New Resource Helps Congregations Address Youth and Trauma

(August 10, 2021) – The United Church of Christ Mental Health Network is pleased to offer a new set of resources to help congregations and other community-based organizations address the mental health effects of trauma on children.

Their development was led by psychologist Dr. Vicki K. Harvey; Rev. Amy Petré Hill, mental health and neurodiversity chaplain; and members of the UCC Mental Health Network Board of Directors. They were created in partnership with Advocate Aurora Health, a Chicago-area health system that is one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the country.

The resources available are:

“Are We Listening? Trauma & Youth,” an hourlong video presented by Amy McNicholas, LCPC, Faith and Mental Health Program Specialist for Advocate Health Care.

Are We Listening? Trauma & Youth Resources, an extensive list of crisis lines, websites, videos and trainings for congregations and other organizations that want to train and prepare to help youth facing trauma.

“Churches are uniquely situated to be wombs for trauma recovery for the youth and children in their congregations and surrounding communities,” Dr. Harvey said. “These resources are powerful tools to assist in boosting your trauma awareness and as inspiration for personalizing your own safe way forward for the wounded in your midst.”

Click here to access “Trauma and Youth Resources,” then fill out a short registration form. You will be able to download the resources immediately. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Mental Health Network, please email info@mhn-ucc.org or visit mhn-ucc.org.