Author: renee@centerforchildcounseling.org

Fighting ACEs in Palm Beach County

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Fighting ACEs PBC

Fighting ACEs in Schools

Toxic stress: “The physiological result of exposure to high doses of adversity without the buffering presence of at least one supportive adult” - can have devastating effects on a child’s life and on communities because toxic stress:

  • Interferes with healthy brain development and can lead children to experience learning difficulties, as well as to adopt maladaptive coping mechanisms such as becoming violent, overeating, or abusing alcohol or other drugs;
  • Alters the body’s endocrine and immune systems, increasing the risk for cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and various autoimmune diseases;

Alters how genes are read and transcribed, which can be passed from generation to generation.

Through this initiative, we are partnering with the School District of Palm Beach County to train principals, teachers, staff, and leadership on the impact of toxic stress and trauma. Over the past year, we have trained hundreds of professionals in the public school system.

Economic Impact of ACEs

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are "The Leading Public Health Issue of our Time." 

In the absence of healthy or buffering relationships, childhood trauma and adversity can have a devastating impact on the minds and bodies of children. Research confirms that children carry the effects of childhood experiences throughout their lives.

Childhood Adversity Research Facts: Over the last 20 years, research has transformed our understanding of how toxic stress resulting from childhood adversity is at the root of many chronic physical and mental health problems. It has a major impact on the economic and social health of communities. 

  • ACEs are surprisingly common (most of us have experienced at least one);
  • ACEs may lead to chronic diseases, depression and other mental illnesses, and violence;
  • Outcomes related to a high ACE score:
    • An ACE score of 4 increases the risk of alcoholism seven times and attempted suicide 12 times; it also doubles the risk of heart disease and cancer.
    • People with high ACE scores have higher rates of divorce, unwanted pregnancies, prescription drug abuse, broken bones, and obesity.

Without positive intervention, those with six or more ACEs have shorter lifespans by up to 20 years

Creating a Trauma-Informed Community

In 2013, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners and a group of community organizations and leaders convened the Infant, Child, Youth and Young Adult Symposium (Youth Symposium) to share information and identify actions and programs to support the healthy growth, development and education of children and youth from prenatal to young adulthood. 

Birth to 22: United for Brighter Futures is the alliance of community partners that emerged from the Youth Symposium. For the past five years, this alliance has engaged other existing coalitions, networks and youth serving organizations, as well as connecting with families, community members, and, most importantly, with local youth directly. 

Click here to learn more about Birth to 22, the Youth Master Plan, and resources in Palm Beach County.

Childhood trauma isn’t something you just get over as you grow up.

Children who live in environments where there is ongoing exposure to violence, abuse, and neglect - in the absence of buffering relationships - are at-risk for an array of problems throughout the lifespan. Prevention and early intervention efforts are critical - and all the key players in community need to be involved.

Through the Fighting ACEs Initiative, Center for Child Counseling is working with leaders, stakeholders, and organizations throughout Palm Beach County to help create a trauma-informed community.

Due to the interest in continuing this important conversation, we created this blog to share information and get your feedback, questions, ideas, and resources.

PBC Leaders Fighting ACEs

What are ACEs?

aces

What’s Your ACE Score?

Take a few minutes to complete the ACE survey.
 
Your answers will be completely anonymous. Please know that this survey is for your own purposes. If you have questions or would like a free phone consultation, please call 561-244-9499.
 
What are ACEs?
 
ACEs - Adverse Childhood Experiences - harm children’s developing brains so profoundly that the effects show up decades later; they cause much of chronic disease, most mental illness, and are at the root of most violence. Source: ACEs Too High
 
Information about ACEs - Adverse Childhood Experiences - is based on the results from a large study in the mid 1990s which discovered a direct correlation between adverse experiences as a child and a decline in mental and physical well-being in adulthood. The study narrowed down ten ACEs and developed a survey to get a person’s ACE "score."
 
