OC United

Let's talk about RELATIONAL TRAUMA. Check out this quick YouTube video. Relational trauma can refer to the "range of maltreatment, interpersonal violence, abuse, assault, and neglect experiences encountered by children and adolescents, including familial physical, sexual, emotional abuse and incest; community-, peer-, and school-based assault, molestation, and severe bullying; severe physical, medical, and emotional neglect; witnessing domestic violence; as well as the impact... of serious and pervasive disruptions in caregiving as a consequence of severe caregiver mental illness, substance abuse, criminal involvement, or abrupt separation or traumatic loss." (D'Andrea et al., 2012, p.188) Have you or someone you know experienced early relational trauma? What are your thoughts? https://www.youtube.com/watch

Caps and Gowns of all different colors // Jobs for Life Our last Jobs for Life graduation had a new and vibrant wrinkle added to it: typically, we purchase blue caps and gown to give the students for the ceremony. Many of them have never worn these items and it is exciting to see them don them with great joy and pride. This time, however, we ordered our graduation regalia in different colors.... We told the graduates that we did this for a very specific and important reason: when the world looks at those who experience homelessness, it sees them as all pretty much the same. The people we work with are too often painted with one brush: "They are all either lazy, crazy or hazy." And nothing could be farther from the truth! There are certainly those who don’t want to work and would rather live on the streets. And there are others who have mental health issues, and still others who struggle with substance abuse. But so many are NOT part of these subgroups. They have slipped through the cracks due to catastrophe, circumstance, poor choices or victimization. They do want to recapture the essence of their lives but aren’t sure how to do so. They desire purpose and meaning. They are not all alike, but are unique individuals. The multi-colored robes are a picture of the manifold beauty and uniquenesses of our people. Although they are the same (all grads, all dealing with homelessness issues), they are different, individual and special in their own unique ways. We celebrate God’s diversity even among those who are currently homeless, as we see them for who they truly are- one-of-a-kind bearers of the image of God! Jobs for Life #flipthelist #teachingthemtofish #imagebearers #Godscreationisbeautiful

Help us buy snacks and art supplies for our after-school programming!!! We're getting ready to offer the most nurturing and trauma-informed summer programs for kiddos in the Valencia Park and Gilbert neighborhoods this summer and fall. For us, snacks means regulation and art supplies mean expression and empowerment of voice. Will you consider helping us by purchasing some supplies on our Amazon wish list? This will help us to off-set the cost and provide high-quality, trauma-...informed staff and volunteers with the extra funds. Thank you!!!! Snack: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2NKVWFCPG8BU5 Art Supplies: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1H8R51J1P7B4B

We really need your help this summer! Our SOLFul summer program currently only has 3 out of the 30 volunteers that we need to serve 100 elementary aged children! Will you consider volunteering with us? Even just one day a week this summer? You can impact the lives of children who experience educational and at-risk neighborhood factors in the city of Fullerton.... Learn more at OCUnited.org! #SOLFul2021