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For All Seasons is helping adults better support children so they can grow into resilient, emotionally healthy individuals. One way the agency is doing this is by teaching about Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs).
For years, For All Seasons has educated the community about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how childhood trauma, such as food insecurity, poverty, violence, neglect, incarceration, the death of a parent, or divorce, can impact long-term mental and physical health. According to Lauren Weber, Chief Strategy Officer, “When we train our community on Adverse Childhood Experiences, we focus on how trauma shapes long-term health. That matters, but it is only half the story. The 2019 Johns Hopkins research on Positive Childhood Experiences helped shift our thinking by showing how supportive relationships and environments can help children heal, grow, and become healthy adults. That is where real opportunity for change lives.”
As a complement to ACEs, PCEs focus on the relationships and environments that help children feel safe, supported, and connected. The seven core PCEs include: being able to talk about feelings with family; having trusted adults who care; feeling supported by friends; experiencing a sense of belonging at school; receiving family support during difficult times; participating in community traditions; and feeling safe and protected at home.
Growth happens when children feel seen, safe, and supported. While adults cannot always prevent adversity, they can create positive experiences that change outcomes. Research shows that having a few trusted adults, outside of a parent, can significantly help young people overcome the effects of trauma.
“What’s really important to remember is that even a child who has experienced trauma can become strong and resilient through the caring support of just one steady adult,” Weber adds.
Recognizing that these experiences often happen beyond the home, For All Seasons’ Center for Learning equips adults in youth-serving roles to strengthen them. Its new online course, Trauma-Informed and Resilience-Building Practices in Youth, is designed for parents, educators, faith leaders, and mentors, and will be released in May 2026.
To learn more or to schedule a PCEs training for your organization or group, visit https://centerforlearning.forallseasonsinc.org/.
For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education and outreach in Maryland.