The ACE Study has published about 70 research papers since 1998 and hundreds of additional research papers based on the ACE Study have been published.
 
What is A Trauma-Informed Approach?
 
A trauma-informed approach asks: “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” It is designed to avoid re-traumatizing already traumatized people, with a focus on “safety first” (including emotional safety), and a commitment to do no harm.
 

How Resilience is Built

A Statement Against Racism

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Latest News

The past week has been gut wrenching. Words can’t even being to adequately describe what black children, families, and communities are going through right now.

At Center for Child Counseling, the foundation of our mission is working with our partners to build healthier, safer, more nurturing families and communities — where all children have the opportunity to thrive. To truly achieve this mission, we must address the trauma and deep pain related to systemic racism.

Our black families and communities are in pain. And, although the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others are currently placing a much-needed spotlight on systemic racism in our country, this pain has been a part of black families and communities for generations.

As we struggle with racism, compounded by grief and loss from the pandemic, trauma is at the front and center. For young children, these experiences are scary and leave a lasting impression. The current state of the world does not make our young black and brown children feel the safety they should. They deserve to feel safe and protected, especially by those in authority. Until we get to the root of systemic racism, many issues will remain unresolved in our society, especially the mental health of our children.

At this time, we have the unique opportunity to learn by deepening our self-awareness, listening, confronting our biases so we can add value and become a part of the solution. Recently, I found words in a New York Times article that resonated with me: “We must begin to transform the concept of resilience from an individual trait to one that describes a community — and society — that cares for everyone. Rather than hoping a child is tough enough to endure the insurmountable, we must build resilient places — healthier, safer, more nurturing and just — where all children can thrive. This is where prevention and healing begin.” So much of what we do in mental health focuses on ‘fixing’ the child or family. As mental health experts and leaders in our community, we must be advocates for changing the systems that keep problems and community trauma in place. We must be vocal about how racism impacts the mental health of our black and brown children throughout their lifespan. We must create safe places for children to express themselves and heal.

We will not be silent about the impact of racism on children’s mental health and well-being. Today, and every day, Center for Child Counseling stands with our friends, partners, and nonprofit organizations around Palm Beach County and the nation to speak out against racism. We adhere to the Diversity-Informed Tenets for work with infants, children and families. I encourage our staff, partners, and community to speak up and take peaceful, determined action to push for positive change at a systemic level so our children can grow up free from racism and free from the fear of losing their loved ones.

Renée Layman, President & CEO
Center for Child Counseling

RESOURCES

Talking with Our Kids About Race

Your Kids Aren’t Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup

The National Museum of African American History and Culture—Talking About Race
This online portal helps families, individuals, and communities talk about racism and commit to being antiracist.

Color of Change—Sign a Petition to End Violent Policing Against Black People
Sign this petition calling for the end of police violence against Black people.

Black Futures Lab
The Black Futures Lab transforms Black communities into active, interdependent, responsive public partners that change the way power operates—at the local, state, and national level.

NAACP Legal Defense Fund
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) is America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans.

Color of Change:11 Things To Do Besides Say ‘This Has To Stop’ In The Wake Of Police Brutality  
– Brittany Wong

Zero to Three: Resource to Talk to Young Children About Racism

Sesame Street: Standing Up to Racism Town Hall for Families and Children

Anti-Racism Resources
– Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein

How Racism Makes Us Sick
– David R. Williams

Structural Racism is a Public Health Crisis
– Kesha Moore

A Child Needs Your Help Today

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Latest News

Your Gift Now Helps Far into the Future

On Giving Tuesday Now…

Think About Children Today, Next Week and Beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdown is deeply affecting our children, families, and entire community.

Before this crisis, anxiety, depression and suicide rates among children and teens were already at an all-time high. Now they are at dire, never-before-seen levels. Mental health services for youth are an immediate and growing need, but are also a solution.

During this crisis and in the future, we are here to help the most vulnerable children in our community.

