Latest News
Join Us on Jan. 24 for "The History and Value of Peer Support"
January 19, 2022
Join the Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, January 24, for a Zoom session focused on "The History and Value of Peer Support." Panelists will include Jorie Barna, Interim Executive Director, On Our Own; Tony Davis, Parent Partner with the Region Ten Child and Family Intensive Care Coordinator team; Shadee Gillam, Peer Navigator for the City of Charlottesville’s Home to Hope Program; and Erin Tucker, Region One Recovery-Oriented Services Coordinator, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Register here.
Join the Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, January 24, for a Zoom session focused on "The History and Value of Peer Support." Panelists will include Jorie Barna, Interim Executive Director, On Our Own; Tony Davis, Parent Partner with the Region Ten Child and Family Intensive Care Coordinator team; Shadee Gillam, Peer Navigator for the City of Charlottesville’s Home to Hope Program; and Erin Tucker, Region One Recovery-Oriented Services Coordinator, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Register here.
Past News
November 23, 2021
The November 29th meeting of the Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network has been cancelled.
We wish you and yours a trauma-free, safe, and peaceful holiday season.
The November 29th meeting of the Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network has been cancelled.
We wish you and yours a trauma-free, safe, and peaceful holiday season.
Screening of "Resilience" Provided Concise Overview of Trauma Research and Response
September 28, 2021
The Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network offered a free screening of Resilience, followed by a facilitated discussion, on September 27. The inspiring documentary featured Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and other nationally known figures and was well received by the 40-plus participants.
An important takeaway from the film was, as one researcher said, "Resilience is not something you are born with; you develop it." Among the topics clearly and concisely covered were: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), toxic stress, the impact of trauma and violence on children, and effective and proven efforts that build resiliency in families.
Following the screening, the participants listed those whom they thought should see this documentary, ranging from first responders and medical providers to future teachers and parenting program staff and participants. The network hopes to offer future screenings of the film.
About the Documentary
THE CHILD MAY NOT REMEMBER, BUT THE BODY REMEMBERS. Researchers have recently discovered a dangerous biological syndrome caused by abuse and neglect during childhood. As the new documentary Resilience reveals, toxic stress can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time, and early death. While the broader impacts of poverty worsen the risk, no segment of society is immune. Resilience, however, also chronicles the dawn of a movement that is determined to fight back. Trailblazers in pediatrics, education, and social welfare are using cutting-edge science and field-tested therapies to protect children from the insidious effects of toxic stress—and the dark legacy of a childhood that no child would choose.
The Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network offered a free screening of Resilience, followed by a facilitated discussion, on September 27. The inspiring documentary featured Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and other nationally known figures and was well received by the 40-plus participants.
An important takeaway from the film was, as one researcher said, "Resilience is not something you are born with; you develop it." Among the topics clearly and concisely covered were: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), toxic stress, the impact of trauma and violence on children, and effective and proven efforts that build resiliency in families.
Following the screening, the participants listed those whom they thought should see this documentary, ranging from first responders and medical providers to future teachers and parenting program staff and participants. The network hopes to offer future screenings of the film.
About the Documentary
THE CHILD MAY NOT REMEMBER, BUT THE BODY REMEMBERS. Researchers have recently discovered a dangerous biological syndrome caused by abuse and neglect during childhood. As the new documentary Resilience reveals, toxic stress can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time, and early death. While the broader impacts of poverty worsen the risk, no segment of society is immune. Resilience, however, also chronicles the dawn of a movement that is determined to fight back. Trailblazers in pediatrics, education, and social welfare are using cutting-edge science and field-tested therapies to protect children from the insidious effects of toxic stress—and the dark legacy of a childhood that no child would choose.
Racial Truth & Reconciliation for Children & Families in Virginia
May 28, 2021
The virtual meeting of the Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network (TICN) featured Chlo'e Edwards, policy analyst for Voices for Virginia's Children, and Tiffany Haynes, advocacy & engagement manager for Voices for Virginia's Children, who presented "Racial Truth and Reconciliation for Children and Families in Virginia." Watch the recording here. Download the slide presentation here.
