Guardians, teachers, social workers, family members, friends, and neighbors play a critical role in providing positive childhood experiences that change the trajectory of a child’s life and how they respond to stress as adults. The more counter-ACEs a child has, the less severe the long-term physical and mental consequences.

ACE’s, or adverse childhood experiences, occur when a child experiences a traumatic event or environmental factors that threaten their sense of safety, stability, and bonding.

May is mental health awareness month. One of Rapha’s goals is to empower survivors of trauma with resources for mental health. In Joplin, MO, where Rapha is headquartered, we provide mental health counseling and community education and support through the Hope and Healing Center, established in 2020.