A few years back, I needed a new dentist. The office I was referred to made a strong first impression with its shiny, state-of-the-art equipment. Following the initial exam, a course of treatment was recommended to address some issues that were identified. Being the compliant patient that I am, I followed all the steps. When no progress was made, however, fingers immediately pointed to me as the problem – Did I brush my teeth every day? (yes, twice, all my life). Was I really sure about that? (yes again, not one cavity). Maybe I didn’t know how to hold a toothbrush. I left feeling shamed and blamed. Needless to say, I was now in the market for a new dentist.
The second office was less shiny, but I immediately noticed that there were lots of pictures of the team together on display and they looked like they really liked each other and their job. Another assessment identified the same problems yet this time I was referred to a specialist who determined the root cause (pun intended). A comprehensive treatment plan was created and reviewed with me by the doctor with an opportunity to ask questions. I was given a written copy which was also shared with my dentist. While not exactly thrilled with the procedures to come, I felt hopeful and supported.
So why am I sharing this tale of two dental practices? One, to highlight that you can be trauma-informed and not even know it. Two, you can also be uninformed and cause harm. When starting out on a trauma informed journey, it can be difficult to figure out what strengths you have and where the opportunities for improvement exist. The Trauma Responsive Understanding Self-Assessment Tool (TRUST) can help your organization eliminate the guesswork and provide a dental-like x-ray of your current practices. We are excited to learn how three organizations across the state have used the TRUST to move the dial on their trauma informed work at our upcoming Quarterly Meeting.
We hope to see you both at the meeting and our upcoming Annual Conference!
With gratitude,
Elizabeth
*Pre-Conference Training
This year’s conference aims to help us discover new pathways through experienced storytellers, engaging workshop activities, and expert presentations on trauma-informed and equity-focused practices. Together, we can learn and use the principles of trauma-informed and equity-focused practices to help us improve our well-being.
Registration is FREE for all New Yorkers
Pathways: Becoming Trauma-Responsive
Want to hear in-depth, traumainformed conversations with experts in their field? Pathways: Becoming Trauma-Responsive, hosted by Dr. Elizabeth Meeker, will be available soon on our website and Spotify! Stay tuned!
Alongside this launch is TRUST 2.0, an updated strength-based tool to enhance an equity-focused lens
and meet the needs of both direct providers and organizations.
You can now register on the new TRUST website. If you were previously registered on the old version
of the site, please re-register, where existing accounts were not migrated to the new site.
To learn more about the TRUST 2.0 & TRUST-S watch the webinars below!
For any questions, reach out to TRUST@ccsi.org
Breath-Body-Mind™ is a set of gentle exercises that are based on science and designed to help with stress. They can improve your mental health and wellness. And the best part? All sessions, workshops, and trainings are free for New Yorkers!
Explore breathing, relaxation, and gentle movement techniques during our BreathBody-Mind™ practice sessions.
You can join these virtual sessions from work, at home, or any comfortable location. They help reduce stress, give your body a chance to reset, and better prepare you for whatever your day may bring.
English classes are offered every Tuesday at 6 a.m., 12 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Spanish classes* are offered every Thursday at 12 PM.
*Starting 9/4, BBM Spanish practice sessions will be moving to Wednesdays @ 8 p.m.
When I first began my career working in various forensic settings, particularly with people with offenses, trauma informed care wasn’t at the forefront of everyone’s mind. I could see there was trauma in those who I counseled, yet I still followed the same procedures and protocols to fit everyone. I first began to hear inklings of trauma informed care practices when working with child survivors of physical and sexual abuse that were meeting the criminal justice system for the first time.
Date: Wednesday, August, 21, 2024
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual/Zoom
Day 1: Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 9:00am – 5:00pm (in-person)
Day 2: Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 9:00am – 5:00pm (in-person)
Day 3: Thursday, October 10, 2024 9:00am – 5:00pm (virtual via Zoom)
Day 1 & 2: Coordinated Care Services Inc. Rochester, NY
Day 3: Virtual via Zoom
Date: Wednesday, October 30th, 2024
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Location: Tioga Downs
The TINRC held its first”TINRC on Tour” event at the beautiful Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth State Park on July 31st!
Participants from across Western New York joined TINRC facilitators for a day of discussions, networking, interactive workshops, and meaningful reflection.
The “TINRC on Tour” aims to create engaging, innovative, and experiential events that bring communities together to network, share insights, and offer recommendations to amplify and strengthen the development and support of trauma-informed, equity-focused practices in New York State.
If you’re interested in hosting a “TINRC on Tour” event in 2025, please click here.
In honor of National Grief Awareness Day on August 30th, NYS TINRC would like to share a selection of free online resources for those looking for extra support through their grief.
