Stress is something we all experience to varying degrees. However, when a person experiences stress that is powerful, frequent, prolonged, and unpredictable, particularly in childhood, those experiences can be traumatic and impact their life-long health. Traumatic stress can stem from events such as loss of a loved one, experiencing or witnessing physical violence, homelessness, or prolonged unemployment. 
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Faith communities and leaders equipped with an understanding of the impact of toxic stress can make profound progress not only in lessening poor health and social outcomes but also in preventing exposure to toxic stress by supporting individuals and families.

Opportunities to Respond

Here are ways you can get started in responding to ACEs in your role or carry your current work farther. 
  • ​Encourage a trauma-informed environment in your setting. 
  • Foster resilience.
  • Develop opportunities for shared community learning and support. 
  • Reach out to other faith groups and develop a collective response. 
  • ​Focus on a whole-family approach and integrate with other services in the community.
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Guides

Click the image below to access a guide that can help you learn the science and respond. 
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Faith community's guide to addressing toxic stress

Facilitated Discussions

Faith communities can be excellent sources of support for those who have experienced toxic stress. Resilience, or the ability to thrive, adapt, and cope despite adversity, depends greatly on caring relationships and community. Research shows that communities working together to build relationships and model resiliency have lower rates of childhood trauma and health problems in the next generation. 

The Iowa ACEs Coalition offers screenings of the award-winning film Resilience followed by a facilitated discussion. To request a screening, contact us.

Additional Resources

This section is for leaders of faith-based groups or organizations interested in developing a faith-community response to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and traumatic stress.