True North AmeriCorps members change lives. Below, members are participating in The Brain Architecture Game. Created by Harvard Educators and facilitated locally by Superior Middle School faculty, this hands-on activity shows the impact early childhood trauma (poverty, parental instability, abuse) AND positive experiences (caring adults, emotional support, consistency) on brain development. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have long lasting detrimental impacts on physical and mental health, relationships, and opportunity. According to the CDC, 1.9 million cases of heart disease and 21 million cases of depression could have been potentially avoided by preventing ACEs.
The good news: Connecting youth to positive adults and activities can help prevent and mitigate the impact of ACEs.
Children who have experienced traumatic and persistent stress often develop survival skills that serve them in some areas but not others. These youth are often seen as defiant, challenging, and even get labeled “bad kids.” At True North AmeriCorps, we reinforce that there is not such thing as a bad kid. All behavior is learned behavior and exists to meet a need. As the caring adult in a child’s life, it is our responsibility to help children learn to express their needs in healthier ways, and to respond with compassion and accountability.
This story from one of our current members highlight the impact one caring adult can have on a child:
“At the start of the year, a child on my caseload would run away from staff, didn’t get along with other kids, didn’t listen, and was terrified of getting in trouble. Since I started doing one-on-one check in interventions with him, he has made significant progress. His foster mom told us she’s noticed his behavior has improved. He now helps clean up, communicates when he is frustrated, and plays with other kids. It is incredible to see a child realize he is supported and can trust the adults in his life.” – True North AmeriCorps member Fall 2019
True North AmeriCorps members invest their time into supporting children in the places were learning and growing happens – schools, after school programs, community centers, and summer camps. They are trained in youth development best practices, trauma-responsiveness, cultural competency and much more. Members come from all walks of life. To learn more about what it takes to be a True North member visit www.truenorthamericorps.org/apply
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