Why ACEs Matter: And Why We Brought the Program Back

Many of the individuals who come through our doors carry the weight of Adverse Childhood Experiences, often referred to as ACEs. These experiences, including abuse, neglect, exposure to violence, or household instability, deeply affect how a person’s nervous system develops, how they respond to stress, and how they experience trust and safety.

Unaddressed trauma doesn’t disappear with adulthood. It often resurfaces in the form of addiction, anxiety, depression, or difficulty maintaining stability. That’s why we have brought back our ACEs programming, to help participants understand the roots of their experiences and begin the process of healing.

Through trauma education and guided support, participants learn that their survival responses make sense and that change is possible. They begin to replace shame with understanding, fear with tools, and instability with hope.

This kind of work is deeply programmatic and profoundly transformational. It requires trained staff, dedicated time, and consistent resources. And it is sustained by the faithful generosity of our Program Partners.

Monthly giving makes programs like ACEs possible. It ensures that healing isn’t rushed, interrupted, or postponed. It allows us to walk with participants as long as it takes, because restoration takes time.