Join us in Hagerstown, MD, for the next training in our series focused on trauma informed strategies for the community! Unconditional Care features three dynamic speakers focused on how addressing issues of self- care and self-awareness lead to the outcomes we all are striving for children, families and neighborhoods. Group rates are available for organizations registering ten or more attendees, contact Kerry Fair at 240-513-6370 or kfair@besterhope.org to arrange. Our last several trainings...

We are so excited to announce our next opportunity to learn from the leading voices in our country on how collaboration and innovative approaches can positively impact overall outcomes for children, families and communities. We hope you can join us in welcoming Geoffrey Canada, Jim Sporleder and Dante DeTablan to the stage at The Maryland Theatre on March 29, 2018. Tickets are on sale now by visiting our website www.besterhope.org. Individual tickets are $45.00 (all fees inclusive) and group...

We are pleased to announce two of the panelists for the discussion led by Dr. Robert Anda on the September 8, 2017, event titled Healing Communities. Additional panelists will be announced over the summer, so stay tuned! For more information on this event in Hagerstown, MD, please reference the attached flyer. Brett Wilson, Maryland House of Delegates, District 2B Victor Brito, Chief, Hagerstown Police Department

We are so excited to host Dr. Robert Anda and Father Gregory Boyle on September 8, 2017, in Hagerstown, MD. Dr. Anda will also lead a panel of regional leaders to explore successes and challenges when responding to community needs. More information at www.besterhope.org

Close to 500 attendees packed the Kepler Theater at Hagerstown Community College in Hagerstown, MD, the morning of Friday, March 24 th on the campus for the sold out event “Building Resilience”, an event organized by the San Mar Initiative, Bester Community of Hope. Following two successful events in 2016 focused on trauma informed practices, the training focused on the next steps of a community wide discussion to build greater awareness and implementation of beliefs and strategies bringing...

Join us as we continue to build upon trauma informed practices and learn how the power of a relationship can ultimately prevent many of the challenges facing our community today. Learn radical solutions to everyday problems and how thinking differently can bring sustainable change. Featured Speakers: James Redford is the co founder and current chair of The Redford Center. His most recent film "Resilience" focuses on the science behind toxic stress and innovative ways to buffer the effects of...

On Monday, March 21, 2016, over 400 social workers, educators and more filled the gymnasium of Bester Elementary School in Hagerstown, MD, as leading trauma experts from across the nation linked findings from the ACE Study (Adverse Childhood Experiences) with staggering proof of health, social, and economic problems resulting later in life.