Highlights
One of the first topics discussed was the importance of knowing and acknowledging which native land you are on. Chlo'e said, "When it comes to racial truth and oppression, we have to look at the land we reside on and the history related to that."
Their work represents a shift from trauma-informed policy to trauma-informed and equity-informed policy. Chlo'e explained that it is a shift not only from "what is wrong with you" to "what happened to you" but also to "what is right with you" when challenging community members to be the agent in creating the change that impacts them.
Tiffany touched on the importance of education to increase awareness of systemic trauma. One statistic shared was that black people who have attended college are more likely than those who haven't to say they've faced certain situations because of their race. She said, "I would say that it's because they've become more aware of how those systemic things touched them as an individual in those spaces, whereas people outside of that oftentimes feel that it's an individual accountability. We need to focus on both individual and systemic issues."
The comprehensive presentation included information about:
Join us in September!
The next network meeting will take place on Monday, September 27. Please save the date!
The virtual meeting of the Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network (TICN) featured Chlo'e Edwards, policy analyst for Voices for Virginia's Children, and Tiffany Haynes, advocacy & engagement manager for Voices for Virginia's Children, who presented "Racial Truth and Reconciliation for Children and Families in Virginia." Watch the recording here. Download the slide presentation here.
Highlights
One of the first topics discussed was the importance of knowing and acknowledging which native land you are on. Chlo'e said, "When it comes to racial truth and oppression, we have to look at the land we reside on and the history related to that."
Their work represents a shift from trauma-informed policy to trauma-informed and equity-informed policy. Chlo'e explained that it is a shift not only from "what is wrong with you" to "what happened to you" but also to "what is right with you" when challenging community members to be the agent in creating the change that impacts them.
Tiffany touched on the importance of education to increase awareness of systemic trauma. One statistic shared was that black people who have attended college are more likely than those who haven't to say they've faced certain situations because of their race. She said, "I would say that it's because they've become more aware of how those systemic things touched them as an individual in those spaces, whereas people outside of that oftentimes feel that it's an individual accountability. We need to focus on both individual and systemic issues."
The comprehensive presentation included information about:
- The evolution of Voices for Virginia's Children and Racial Truth & Reconciliation VA;
- The goals, activities, and structure of Racial Truth & Reconciliation VA;
- Concepts of truth and reconciliation;
- The need for truth and reconciliation;
- Historical and cultural trauma in regard to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), epigenetics, intersectionality, and current traumatic events;
- The impact of systemic and structural racism and disparities in these systems;
- Justice and what it entails;
- Seeking solutions to foster resilience in systems rather than perpetuate trauma; and
- Advocacy and activism to address racism, which has been declared a public health crisis by the state of Virginia.
- Upcoming events;
- Racial Truth & Reconciliation Week, scheduled for August 1-7; and
- Coalitions and committees.
Join us in September!
The next network meeting will take place on Monday, September 27. Please save the date!
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and Virginia Resilience Week (May 2-8)
April 29, 2021
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the first week of the month is Virginia Resilience Week. The Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network (TICN) has joined together with the Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition and the Greater Richmond TICN to promote mental health and resilience in our community.
Please join our local network meeting from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 24. The virtual session will feature Chloe Edwards, policy analyst for Voices for Virginia's Children, and Tiffany Haynes, advocacy & engagement manager for Voices for Virginia's Children, who will present "Racial Truth and Reconciliation for Children and Families in Virginia," beginning at 2 p.m. The session will also feature reports on the May events and a self-care moment. Follow this link to register and receive the Zoom link.
Virginia Resilience Week
The Greater Richmond TICN has planned online events for Resilience Week. Registration is required for some events.
Mental Health Awareness Month
The coalition has created a Mental Health Awareness Month Calendar filled with 31 clickable activities and resources to help cultivate mental health and resilience. There are both online and in-person events, and some require registration.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the first week of the month is Virginia Resilience Week. The Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network (TICN) has joined together with the Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition and the Greater Richmond TICN to promote mental health and resilience in our community.