Since the beginning of this crisis, our team has worked diligently to ensure continuation of care for children and families through telehealth services. Unfortunately, due to stress-related child abuse and domestic violence, we expect the need to grow exponentially in the upcoming months.

Will you help us increase our ability to meet this critical need?

When you give today, your donation has an immediate, positive impact for the children we serve, and every gift matters.

Examples of how your dollars help...

  • $50 One virtual Play Therapy session
  • $100 One virtual parent or caregiver workshop
  • $500 Three months of Play Therapy sessions
  • $1,000 Therapeutic supplies and toys for therapists' Trauma Kits
  • $2,500 Clinical workshops for professionals working with children

We are inspired by how communities are coming together during these uncertain times, and we're so grateful for your support, no matter how you choose to help.

Support Center for Child Counseling's Emergency Relief Fund

Together, we can help children cope and heal, today and in the future.

Give Today

Want to Get Involved in Other Ways?

Help Us Raise Awareness

We are building the foundation for playful, healthful, and hopeful living for children and families in Palm Beach County. Any effort you take to raise awareness about our mission is appreciated.

Whether you talk directly with others (from a safe distance!) or post to social media, we benefit from your advocacy. Click here to read a recent article from the Washington Post that describes the impact of social isolation for children.

Here are some hashtags, links, and other resources you can use to promote our cause:

#Giving Tuesday #MentalHealth #FightingACEs

Learn more about our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund

Child Trauma Counseling Remains Top Priority During Coronavirus Pandemic

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Latest News, Uncategorized

West Palm Beach, Fla. (March 19, 2020) – Amid the Covid-19 crisis, Palm Beach County’s first responders to children in trauma are focused on what they do best: offering immediate help to vulnerable children suffering the impact of abuse and fear. The Center for Child Counseling is responding to the local Coronavirus situation by taking innovative measures to make services available to children and caregivers through virtual support.

Already used to manning the front lines of childhood trauma for the county, thanks to a grant from Quantum Foundation last year, steps have already been taken toward offering telehealth and technology-based services, including training staff therapists on the required platforms that assure patients’ confidential and safe treatment outside of in-person sessions and home visits. We are not only ready to go with new capabilities, our staff are proactively preparing for long-term strategies to help children and families cope and heal when the unspeakable happens.

“Families who need our services are already dealing with compounded life stressors such as poverty, instability, substance, and mental or physical health issues that result in abusive or neglectful behaviors toward children,” stated Renée Layman, Center for Child Counseling’s chief executive officer. “We expect to see incidents rise along with Coronavirus rates and the additional anxiety caregivers are experiencing with job and school closings, a surge in need for basic supplies and food, and the potential threat of homelessness. We simply must protect our children from the fallout of this crisis and also show parents and caregivers the extra support they need to cope with stress and be there for their families.”

Center for Child Counseling implores caregivers to seek help immediately if behavior has already harmed a child or if they find themselves unable to cope or have out-of-control feelings due to stress. Regular updates about service availability and ways to help can be found on Center for Child Counseling’s website and social media pages, including managing your child’s Coronavirus fears.

You can help now. The community is urged to donate to the Emergency Response Fund established to immediately support vulnerable children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions and funding opportunities should be addressed directly to Renée Layman or call 561-244-9499 ext. 1.

Center for Child Counseling

The trusted experts at Center for Child Counseling are on the front line of childhood trauma as first responders to families, schools, and the child welfare system. Services help prevent and heal the impact of toxic stress and abuse on children, promote resiliency, reinforce healthy family, school, and community relationships, and provide trauma-informed training for adult caregivers, teachers, and healthcare professionals.

