Empowering Families to Combat Childhood Trauma: Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board Offers Free Training for Parents and Caregivers.

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board is committed to supporting families and communities affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through training and education. Led by Behavioral Health Wellness Coordinator Mo Bowler, the training aims to equip parents with the knowledge they need to support children who may be experiencing trauma.

Bowler emphasizes that while it’s impossible to prevent all negative experiences, there are strategies individuals, families, and communities can implement to mitigate the impact of trauma. The training is structured in three stages: an exploration of the brain science behind trauma, a review of the data connecting ACEs to childhood trauma, and a focus on building community resilience to combat the effects of ACEs.

This training provides a strong foundation for further learning and understanding of trauma, making it an essential resource for parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in trauma-informed care. These educational sessions are open to individuals over 18 years old and are free to attend. The upcoming session will take place in September at the Massanutten Regional Library’s Central Library in downtown Harrisonburg. By offering these opportunities, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board is working towards creating a more informed and supportive community for those impacted by adverse childhood experiences.