Please join our local network meeting from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 24. The virtual session will feature Chloe Edwards, policy analyst for Voices for Virginia's Children, and Tiffany Haynes, advocacy & engagement manager for Voices for Virginia's Children, who will present "Racial Truth and Reconciliation for Children and Families in Virginia," beginning at 2 p.m. The session will also feature reports on the May events and a self-care moment. Follow this link to register and receive the Zoom link.
Virginia Resilience Week
The Greater Richmond TICN has planned online events for Resilience Week. Registration is required for some events.
Mental Health Awareness Month
The coalition has created a Mental Health Awareness Month Calendar filled with 31 clickable activities and resources to help cultivate mental health and resilience. There are both online and in-person events, and some require registration.
Building Resiliency During a Pandemic: "Being a Non-Anxious Presence"
Speakers included Rebecca Kendall, Laura Handler, Melody Parnell, Alicia Lenahan, and Erin Tucker.
March 25, 2021
The Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network virtual meeting took place on Monday, March 22, and featured a discussion on "Building Resiliency During a Pandemic." View the recording of the meeting here.
Panelists included Laura Handler, LPC, Director of Prevention Services, Region Ten CSB; Melody Pannell, MSW, M.Div., MACE, Resilience Educator and Therapist, The Women's Initiative; and Erin Tucker, Executive Director, On Our Own. The panel discussed the impact of the pandemic on their staff, offices, and programming and shared the latest news about their services to the community. All three organizations have seen an increased demand for services. Melody summed up the goals expressed by all the panelists when she said, "We are focusing on safety and keeping calm. On being a non-anxious presence. On staying connected even though we’ve been socially distancing and making sure we remain competent." More highlights of the discussion can be read below.
Information on the resources available at each organization can be accessed by clicking on these links:
Network administrator Alicia Lenahan shared information about the 2021 Virginia Resilience Week, slated for May 2-8, and invited attendees to be part of a workgroup in support of that week. Please email her to participate.
The next network meeting will take place on Monday, May 24, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Discussion Highlights
When the panel was asked what they were optimistic about going into the spring, Laura said, "“I am most optimistic about having some of those in-person interactions again. We really crave that chance to talk to each other and be with each other.” She also noted that a cause for optimism is that they had learned that they can be more flexible than they realized in trying to reach the populations where there are barriers.
Melody said, "I am most optimistic about the way we have been able to continue services and keep that connection with our clients... we have also been able to start doing some in-person sessions with clients who are comfortable coming into the office. We are going to continue telehealth. It’s a norm now where people are able to contact a counselor from anywhere in society.” She also said that she was excited about her position which was was created due to the pandemic and to the racial and political atmosphere that was highlighted in 2020. The position focuses on building resiliency and on care for the caregiver, including looking at racialized, historical, or cultural trauma.
Erin felt optimistic that more people she knew were being vaccinated and that On Our Own had been able to continue their pantry days twice a week throughout the pandemic. They have been able to offer online group sessions all day long and recently added online yoga sessions. When the weather gets warmer, they plan to hold some socially-distant outdoor meetings.
A comment by audience member Nicholas Smith led to a discussion about the stigma associated with mental health in the Latinex and other populations. Melody said, "It’s especially important for BIPOC communities to work to overcome this stigma. Coming from a strength-based perspective, one of [their support systems] may be their family systems. Hiring BIPOC staff or staff who can speak the languages is also important."
Laura agreed and said, "It’s figuring out what are those natural supports and how do we tap into that in a way that feels less threatening. Addressing this stigma is certainly something in the field of prevention that we are trying to address on a regular basis."
Subscribe for Meeting Updates
Subscribe to the Greater Charlottesville TICN newsletter here. Connect with us on Facebook here and Twitter here. Mark your calendar for the next network meeting from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 24.
Summary written by Cathee Johnson Phillips. Please contact her with any corrections.
The Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network virtual meeting took place on Monday, March 22, and featured a discussion on "Building Resiliency During a Pandemic." View the recording of the meeting here.
