prank calls, improvised dance routines. Then she was jolted by the sound of a loud pop. A man with a rifle was shooting at someone in the street. The smell of smoke filled the air as the onslaught of bullets blasted through the car, leaving Brianna with bullet...

Cowart Trauma Informed Partnership is pleased to announce two fabulous new training opportunities! This introductory level live webinar is essential for anyone who works with the public, especially now as the world is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants of this live webinar will learn what trauma is, its possible effects, and how to respond appropriately. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ This new course is designed...

We (SheRay's & Associates & TTJ Group, LLC) is sponsoring with our new podcast company UM (Urban Minority) Real Talk! A National Virtual Town Hall meeting called "Communities of Color COVID-19 & Prevention/Solutions" Please see the link below and register! Limited Space! We hope you will be able to participate! Thanks! https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regist…/2227019427013075725 # victoryoverthevirus

Hello Community, I work in early years learning & wellness, and write to share an offering that might help families set up a framework for mandatory learning at home. Warmly, Jodi Wert

From Native Organizers Alliance, April 22, 2020 We hope you and your loved ones are in good health. During this Coronavirus pandemic, we are all finding ways to support our families and communities in difficult circumstances. Native communities are adopting new ways of meeting the urgent needs of our communities, both physically and spiritually. We are using digital tools to maintain community and ceremony while physically separating for our safety. Please join us for a video conference to...

It was more than a piece of parchment bearing the governor’s signature. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s resolution declaring May 15, 2019 as the state’s first Trauma-Informed Awareness Day marked a high-level recognition that, where state policy is concerned, trauma matters. The resolution and resulting proclamation Pritzker signed also calls for legislators to consider childhood brain development, early adversity and buffering relationships when making policy decisions; it urges all state...

By ACEs Aware, April 21, 2020 The physician speakers will share opportunities and guidance for providing trauma-informed care via telehealth as well as resources providers can offer to patients to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 related stress on physical and mental health. This is particularly critical for patients who have experienced, or who are currently experiencing, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) or other adversities. Futures Without Violence will share resources providers...

COVID-19 has brought up a lot of new things and experiences and identifying emotions for them can be hard for kids. Art with Heart has created COVID-19 related activity worksheets, lesson videos, and more to help kids during this impactful time. Visit our home page at artwithheart.org download the resources. Or use the links below. 1. How do you feel?: A feelings chart and worksheet to help identify emotions around COVID19 experiences. 2. Make your Emotions Move: Sometimes it’s hard to know...