A Letter From the Front Line

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Latest News, Uncategorized

Dear Friend,

Each year I sit down to write this letter, a flood of emotion fills me. Another year on the front lines seeing the worst that can happen to children. If you’ve heard the news lately, you are aware that so many children in our community are enduring trauma, abuse and violence too heartbreaking to even fathom. I’m sure you feel just like those who share their feelings with me — hopeless to do anything about it and haunted by these questions:

  • What will happen to these children?
  • Who will take care of them?
  • What can I do to help?

First Responders for Kids

When children are in crisis, the trusted experts here at Center for Child Counseling are the first to be called. We go right in. Our presence ensures safety, calms fear and anxiety, and provides instant physical and emotional support for frightened, vulnerable children.

On the Front Line of Childhood Trauma

When horrific things happen to children, compassionate people like you are the answer. By supporting the Center for Child Counseling, you send immediate help, comfort, and care to end trauma and begin healing for children like these:

Siblings Jessica and Josiah, who experienced severe violence between their parents, ultimately witnessing their parent’s homicide and suicide.

4-year-old Shawn, who was removed from his substance-addicted mother and dangerous living conditions after a neighborhood drive-by shooting rained bullets into his home.

4-year-old Raj, 3-year-old Nicola, and 2-year-old Titus, who were removed from home after their parents’ opioid overdose and the children were found suffering from severe malnourishment.

Hope, Healing, and Happiness

As awful as these stories are, I always have good news to share. Because you care, children are not only healing, they are thriving. Because you gave, 3,800 kids and parents overcame trauma, abuse, and adversity this year to embrace a hopeful and happy future together. Isn’t that what every child deserves?

This holiday, please send help to more children like Jessica, Josiah, Shawn, Raj, Nicola, and Titus with a lifesaving gift to Center for Child Counseling. We need to raise $10,000 this season to keep our trauma first responders on the front lines where kids need us most. Please help us reach our goal!

I can’t thank you enough,

Renée Layman, President and CEO

P.S. In the Words of a Foster Mother:

"During the most difficult days trying to parent our foster son, I leaned on Center for Child Counseling, calling and texting for help. They were a steady source of wisdom, comfort, and encouragement. They made all the difference in helping our little guy learn how to process his emotions and find stability again."

Your Gift Heals a Child…

The form is not published.

Help a Child Heal

Hats Off Nonprofit of the Year!

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Latest News, Uncategorized

Center for Child Counseling Selected as Nonprofit of the Year!

We are very pleased to share that Center for Child Counseling was selected as Nonprofit of the Year (medium-sized nonprofit) at the 2018 Nonprofits First Hats Off Awards!

Nonprofits First Hats Off Awards 2018 photos by CAPEHART

In addition, Lauren Scirrotto, our Chief Program Officer, was nominated for Nonprofit Professional of the Year and Eddie Stephens, Board Director was nominated as Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year.

In addition to his work with Center for Child Counseling, Eddie also volunteers with Leadership Palm Beach County, Kelsey Cares, Delta Sigma Pi, Kibblez of Love, and Boy Scouts of America.

Highlighting our dedication to collaborating with other organizations, we were included in three Community Collaborators Award nominations:

  • Family Strengthening Program: Support For Families To Navigate Systems And Stressors
  • Immediate On-Site Mental Health Care For Expectant and New Mothers
  • Raising Awareness And Fostering Safe Spaces To Talk Openly About Behavioral Health And Trauma

Congratulations to all of the amazing nonprofits nominated for their work in Palm Beach County. Click here to see all of the 2018 honorees.

Quantum Invests in Fighting ACEs

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$250,000 to Support Center for Child Counseling

The Board of Trustees of Quantum Foundation, under the leadership of Mrs. Donna Mulholland, recently approved eight new grants totaling more than $800,000 to nonprofits based in Palm Beach County.

Of the eight grants awarded this cycle, Quantum Foundation allocated $250,000 to the Center for Child Counseling (CCC) for the organization's work with ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). CCC is considered the leader in ACEs and Trauma Informed Training and is driving the conversation on ACEs in Palm Beach County. The grant will help support staff positions to provide educational workshops, training and consultation for teachers, caregivers and professionals about ACEs, trauma, and integration of effective strategies to promote buffers and lifelong health for babies and young children.