Panelists included Laura Handler, LPC, Director of Prevention Services, Region Ten CSB; Melody Pannell, MSW, M.Div., MACE, Resilience Educator and Therapist, The Women's Initiative; and Erin Tucker, Executive Director, On Our Own. The panel discussed the impact of the pandemic on their staff, offices, and programming and shared the latest news about their services to the community. All three organizations have seen an increased demand for services. Melody summed up the goals expressed by all the panelists when she said, "We are focusing on safety and keeping calm. On being a non-anxious presence. On staying connected even though we’ve been socially distancing and making sure we remain competent." More highlights of the discussion can be read below.
Information on the resources available at each organization can be accessed by clicking on these links:
- On Our Own; see the member groups at a glance here.
- Region Ten; download their spring prevention offerings flier here.
- The Women's Initiative; download their spring prevention offerings flier here.
Network administrator Alicia Lenahan shared information about the 2021 Virginia Resilience Week, slated for May 2-8, and invited attendees to be part of a workgroup in support of that week. Please email her to participate.
The next network meeting will take place on Monday, May 24, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Discussion Highlights
When the panel was asked what they were optimistic about going into the spring, Laura said, "“I am most optimistic about having some of those in-person interactions again. We really crave that chance to talk to each other and be with each other.” She also noted that a cause for optimism is that they had learned that they can be more flexible than they realized in trying to reach the populations where there are barriers.
Melody said, "I am most optimistic about the way we have been able to continue services and keep that connection with our clients... we have also been able to start doing some in-person sessions with clients who are comfortable coming into the office. We are going to continue telehealth. It’s a norm now where people are able to contact a counselor from anywhere in society.” She also said that she was excited about her position which was was created due to the pandemic and to the racial and political atmosphere that was highlighted in 2020. The position focuses on building resiliency and on care for the caregiver, including looking at racialized, historical, or cultural trauma.
Erin felt optimistic that more people she knew were being vaccinated and that On Our Own had been able to continue their pantry days twice a week throughout the pandemic. They have been able to offer online group sessions all day long and recently added online yoga sessions. When the weather gets warmer, they plan to hold some socially-distant outdoor meetings.
A comment by audience member Nicholas Smith led to a discussion about the stigma associated with mental health in the Latinex and other populations. Melody said, "It’s especially important for BIPOC communities to work to overcome this stigma. Coming from a strength-based perspective, one of [their support systems] may be their family systems. Hiring BIPOC staff or staff who can speak the languages is also important."
Laura agreed and said, "It’s figuring out what are those natural supports and how do we tap into that in a way that feels less threatening. Addressing this stigma is certainly something in the field of prevention that we are trying to address on a regular basis."
Subscribe for Meeting Updates
Subscribe to the Greater Charlottesville TICN newsletter here. Connect with us on Facebook here and Twitter here. Mark your calendar for the next network meeting from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 24.
Summary written by Cathee Johnson Phillips. Please contact her with any corrections.
Planning Community Work that Promotes Racial and Trauma-Informed Care
Panelists included, top row, Gene Cash and Kaki Dimock, bottom row, Josh Kaufman-Horner, Rebecca Kendall, and Andrea Perez.
January 26, 2021
The Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network came together virtually Monday, January 25, for a conversation on "Planning Community Work that Promotes Racial and Trauma-Informed Care." The meeting featured a recorded conversation with Laura Porter, Co-Founder of ACE Interface, LLC, and a panel discussion by members of the local ARISE Committee. The Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition (CMHWC) launched the ARISE Committee in July of 2019 to promote Anti-Racism, Racial Awareness, Intersectionality, Sensitivity, and Equity.
Conversation with Laura Porter
Community volunteer Alicia Lenahan moderated the meeting. The session began with a segment of her recorded conversation with Laura Porter, who develops and disseminates educational products and empowerment strategies that help leaders throughout the nation to dramatically improve population health. Porter emphasized that efforts to build a trauma-informed community must be a grassroots effort in order to succeed: "Ask people who have an interest to tap their social networks and then support them to go those places. People are better at talking to their own communities." Watch the full conversation here.
ARISE Panel Discussion
Rebecca Kendall, Coalition Director and Development Analyst at Region 10, gave an overview of the CMHWC. Gene Cash, LCSW, LISWS, Executive Director of the Counseling Alliance of Virginia (CAVA), then led the ARISE panel discussion. He began by discussing the purpose of ARISE. The committee hopes to help organizations and individuals to become racially aware and then move beyond that to dismantling white supremacy through equitable practices.
