For over 25 years, Back2Back Ministries has held their hands open as an organization. This means, if there is training another non profit could benefit from, it is shared; if there are resources available that have proven effective, they are given. We are a ministry that believes deeply in sharing open handedly. This way of thinking manifests in many ways, and recently, the Cincinnati team was called upon to do just that.
“We were introduced to Wesley Chapel in 2023,” shared Chris Cox, Back2Back Cincy Director. “They serve 93 children a day on the West End of the city. Two of their staff members went through Trauma Competent Caregiving training, and as a result, their director wanted his entire staff team to go through the three-day training.”
In two weeks, Chris and his team pulled together a training for 15 staff members, helping them move from processing the information to practically using it with the populations they serve; they didn’t want to just be trauma-informed, they wanted to be trauma-competent.
The staff team went through the training and, together, developed action steps from each of the nine TCC modules. After completing the training, Wesley Chapel’s director approached Chris. “I want at least one of my staff to become an affiliate trainer, I want to learn how to lead connection groups from your staff team, and by the end of the summer, I want my team leading them on their own,” he stated matter-of-factly. The Wesley Chapel staff are all in on Trauma Competent strategies so much so that Back2Back Cincy offer coaching cohorts where trainers guide Wesley Chapel staff through practical implementation of these best practices.
“This is actually the power of sharing open handedly, of not clinging tight to resources, but spreading knowledge and understanding,” shared Chris. Trauma competency is not exclusive to Back2Back; it is knowledge and practice that can, and will, serve youth and families around the world as they pursue holistic growth and health.
This is just one example of many in which training is held, knowledge bases grow, and vulnerable populations here and abroad are met with healing, understanding, and compassion. In 2023, alone, Back2Back Cincinnati staff trained 197 women and men investing in marginalized communities in the city. For 2024, their team is endeavoring to invest in like-minded non-profits, schools, and neighborhood based initiatives to ensure every child, in every neighborhood, has access to trauma-informed, holistic care.
This is how breadth and depth are created and accomplished – those who serve recognize every child deserves freedom from their past and safe adults to help them along their way.
To hear more about Wesley Chapel Mission and those behind the mission, check out this Be the Difference Podcast!