Breaking the Cycle of Trauma: The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board’s Commitment to Supporting Individuals with Adverse Childhood Experiences

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board is committed to providing education and support for individuals dealing with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). They have been collaborating with the community to provide training on this topic, led by Behavioral Health Wellness Coordinator Mo Bowler.

The training, which takes place in three stages, aims to educate parents and caregivers on how they can support children who may be experiencing trauma. Bowler emphasizes that while it is impossible to prevent all negative experiences, there are strategies individuals, families, and communities can implement to mitigate the impact of trauma.

The first stage of the training focuses on the brain science behind trauma. The second stage explores the data connecting ACEs to childhood trauma. Finally, the third stage concentrates on building community resilience to combat the effects of ACEs.

These educational opportunities are open to anyone over the age of 18 and are free to attend. The upcoming session will take place in September at the Massanutten Regional Library’s Central Library in downtown Harrisonburg. By offering these resources, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board is working towards creating a more informed and supportive community for individuals impacted by adverse childhood experiences.