Adverse Childhood Experiences

Breaking the cycle of homelessness

Root Causes of Poverty

Many of the children who come to the Mission have been subjected to trauma including domestic abuse, substance abuse, sexual abuse, and other family disorders or disturbances. Living through these adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can lead to “toxic stress” which affects the brain and physical development of children.

Adverse Childhood Experiences Include:

• Emotional abuse
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional neglect
• Physical neglect
• Mother treated violently
• Household substance abuse
• Household mental illness
• Parental separation or divorce
• Incarcerated household member
• Bullying (by other child or adult)
• Witness violence outside home
• Witness sibling abuse
• Racism, sexism, or other discrimination
• Being homeless
• Natural disasters or war

As part of our New Life Plan, we provide assessment and counseling to children and adults who are struggling with the long lasting effects of trauma and stress. Based on the assessments, we determine the counseling needs of each man, woman, and child. We contract with several providers, including individuals and agencies, to offer both individual and group counseling. Counseling may occur on-site at the Mission, while some clients travel to off-site counselors and therapists.