ACEs are situations where a child faces some sort of trauma or stress. They are associated with abuse, neglect and household dysfunction. Nearly half the children in the United States have experienced at least one ACE indicator, while one in 10 have experienced at least three traumatic events. Most of these adverse situations arise from economic hardship, violence, drugs and mental illness.

“We believe in funding programs focusing on ‘whole health’ and the wellness of the community,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation. “The Center for Child Counseling is an innovative organization and an agent of change. Organizations like this are a great match for our vision. We are pleased to fund this program to make Palm Beach County a better place to live.” 

This grant continues Quantum’s support of CCC. “We are so grateful to Quantum for helping us lead the fight against ACEs and the lifelong effects that can follow,” said Renée Layman, CEO at CCC. “Children interpret experiences differently and we know that unless they’re able to process those experiences - especially adverse ones - in a constructive way, the result can be a lifetime of mental and physical health issues. In recent years, scientific research has shown that adverse experiences and trauma affect not only mental health but the physiological development of a young child’s brain.”

If a child scores high on the ACEs scale, counselors like those at CCC can start them on a healing journey that can dramatically improve their future mental and physical health. To learn more about ACEs, CCC’s work, or to take the quick, anonymous 10-question ACEs test, visit: www.centerforchildcounseling.org/about-us/fightingACEs. Join the conversation using #FightingACEs.

New Community and Public Relations Director!

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Uncategorized

Welcoming Kerry Jamieson to Our Team!

We are pleased to announce that Kerry Jamieson has joined our team as Director of Community and Public Relations! Kerry was born in Durban, South Africa and received an undergraduate degree in English and History from the University of Miami and a postgraduate qualification in screenwriting from UCLA.

Kerry has enjoyed a diverse advertising and marketing career for the past 20 years, spearheading multiple creative projects and serving as a copywriter and account manager for clients as diverse as Sara Lee and Coca-Cola.

She joined Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) in 2010 as a Senior Communications Specialist where she managed innumerable internal and external communication projects, including presentations and other deliverables for senior executives and customer channels (news releases, web copy, printed collateral, social media content, etc.). She has also worked on emergency communications and audio-visual productions.

In 2012, Kerry accepted the role of Senior Director of Communications at Quantum Foundation, West Palm Beach's largest private health funder. The foundation has worked with over 450 nonprofits in Palm Beach County, including national organizations, small-to-medium grassroots nonprofits, major educational institutions and government agencies, and the Center for Child Counseling.

Kerry has worked extensively with grantees, partners, and board members on a wide variety of communications projects, managing all internal communication needs as well as media, design and print requirements. She specializes in creating unique and engaging content for all channels and designs annual communications plans to meet strategic goals. She is also an award-winning writer and an internationally published novelist with three books in the marketplace. Kerry lives in North Palm Beach with her husband Frank.

We are thrilled to have Kerry on our team!

CfCC Welcomes a New Board Member!

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Latest News

Dr. Jennifer Konsker, Pediatrician Joins Board of Directors

Jennifer Elena Konsker, MD FAAP

We are pleased to anounce that Dr. Jennifer Konsker, pediatrician, has joined the Board of Directors at Center for Child Counseling.

Dr. Konsker has lived in Palm Beach County with her husband, Randy, and two sons, now teenagers, since 2001. They are active in the community, participating in various organizations and events; generally related to helping meet the needs of people and animals. 

Dr. Konsker has been practicing General Pediatrics for Pediatric Associates in South Florida for more than sixteen years, since completing her residency at Mount Sinai in NYC.  She is a graduate of Columbia University's School of Engineering and worked as an Industrial Engineer for a healthcare consulting firm before switching career paths to follow her calling - to help and heal with the hopes of making a difference in our world. 

