As we do the work of supporting trauma survivors, we must honor the unique and diverse ways in which survivors may feel empowered and strengthened in their individual healing processes. Although the sky is the limit when it comes to advocates' creativity and resourcefulness, advocates seem eager to learn from each other and gain new ideas about innovative approaches to provide a more holistic, engaging, and comprehensive set of services to trauma survivors.
NRCDV's 2019 needs assessment survey revealed that advocates are seeking resources, training and technical assistance to ensure that the services they offer to survivors of abuse are trauma-informed. Offering access to an array of creative programming options that support the unique healing needs of survivors, such as writing workshops, gardening, farming, and yoga classes, is one way to foster an environment that is inclusive, welcoming, destigmatizing, and non-retraumatizing (NCDVTMH, 2011).
Art “helps us manifest our power and our vision into something real; it inspires and connects us to each other… Through culture we bring our vision alive, reclaim our histories and identities, and draw on the strength of our ancestors.” - INCITE!
This Technical Assistance (TA) Bundle includes TA Questions (TAQs) featuring creative programming ideas that advocates can adapt or replicate in their agencies to support survivor empowerment and healing. These types of programming can offer far-reaching benefits such as helping survivors develop valuable marketable skills and gain work experience. The TAQs in this bundle are intended to inspire advocates to think outside the box and to build bridges and forge new alliances with non-traditional partners. Best practices information is shared throughout the TAQs to support advocates in developing meaningful and innovative programming that is trauma-informed.
“I feel the gardening program has made my children become more gentle with plants and flowers, also they have learned all things grow with care and love.” - Survivor, Project GROW
