What we invest in can pay dividends in our lives, those within our communities, and future generations. By investing in mental health, The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation and Knapp Community Care Foundation have placed a stake in the present and future well-being of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
On Saturday, September 14, 2024, community members gathered at the Knapp Community Center for Triumph Over Trauma, a program that equips individuals to support others dealing with the long-term effects of traumatic experiences. Participants learned how to implement a small-group model in churches, community organizations, and mental health programs. Triumph Over Trauma provides psychological education and coping skills that have a lasting impact, benefiting both the individual and the community. Faith-based supplements (Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and Native American) are provided to usher body, mind, and spirit holistically into healing.
Pictured below: Christina Yepez, Elvira Cruz, Cecilia Ortiz, Cristina Trejo-Vasquez, Judy Quisenberry, Rebecca James, Neelley Hicks, Marilyn Holguin Clover, and Lillian Jimenez.
Attendee Amanda Aguayo of Region One Education Service Center said, "It [Triumph Over Trauma] is education-based, meaning YOU can also provide the education to those around you. You don’t have to be licensed to share the wealth of information."
This is the beauty of Triumph Over Trauma. We equip more people with knowledge and coping skills to close the gaps in mental healthcare access. All one needs to facilitate a group is training, empathy, compassion, and the ability to facilitate workshops or small groups
The core curriculum is called TAMAR (Trauma, Addiction, Mental Health, and Recovery) and is a National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) program. NASMHPD promotes trauma-informed practices in the delivery of services to people who have experienced violence and trauma and are seeking support for recovery and healing. Triumph Over Trauma brings TAMAR and additional faith-based resources to expand access to psychological education and coping skills, which everyone needs to live more peaceful and joyful lives.
Rev. Neelley Hicks, executive director of Harper Hill Global, who equips and trains community leaders, shares, "When people learn how bad experiences can affect the body, they can begin to let go of shame, find supportive community, and move into healing."
If you are interested in helping your family, community, and organization, go to TriumphOverTrauma.INFO. You can download and read resources there, participate in online training, and offer in-person workshops, retreats, and small groups. Contact Neelley Hicks at nhicks@harperhill.global to schedule a community event near you!
May we all place a stake in a future for mental wellness and hope.
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