How is NAOMI serving children?
“People raised on love see things differently than those raised on survival.” – Joy Marino
We know that wounded people wound other people.
We also know that healthy people help others heal.
Wounding and healing both happen in relationships, and one of the most impactful relationships in a person’s life is her relationship with her primary caregiver.
NAOMI’S mission to provide a haven of support for women and children means being a safe, healing space for children, as well as single women and mothers.
Let’s look at three ways NAOMI cares for children:
First, NAOMI cares for children by caring for their mothers. Remember the airline attendant’s instruction to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting someone else? Once mom is stable, she’s in a better position to care for her child. In community groups, moms are learning interpersonal skills, recovery, parenting techniques and emotional regulation. As moms learn and grow, they are able to regulate their own emotions in order to think well and help their children. They are also modeling self-regulation and responsibility. As a mom begins to make safe, healthy life choices, she and her children experience greater well-being. Examples of safe choices: finding safer housing, leaving an abusive relationship or choosing a life of sobriety. As NAOMI walks alongside moms, they are able to better care for their children!
Quality childcare is essential in order for moms to feel comfortable engaging in community activities. While moms are attending growth groups, loving staff and volunteers provide a safe, fun environment for their children. Kids look forward to NAOMI group nights to come play with caring volunteers who are excited to spend time with them! We also serve dinner on group nights so moms and their children can eat a healthy meal together with other community members and staff. As one mom said to us recently, “I don’t feel like my children are a burden here. The staff really LIKE my children!”
Lastly, NAOMI gatherings offer children an opportunity to experience a positive, fun, activity with their moms. The women and children of NAOMI enjoy good food, play games, and do activities together. Every activity is carefully planned to foster healing, growth and connection. In addition, staff and alumni community members model healthy parenting as they frequently have their own kids present. Like most family gatherings, there are usually a few snags to work out, providing the opportunity to work on healthy conflict resolution. We actually look forward to these real-time growth opportunities! Our grace-filled community is a great place to learn as all of us practice how to thoughtfully care for ourselves and the children well.
WHY IT MATTERS
“Our brains are wired for connection, but trauma rewires them for protection. That’s why healthy relationships are difficult for wounded people.” – Ryan North
THE RESEARCH
Children who endure five or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at higher risk of experiencing chronic illnesses and mental health complications as an adult. They are also significantly more likely to engage in unhealthy relationships and prone to substance abuse. Studies show that up to 95% of adults in addiction have experienced trauma.
The Good News
The hopeful news is that research also shows Positive Childhood Experiences can combat trauma and improve these outcomes for children.
Positive childhood experiences include
A parent who can regulate emotions and keep the home predictable and nurturing.
Giving children opportunities for healthy play with friends and other caring adults in community.
The safety to focus on learning instead of managing unstable caregivers.
Having consistent access to these factors reduces the harmful outcomes by 50-75% even when enduring adversity.
NAOMI services cultivate these positive childhood experiences! This is one of the many ways we are providing support and direction to women and children enduring trauma.
