Traumatic events and experiences shape lives

Research shows that communities play an essential role in preventing and reducing the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the traumatic events and experiences during childhood that can contribute to significant negative health outcomes. These adverse experiences, including abuse, neglect, family substance abuse, domestic violence, divorce, and family incarceration, can trigger an abnormally intense and prolonged stress response that directly correlates to increased health risks, mental health and behavior issues, risky behaviors, and other health conditions.

Reference Guide

Download the Monmouth County Children and Behavioral Health Resource Guide

Trauma Infographic

Trauma can affect all children, but at-risk youth are especially vulnerable

Research shows that communities play an essential role in preventing and reducing the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the traumatic events and experiences during childhood that can contribute to significant negative health outcomes. These adverse experiences, including abuse, neglect, family substance abuse, domestic violence, divorce, and family incarceration, can trigger an abnormally intense and prolonged stress response that directly correlates to increased health risks, mental health and behavior issues, risky behaviors, and other health conditions.

Helping our kids heal

The Club has always been there for our families, guaranteeing a safe and nurturing out-of-school environment, but we are consistently striving to increase our impact. As we become more aware of ACEs, we recognize the role we can play to facilitate healing and build resiliency. The Club is committed to becoming a trauma-informed space where children can thrive. We are focusing our programming initiatives on preventing, protecting against, and helping children heal from the effects of trauma through social-emotional learning (SEL), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care.

What is the Club doing to address trauma?

There is increasing evidence that the effects of childhood trauma can be mitigated by experiences that help youth to build resilience. Experiences that:

  • Foster a healthy relationship with a safe, caring, reliable and competent adult who promotes high expectations and encourages self-improvement;
  • Provide opportunities for productive decision-making and constructive engagement in their family, community, school, and other social institutions;
  • Encourage adolescent voice, choice, and personal responsibility;
  • Promote development of self-regulation, self-reflection, self-confidence, self-compassion, and self-character.

Club programs that provide these experiences:

Staff development initiatives we’re implementing:

  • Formation of a trauma-informed task force to ensure all areas of the Club are in alignment with trauma-informed principles and practices
  • Training of all senior staff and the majority of our youth development professionals in mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
  • Exploration of partnerships with external trauma-informed specialists to provide more intensive support to those members who need it.