Dr. Konsker's medical training (medical school and residency) focused extensively on mental health, where she realized the importance of the mind, body, and spirit connection. Since then, she has focused on all three elements when treating her patients and families.

Dr. Konsker is a founder and active member of Pediatric Associates’ Brain Health Committee and has instituted an on-site/in-office mental health guidance program within several offices to help meet the mental health needs of the children and families in the practice.  She is a participant of Samaritan’s 365, an organization which teaches school-aged children about kindness and compassion through community service projects that give back and help those in need in our community. She is also a part of the CoCo Coalition, which reaches out to trauma-exposed youth with trauma-informed based yoga and meditation programs. Jennifer continuously practices and studies yoga, meditation and mindfulness, incorporating it into her life and work.

When it comes to mental health and our youth, Dr. Konsker realizes that so much more needs to be done and that intervention needs to happen earlier in life. Helping and healing patients and their families, as well as her volunteer experiences has made it obvious that mental health help, healing and education must begin prenatally and continue in infancy and early childhood. 

Jennifer believes it is time that the gap between practicing physicians and the mental health community is filled. It is time for physicians to be more aware of early childhood mental health issues, and to have resources to make a difference.

Dr. Konsker hopes that by joining the Center of Child Counseling's Board of Directors, she can help fill that gap through reaching out to and educating other physicians as well as personally contributing to the Center and its programs as a Board member.

New Board Members Elected!

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Latest News 0 Comment

We are pleased to announce the election of Madeline Morris, CPA and Jennifer Hume Rodriguez to the Center for Center for Child Counseling's Board of Directors.

Madeline MorrisDirector and Audit Committee Chairwoman, Madeline Morris, MBA/CPA is a seasoned professional with a 40-year proven track record of assisting clients. Her areas of focus have been in the enhancement of Corporate Governance, designing and implementing effective risk focused reporting, regulatory, compliance and internal control policies and processes.  She is a recently retired Managing Director from Deloitte LLP.

Madeline's depth and breadth of knowledge is demonstrated through her outstanding commercial success and leadership. She served as a Managing Director at Deloitte until her retirement in 2016. She led many of the largest and most complex Global Financial Institutions programs, assisting clients in the enhancement of their Corporate Governance, designing and implementing effective risk focused reporting from operations through to the Board of Directors. As one of the firms’ leaders in Regulatory Readiness services, Madeline assessed and implemented Sarbanes-Oxley, JSOX, Capital Planning and Analysis, Bank Holding Company Transformation for many fortune 500 companies. In addition, she has effectively led Merger Integration and Divestiture activities all grounded in the disciplines of Internal Controls. Madeline’s primary clients have been Boards of Directors, Audit and Risk Committees, and Senior Management.

Director, Jennifer Hume Rodriguez has been in the banking industry for over twenty-three years.  She grew up in Malvern, PA a suburb of Philadelphia and attended Penn State University where she received a BA in Liberal Arts. Upon graduating college in 1989, Jennifer chose to move to Florida, first to Jacksonville and then to the West Palm Beach area in 1990.  She has been a resident of Palm Beach County for twenty-seven years.

Jennifer's banking career began in 1994 with a small community bank and she enrolled in graduate school in 1995 going part-time in the evening for an MBA at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Jennifer graduated with a Master's in Business Administration in Dec of 1998. Over the past twenty-three years, Jennifer has worked for both large and small banks – First Bank of Florida, Bank of America, Fidelity Federal Bank & Trust, First Southern Bank, RBC Bank, PNC and currently Florida Community Bank where she is Vice President, Branch Manager of the West Palm Beach office.

Jennifer is active in the Chamber of the Palm Beaches, a board member for Executive Women of the Palm Beaches, member of the Business Advisory Council for Palm Beach State College Lake Worth Campus and a member of the fundraising committee for ChildNet Palm Beach County. She is also an active member of the Realtors Association.  

Learn more about our Board of Directors here.

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