Trauma-Informed Support

An emotions wheel with Happy, Angry, Worried, Proud, Sad, Excited, Surprised and Scared.

At BGCB, we are committed to providing trauma-informed care to support the emotional and psychological well-being of our youth. Our approach is rooted in the following key elements:

a group of three women with boys & girls club shirts posing for a picture

Staff Training

All staff receive training in trauma-informed practices, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support our youth effectively.

An emotions wheel with Happy, Angry, Worried, Proud, Sad, Excited, Surprised and Scared.

Resources

We offer resources like Calm Corners and emotion charts to help youth develop an understanding of their emotional experiences. Tools like breathing exercises and collaborative problem-solving kits are available when needed at Club, providing practical strategies for managing stress and responding to big emotions.

A group of children playing the parachute game with a multicolored parachute.

Support Services

We provide access to counseling and mental health resources, recognizing the importance of professional support in addressing the impacts of trauma.

Safety

Physical and emotional safety is paramount. We prioritize safety for youth, families, and staff through Club policies, staff practices, and programming. Our Club creates environments where children feel safe and supported.

Trust

Building transparent and trusting relationships is essential. Clear communication, expectations, and trust are foundational to our trauma-informed approach.

Awareness

Understanding the impact of trauma helps us better support our Club members. We work to provide individualized supports based on the unique circumstances of our Club youth and their families.

Equity

We actively confront bias, dismantle hate, and offer culturally relevant programming and services. We recognize historical traumas and work towards healing through our supportive Club environments.

Voice, Choice, & Empowerment

Empowering youth means providing opportunities for voice and choice. We understand challenging behavior as a way for youth to gain confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Connection & Growth

Resilience is built through healthy relationships and community. BGCB creates safe, stable, and supportive environments where youth can connect and grow.

Mutual Collaboration

True partnership levels power differences. We collaborate with youth, families, and staff to build trust, safety, and empowerment.
A group of kids walking with backpacks in the grass towards a white school building.

Through these trauma-informed support, BGCB remains a pillar for youth and families, offering life-enhancing programs and character development experiences that pave the way for great futures.

Information cited from Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Trauma-Informed Initiative.