Gene said, "Talking about whiteness and white supremacy should be a daily way of life. Racism is not just about people walking around with hoods. We understand that people are on a different continuum of awareness and change... we appreciate everyone’s efforts to be anti-racist."
He continued, "In order to change something, you have to see it and then name it. We have to talk about it in a very honest way. You can’t talk about race without talking about trauma, and you can’t talk about trauma without talking about race."
The panelists presented the ARISE Roadmap to Racial Responsibility. ARISE asks partners to commit to completing six steps, beginning with an equity assessment, as they move through the stages to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. The ARISE team provides support to organizations as they progress through these stages.
ARISE panelists included Gene Cash; Kaki Dimock, Co-Chair of ARISE, Co-Chair of the Mental Health and Wellness Coalition, and Director of Human Services with the City of Charlottesville; Josh Kaufman-Horner, Intensive Care Coordinator for Region Ten; and Andrea Perez, MSW, Family Preservation Worker and Family Finder with Albemarle County Department of Social Services and member of the Mental Health and Wellness Coalition’s Service Systems subcommittee.
The meeting closed with a self-care exercise, Four Elements, led by Sara Robinson, Director, Child and Family Outpatient and Crisis Services, Region Ten.
Subscribe for Meeting Updates
Subscribe to the CMHWC monthly newsletter here. Subscribe to the Greater Charlottesville TICN newsletter here. Connect with us on Facebook here and Twitter here. Mark your calendar for the next network meeting from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Monday, March 22.
Summary written by Cathee Johnson Phillips. Please contact her with any corrections.
The Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network came together virtually Monday, January 25, for a conversation on "Planning Community Work that Promotes Racial and Trauma-Informed Care." The meeting featured a recorded conversation with Laura Porter, Co-Founder of ACE Interface, LLC, and a panel discussion by members of the local ARISE Committee. The Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition (CMHWC) launched the ARISE Committee in July of 2019 to promote Anti-Racism, Racial Awareness, Intersectionality, Sensitivity, and Equity.
Conversation with Laura Porter
Community volunteer Alicia Lenahan moderated the meeting. The session began with a segment of her recorded conversation with Laura Porter, who develops and disseminates educational products and empowerment strategies that help leaders throughout the nation to dramatically improve population health. Porter emphasized that efforts to build a trauma-informed community must be a grassroots effort in order to succeed: "Ask people who have an interest to tap their social networks and then support them to go those places. People are better at talking to their own communities." Watch the full conversation here.
ARISE Panel Discussion
Rebecca Kendall, Coalition Director and Development Analyst at Region 10, gave an overview of the CMHWC. Gene Cash, LCSW, LISWS, Executive Director of the Counseling Alliance of Virginia (CAVA), then led the ARISE panel discussion. He began by discussing the purpose of ARISE. The committee hopes to help organizations and individuals to become racially aware and then move beyond that to dismantling white supremacy through equitable practices.
Gene said, "Talking about whiteness and white supremacy should be a daily way of life. Racism is not just about people walking around with hoods. We understand that people are on a different continuum of awareness and change... we appreciate everyone’s efforts to be anti-racist."
He continued, "In order to change something, you have to see it and then name it. We have to talk about it in a very honest way. You can’t talk about race without talking about trauma, and you can’t talk about trauma without talking about race."
The panelists presented the ARISE Roadmap to Racial Responsibility. ARISE asks partners to commit to completing six steps, beginning with an equity assessment, as they move through the stages to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. The ARISE team provides support to organizations as they progress through these stages.
ARISE panelists included Gene Cash; Kaki Dimock, Co-Chair of ARISE, Co-Chair of the Mental Health and Wellness Coalition, and Director of Human Services with the City of Charlottesville; Josh Kaufman-Horner, Intensive Care Coordinator for Region Ten; and Andrea Perez, MSW, Family Preservation Worker and Family Finder with Albemarle County Department of Social Services and member of the Mental Health and Wellness Coalition’s Service Systems subcommittee.
