October News 2024
Note from the Coordinator
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to a concept developed by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente based on research examining the long-term effects of childhood trauma. This study revealed that traumatic events during childhood can adversely impact brain development and influence how a child copes with and manages stress. Furthermore, numerous studies have established a link between the number of ACEs and an increased likelihood of chronic diseases. ACEs are categorized into three primary domains: abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction.
Traumatic experiences are prevalent, with nearly two-thirds of adults having encountered at least one ACE. Research indicates that if a person has one ACE, there is an 87% chance they will have two or more. The greater the number of ACEs, the higher the risk of physical and mental health related diagnoses.
Many children that our Collaborative partners engage with daily have faced or are currently facing adverse circumstances that negatively impact their health and academic success. As a Collaborative, we are committed to enhancing school success, and it is crucial to understand trauma and its effects to effectively support our families.
In addition to recognizing ACEs, it is vital for educators and agency providers to grasp how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can outweigh adverse experiences and assist children and adults in overcoming some of their challenges. Five protective factors have been identified to strengthen families: parental resilience, social connections, concrete support during difficult times, knowledge of parenting and child development, and the social and emotional competence of children. For more information on ACEs and PCEs, please visit the Building a Region of Resilience website.
The conversation on ACEs will continue at the October Collaborative Meeting, featuring guest presenters from the NWGA Family Crisis Center who will address Domestic Violence Awareness, along with representatives from both school systems discussing McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance in our community. I hope you can join us as we continue to learn together!
Our Stories
Teen Maze
September 23rd-October 1st, over 1,900 local sophomores from Christian Heritage School, Dalton Public Schools, Murray County Schools, and Whitfield County Schools dove into the Teen Maze—an eye-opening adventure that highlights the ups and downs of choices teens face in high school and beyond!
Hosted at the North Georgia Fairgrounds, this community initiative kicked off with inspiring words from guest speakers. Then, the real drama unfolded with a staged crash scene caused by a drunk driver. Students navigated a maze of choices and scenarios that mirrored real-life decisions. From an ER scene to a funeral home and even juvenile court, they experienced the rollercoaster of life decisions firsthand.
And just when they thought it was over, they pulled a script that sent them to even more wild experiences throughout the Maze—possible scenarios include STI clinic, unexpected pregnancies, substance abuse, or back to juvenile court. Other students' scripts showed the pathway towards making good choices which led them to graduation and beyond!
Read the full article here.
Collaborative Vitality Survey
This month is your last chance to participate in our Vitality Survey! For any of our active Collaborative Partners who regularly attend the Collaborative meeting or partner on projects from our Annual Plan, we have a Vitality Survey we would like you to complete! Please take a few minutes to complete this survey linked here FY25 Collaborative Vitality Survey or scan the QR Code.
Collaborative Events
October Collaborative Meeting
Topic: Trauma and Poverty Awareness:
Domestic Violence Awareness, and McKinney Vento
October 17, 2024
1:00pm-2:30pm
Mack Gaston Community Center
Connections Matter Training Opportunity
Topic: Connections Matter Virtual Training
Learn More about ACEs and PCEs
October 24, 2024
8:00-12:00
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/October-CM
November Collaborative Meeting
Topic: GEEARS Brain Architecture Game
November 21, 2024
1:00pm-2:30pm
Mack Gaston Community Center
Sharing is Caring Christmas Store
Sharing is Caring Christmas Store
Saturday, December 21, 2024
8:00am-3:00pm
Northwest GA Fairgrounds
Partner Highlight
NWGA Family Crisis Center
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in order to shine a light on Family Violence, I would like to highlight our Collaborative Partner, the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center.
The Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center offers shelter, advocacy, and support for domestic violence victims in Gordon, Murray, and Whitfield Counties. Founded in 1979, the NWGA Family Crisis Center was created to provide temporary shelter, care, and referral assistance to those affected by abuse. Over the years, the agency has expanded its services significantly.
The Family Crisis Center provides a range of programs and services, including emergency shelter for victims of family violence, support for children, community education, in-service training, outreach services, and the RESOLV project, an intervention initiative.
Their emergency shelter services feature a 24-hour hotline for crisis intervention and a safe emergency shelter for victims and their families. Victims can access confidential shelter and assistance with basic needs. The Crisis Center also helps with filing Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs), offers support groups, provides advocacy for individuals, and connects victims and their children with counseling services.
Beyond direct assistance to families and children, a key aspect of the Crisis Center’s mission is raising awareness and educating the community to advocate for individuals and support prevention efforts.
To discover more about the NWGA Family Crisis Center and the services they offer, please visit their website at https://nwgafcc.com/services/. Additionally, Collaborative partners can join in solidarity in spreading awareness of Domestic Violence by participating in one or more of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities, see the flyer below.