Healing Ambassador Program in Schools

What problem would you like to solve?

Address trauma and adverse childhood experiences that many school children in NYC are exposed to and especially in The Bronx.

Why is it important to solve? Why is it relevant for the community?

School communities are not well equipped to handle the impacts of trauma and adverse experiences. Often times, this leads to children having more difficulties in schools. Research tells us that trauma inhibits a student’s ability to learn, to develop self-regulation skills, and to form healthy relationships. The Bronx was disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and historically been disproportionately affected by poverty and racism which are all significant contributors to trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

What idea do you have to address the problem?

The Healing Centered Schools Working group is proposing to develop a parent/caregiver and youth ambassador program in The Bronx. This program will provide training for parents, youth and community members to support families, and to build on restorative practices and to develop Healing-Centered Spaces in schools throughout The Bronx.

We would focus on developing Healing-Centered Transformation Teams in select schools in each district in The Bronx. We would need funding to support parents, youth and community members to coordinate and help facilitate these spaces.

Who would that help?

This program will benefit the entire school community and ultimately the local neighborhoods as it helps parents, caregivers and students to support the school in developing stronger family school community partnerships and develop supports for their individual families and for all families throughout the community. This would build upon the work the school staff are already doing to address the mental health crisis by empowering parents to become active participants in supporting healing centered practices.

What NYC borough would benefit from your idea?

The Bronx borough would benefit directly and serve as a model for the entire city.