The meeting closed with a self-care exercise, Four Elements, led by Sara Robinson, Director, Child and Family Outpatient and Crisis Services, Region Ten.
Subscribe for Meeting Updates
Subscribe to the CMHWC monthly newsletter here. Subscribe to the Greater Charlottesville TICN newsletter here. Connect with us on Facebook here and Twitter here. Mark your calendar for the next network meeting from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Monday, March 22.
Summary written by Cathee Johnson Phillips. Please contact her with any corrections.
Find the Helpers Virtual Network Meeting Focused on the Lived Experience
The November Virtual Network Meeting, "Find the Helpers," took place on November 23, 2020, and was attended by more than 35 community members. The common threads throughout the discussion were the importance of the lived experience and meeting people where they are in providing effective peer support.
Alicia Lenahan welcomed everyone, and Meaghan Gordon, Senior Family Services Specialist for Prevention, City of Charlottesville, moderated the discussion. Anna Mendez, Executive Director, Partner for Mental Health, discussed their organization's process for identifying effective navigators, mentors, and helpers, based on the skills they want those individuals to have. April Oliver, Clinic Coordinator, Westhaven Clinic and Women of Valor, and Deidre Creasy, Region Ten, discussed how the supportive model benefits their clients and the community. Erin Tucker, Executive Director, On Our Own, shared the history of the development of the Virginia certification program for peer support specialists and discussed earning credentials without barriers.
The session began a conversation on how the network can improve its community outreach. April offered the following advice: "Give people informal opportunities to get to know you and build relationships. Send people into the community so that the community gets to know them." She said that having people already in the community participate in the network is important. Deidre agreed and added: "Make sure the individuals who are going into the community have the same goals, especially since you have a network of different service providers. Some of their regulations may not permit them to be as flexible regarding certain issues. Are they there for the right reasons? Sometimes it’s a hard conversation to have, but it needs to happen."
Highlights and Takeaways
Alicia Lenahan welcomed everyone, and Meaghan Gordon, Senior Family Services Specialist for Prevention, City of Charlottesville, moderated the discussion. Anna Mendez, Executive Director, Partner for Mental Health, discussed their organization's process for identifying effective navigators, mentors, and helpers, based on the skills they want those individuals to have. April Oliver, Clinic Coordinator, Westhaven Clinic and Women of Valor, and Deidre Creasy, Region Ten, discussed how the supportive model benefits their clients and the community. Erin Tucker, Executive Director, On Our Own, shared the history of the development of the Virginia certification program for peer support specialists and discussed earning credentials without barriers.
The session began a conversation on how the network can improve its community outreach. April offered the following advice: "Give people informal opportunities to get to know you and build relationships. Send people into the community so that the community gets to know them." She said that having people already in the community participate in the network is important. Deidre agreed and added: "Make sure the individuals who are going into the community have the same goals, especially since you have a network of different service providers. Some of their regulations may not permit them to be as flexible regarding certain issues. Are they there for the right reasons? Sometimes it’s a hard conversation to have, but it needs to happen."
Highlights and Takeaways
- Anna shared their interview questions and offered to help interested organizations add peer support to their services.
- Anna discussed the importance of improving social determinants of health and the role of peer support in doing this.
- Deidre said that their peer mentors are defined as "individuals who have lived experience" and that they assist them in getting certification down the line. April's organization also emphasizes the lived experience and provides training and assistance with state certification.
- April and Deidre discussed the importance of the lived experience. April said, "It’s easier for people to open up to someone who has experienced the same thing. [for example,] to say, 'I don’t have food in my house right now… can you help me?' ... It’s also important for people to feel like they have someone on their side... to have that second person there who is a support for you makes you feel more comfortable to say what you need to say."
- April and Deidre offered practical strategies for building relationships and trust, such as having informal activities that allow people to get to know each other, meeting people where they are in the community, listening carefully, and understanding that each family's situation is different and responding accordingly.
- Erin shared that the peer support model is an evidence-based practice and discussed the Emotional CPR (eCPR) training that offers a way to build rapport easily and naturally. Learn more about this training here.
