Hollie Jeffery and the Ace Institute Part 6

Part 6 and the final portion of our interview with Hollie Jeffery invites listeners to become a part of what Permanency Specialists do in their own home and community! Listen to how simple solutions long-term have the greatest lasting impact. We can all be a part of this movement to mentor children. A great example of how a community can work together and thrive is the Tree House Foundation in Massachusetts. The Tree House Community: A multi-generational living - started by foster parents who understood that community was important for foster children and parents. https://www.treehousefoundation.net/who-we-are/ Hollie takes us back to one of the most difficult cases she experienced working with Child Protection Services and how the client’s faith helped to play a crucial role in her development. Part of holistic wellness addresses the spiritual beliefs of the individual and any spiritual wounds that might be present. She shares that often times with victims of sexual assault or human trafficking, the predator will often use scripture to justify the abuse. Hollie stresses that where we may be able to heal from physical abuse or sexual assault, spiritual wounds can weigh down a victim for many years. Hollie speaks to the difference between taking a holistic approach in assessing a client’s needs and providing or referring them to receive services that are outside your area of expertise. Having trauma informed professionals like doctors, therapists, chaplains, and churches are important to add to your agency’s resource manual under community partners. Sources should be vetted for their knowledge of trauma and healing. If you see a gap in knowledge, this can be a great opportunity to promote an opportunity for professional development training with your local Domestic Violence Shelter (www.carelodge.com) or Children’s Advocacy Center. *The first step to helping our community thrive, is by helping them first understand childhood trauma and how to support each other as we heal from our experiences, together. For more information on how to become a Trauma-Informed organization or community: Care Lodge https://www.carelodge.com/what-we-do/presentations.html Ace Institute https://www.lightupaces.com/ If you or someone you care about is experiencing an abusive relationship, you can call Care Lodge on the 24/7 Help Line at 601.693.4673 (HOPE) and speak with an advocate who can help you take your next step toward becoming safe. If you are not in the east Mississippi/ west Alabama region, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY 1-800-787-3224. Visit our website www.carelodge.com for examples of safety plans and a list of all the free services available for victims of domestic violence.