Triggered: Practical Exercises for Self-Regulation
by Andrew Florence
by Xavier Acuña
The Center for Trauma Resilient Communities (CTRC), established in 2018 as a part of Crossnore Communities for Children, aims to cultivate healing ecosystems. These ecosystems are rooted in science, collaborative learning, and measurable outcomes. Operating across Winston-Salem and Western North Carolina, Louisville, Kentucky, and other parts of the country, CTRC addresses the enduring wounds of trauma and adversity often left unspoken. Among other initiatives, CTRC is engaged in two grants centered on child welfare and community enhancement in East Winston-Salem.
One significant initiative, We Heal Together Winston-Salem (WHT-WS), is a collaborative effort between Crossnore’s Center for Trauma Resilient Communities, Action4Equity, and Forsyth Futures, supported by a $4 million Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) grant over four years. This endeavor, funded through SAMHSA’s Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma (ReCAST) program, promotes community resilience, equity, and trauma-informed practices. WHT-WS prioritizes youth and families through evidence-based violence prevention programs and community engagement efforts, facilitated by the Trauma Resilient Communities (TRC) Model.
“I will continue to learn about trauma and remain open to networking with others in order to help our communities change for the better, while creating other makers in the process.”
Anonymous Participant, WHT-WS BBA TRC Training
CTRC plays a pivotal role in WHT-WS by providing the TRC framework to eight Backbone Agencies (BBAs). These encompass pre-engagement services, training, workshops, coaching, and organizational support, alongside a TRC Champions program for sustainability. Additionally, with a grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, CTRC supports five organizations serving children aged 0-11, mirroring services provided to BBAs under the WHT-WS initiative. Recent milestones include the We Heal Together Winston-Salem Campaign Launch held at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church. The evening welcomed individuals and families living in East Winston-Salem. We also hosted a Partnership Launch to include community organizations who serve residents of East Winston-Salem to explain CTRC’s supportive role in greater detail.
We are incredibly excited about the We Heal Together Winston-Salem work. However, CTRC’s work and impact go well beyond the Triad region. Over the western half of the state and even across the country, CTRC has trained countless individuals in trauma-resilient practices, facilitated champion trainer programs, and impacted numerous agencies.
“I will share the new knowledge of trauma resilience with ALL board members and implement the community meeting, self care and safe space to debrief and recover during work time.”
Anonymous Participant, WHT-WS BBA TRC Training