- Partner for Mental Health offers navigation services in English and Spanish, and the Westhaven Clinic has a language line at the clinic that is accessible from their cell phones when they are out in the community.
Creating Hope in this Environment
The virtual local network meeting on September 28, 2020, featured a panel presentation, "Nurturing the Safety and Resilience of Caregivers in this Environment."
Sara Robinson, Director, Child and Family Outpatient and Crisis Services, Region Ten, opened the session by presenting on the current environment's impact on caregivers and evidence-based recommendations for self-care for parents and guardians. Alicia Lenahan, President and CEO, Piedmont CASA, moderated the panel discussion of four local experts about where and how each have felt and created hope in this environment. Panelists included: Jessica Carter, Charlottesville Schools Support Liaison; Bridget Mahoney, People Places Family Mentor; Marquez Mitchell, National Counseling Group; and Ingrid Ramos, Women's Initiative.
The network's next meeting will take place on November 23 and will focus on the value of peer support both professionally and personally.
The virtual local network meeting on September 28, 2020, featured a panel presentation, "Nurturing the Safety and Resilience of Caregivers in this Environment."
Sara Robinson, Director, Child and Family Outpatient and Crisis Services, Region Ten, opened the session by presenting on the current environment's impact on caregivers and evidence-based recommendations for self-care for parents and guardians. Alicia Lenahan, President and CEO, Piedmont CASA, moderated the panel discussion of four local experts about where and how each have felt and created hope in this environment. Panelists included: Jessica Carter, Charlottesville Schools Support Liaison; Bridget Mahoney, People Places Family Mentor; Marquez Mitchell, National Counseling Group; and Ingrid Ramos, Women's Initiative.
The network's next meeting will take place on November 23 and will focus on the value of peer support both professionally and personally.
The Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network Training Committee has identified three programs offering ongoing training on trauma and resiliency in the area: ACE Interface, Community Resilience Network, and EMPOWER.
The ACE Interface program provides basic training on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as well as resilience if requested. This training is provided by Region Ten Community Services Board staff and is offered throughout the Region Ten area. The training can be customized to run from 30 minutes long to two days, as requested, and can be combined with other training to provide ACEs "next steps." To schedule this training or for more information, please send an email.
The Community Resilience Network program focuses on building community capacity through resilience. Two courses, Trauma Informed and Trauma Supportive, provide training on brain science, brain states, roles, and the science of resiliency. The training is provided by staff from the Charlottesville Department of Social Services, Community Attention Foster Families, and Region Ten and is offered throughout the Region Ten area. Each course is six hours, and certification is available. Training is scheduled on a monthly basis and at other times as requested. For more information, send an email to Region Ten or visit their website.
The EMPOWER program offers training throughout central Virginia on the ACEs and resilience. The training is offered as a 60-minute, 90-minute, or 3-hour session and is provided by 15 local facilitators under the umbrella of the Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network. These facilitators went through an intensive train-the-trainer program and include staff from the Albemarle County Schools, the Albemarle and Charlottesville Department of Social Services, City of Promise, Family Treatment Court, Foothills Child Advocacy Center, The Haven, Piedmont CASA, Piedmont Pediatrics, ReadyKids, and the Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA). The training is scheduled upon request. Send an email for more information.
The ACE Interface program provides basic training on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as well as resilience if requested. This training is provided by Region Ten Community Services Board staff and is offered throughout the Region Ten area. The training can be customized to run from 30 minutes long to two days, as requested, and can be combined with other training to provide ACEs "next steps." To schedule this training or for more information, please send an email.
The Community Resilience Network program focuses on building community capacity through resilience. Two courses, Trauma Informed and Trauma Supportive, provide training on brain science, brain states, roles, and the science of resiliency. The training is provided by staff from the Charlottesville Department of Social Services, Community Attention Foster Families, and Region Ten and is offered throughout the Region Ten area. Each course is six hours, and certification is available. Training is scheduled on a monthly basis and at other times as requested. For more information, send an email to Region Ten or visit their website.
