Guest Column by Lana Howe

Many of us associate our childhoods with the simple, timeless lessons we learned. The golden rule, for example: Treat others as you would like to be treated. Slide over at the lunch table to make room; help people up if they happen to fall; try to lift the spirits of others who are having a bad day.

Unfortunately, there are other, less desirable elements of childhood which leave a lasting impact. Known as adverse childhood experiences, these are the kinds of events that set children back, keeping them from developing at the same rate as their peers. It doesn’t take much imagination to identify them: They include incidents like illness, poverty or a divided home. And while we like to think of children as resilient, research has shown that the more ACEs a child encounters, the harder it will become for him or her to bounce back.

In fact, research shows that leading causes of adult disease and disability, learning and productivity problems and early death have their roots in the cumulative damage caused by strings of negative events in children’s lives. Research done between 1995 and 1997 by CDC Kaiser Permanente has completely changed human understanding of the origins of physical, social, mental and societal health and well-being.

The impact of ACEs is so profound that we have a community-wide committee looking for ways to identify and reduce their sources.

An important beginning will be Thursday at the Albert Lea High auditorium. Dr. Mark Sander of the ACE Interface will be explaining and providing more information about ACEs, including what they are, how they affect development, their cumulative impact and what can be done. His presentation is entitled “Promising Futures Promoting Resiliency.”

The committee I work with, under Freeborn County Family Services Collaborative, is sponsoring this event to help raise community understanding and awareness of ACEs, and to share some strategies both for individuals and for the people of our area. We hope as many people as possible will attend this free event. The first step is to register through the Community Education office (www.albertleacommunityed.org or by calling 507-379-4834). Then come to the high school at 5:30 p.m. Thursday for a light dinner, followed by Sander’s presentation from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

I believe you’ll be as fascinated as I have been by the information about ACEs and their impact, and so will find your time well spent. There is no more qualified expert, since Sander is the senior clinical psychologist and director of school mental health for Hennepin County and for Minneapolis public schools. He has traveled all over the state raising awareness about this essential topic.

Every day as a reminder to myself, I wear an ACEs bracelet. On this bracelet it reads, “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” This is a constant reminder to myself, that we all grow up with different childhoods, and we all have different stories to tell. Despite whatever we have experienced, we have the opportunity now to change what lies ahead. We can work to build resilience in ourselves and in the people we encounter each and every day.

Personally, I have been extremely blessed to grow up with two very supportive parents and a caring family. Once you begin to learn more about adverse childhood experiences, you will find that this, unfortunately, is not the case for everyone. Even with two very supportive parents and a caring family they could not have raised me on their own.

Despite how we are raised, it’s what we choose to do as adults from here that makes the difference. Here is why community is so important — a caring community.

You’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

It’s true, what you do really can make a difference in the life of someone else, and you might be surprised about what you learn in the process.

“So let’s not budge to the front of the line because, we are all trying to get to the same place at the same time, trying anyway and by doing this together we will all get farther.”

My father has always said to me, “Surround yourself with good people; for if you do, you too will become a better person.” We are all good people, and when we care and support one another we are even better.

 

Lana Howe, is the facilitator for Freeborn County Family Services Collaborative.