The EMPOWER program offers training throughout central Virginia on the ACEs and resilience. The training is offered as a 60-minute, 90-minute, or 3-hour session and is provided by 15 local facilitators under the umbrella of the Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network. These facilitators went through an intensive train-the-trainer program and include staff from the Albemarle County Schools, the Albemarle and Charlottesville Department of Social Services, City of Promise, Family Treatment Court, Foothills Child Advocacy Center, The Haven, Piedmont CASA, Piedmont Pediatrics, ReadyKids, and the Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA). The training is scheduled upon request. Send an email for more information.
The November 2019 meeting of the Greater Charlottesville Area Trauma-Informed Community Network focused on gratitude, especially for the important work being done in our community. Attendees heard from the Adult Criminal Justice Services Trauma-Informed Leadership Team, Charlottesville City Schools, and the Charlottesville Department of Social Services about the projects they've developed that are resulting in meaningful change. The meeting closed with self-care strategies offered by Region Ten and The Women's Initiative.
Teri Barila of the Community Resilience Initiative presented "Resilience is a Verb: Let's Use It!" at the Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Care Network Meeting on Monday, September 23, 2019. Barila is the co-founder and CEO of The Children's Resilience Initiative™: A Case Study of One Community's Response to Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience. The Children's Resilience Initiative™ is a collaborative effort to reduce ACEs and promote resilience in the children of the Walla Walla Valley. Suggested pre-event reading materials include: The Verbs of Resilience; Put Down the Self-Help Books - Resilience is not a DIY Endeavor; and How to Increase Community-Wide Resilience and Decrease Inequalities Due to ACEs.
The University of Virginia Department of Pediatrics presented the panel discussion, "Childhood Adversity: Working Together to Foster Resilience" on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, from 7-9 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center at Charlottesville High School. The event was sponsored by the UVA and VCU Departments of Pediatrics and funded by the AAP Leonard P. Rome CATCH Visiting Professorship Grant.
Master Trainer Rick Griffin of the Community Resilience Initiative was in Charlottesville the week of March 25, 2019, to teach "Course 2: Trauma-Supportive" and "Course 2: Training for Trainers." Mr. Griffin also delivered a keynote address, "The Power of We: Community Resilience Building" at a public event. Eighty persons registered for the training, hosted by Region Ten.
Virginia Creates First-Ever Foster Care Caucus: Legislators from both sides of the aisle gathered Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 to show their support for much-needed changes to Virginia’s foster care system. The newly created Foster Care Caucus was hosted by co-chairs Del. Emily Brewer, R-Suffolk and Sen. Monty Mason, D-Williamsburg. The caucus hopes to raise awareness of the deficiencies within the foster care system, support the initial steps to implement the federal Family First Prevention Services Act, and bring structure and supports to the kinship diversion program. Read more about it here. In 2019, Voices helped create the first-ever Foster Care Unified Agenda. The Unified Agenda can be downloaded here.
The Family and Children's Trust Fund Releases Briefs: Read the Trauma-Informed Homeless Services Issue Brief summary here. Check out the Trauma-Informed Schools Brief summary here.
Voices for Virginia's Children Launches Trauma-Informed Virginia Campaign: Voices focuses their analysis and advocacy on developing and championing policies and practices that positively impact the health and well-being of Virginia’s children and families. The goal of the campaign is to influence state policymakers to adopt trauma-informed approaches by increasing investments in prevention of trauma and adopting trauma-informed and evidence-based practices across the state agencies that impact children and families. Learn more here. Advocacy opportunities.
The Family and Children's Trust Fund Releases Briefs: Read the Trauma-Informed Homeless Services Issue Brief summary here. Check out the Trauma-Informed Schools Brief summary here.
Voices for Virginia's Children Launches Trauma-Informed Virginia Campaign: Voices focuses their analysis and advocacy on developing and championing policies and practices that positively impact the health and well-being of Virginia’s children and families. The goal of the campaign is to influence state policymakers to adopt trauma-informed approaches by increasing investments in prevention of trauma and adopting trauma-informed and evidence-based practices across the state agencies that impact children and families. Learn more here. Advocacy opportunities.
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