What the Network of Neighbors Offers one-pager (PDF)
The Network builds community-based capacity and cross-system collaborations through the coordination of locally-driven responses to stress, trauma, violence and loss.
The program is designed to strengthen local efforts first, and recede into the background as neighborhood networks emerge and strengthen.
The Network’s services are intended for the broader impacted community—witnesses, classmates, friends, neighbors, teachers, colleagues, etc. They are not appropriate for the “direct victim,” or the “direct victims” family.
Depending on the situation and the needs/wishes of the community, the Network may provide:
Technical Assistance and Support
- This includes behind-the-scenes response coordination, connections to local and city-wide resources, offices, and organizations, and information about best practices relating to trauma and safety-building.
- Case Study: A student suddenly dies at a local high school. The Network may assist the school staff in preparing activities for the students, contacting the family, making arrangements for the deceased’s belongings, etc.
Psychological First Aid (PFA)
- Network “Trauma Responders” are trained to provide PFA if a community requires immediate support following an incident of violence or trauma. PFA focuses on stabilizing community members in crisis by assisting the individual in securing immediate safety and providing non-judgmental support.
- Case Study: A bus transporting participants in a youth program turns over, injuring several students. Alarmed parents and caregivers immediately begin arriving at the youth program site. The Network may be contacted to deploy Trauma Responders to the scene to provide a calm, supportive presence.
Post Traumatic Stress Management (PTSM) Interventions
**PTSM Interventions correspond to what stage the community is at in the healing process**
**PTSM Interventions correspond to what stage the community is at in the healing process**
- Orientation Sessions are open to the entire impacted community. They take place within a few days of the incident. The focus is on providing accurate information about the event, including information from officials involved in the incident and its aftermath. The Network often calls on Trauma Responders with content area expertise relating to what happened, in addition to other organizations, agencies, or offices that could provide useful information to the community.Orientation sessions also provide information about typical physical and emotional reactions to trauma, as well as information about where to turn within the community and the city for additional support and services.
- Stabilization Groups take place within the first 12-48 hours of the incident and run for 45 minutes. Each group supports 6-15 participants who self-identify as having a similar relationship with the deceased or comparable exposure to the incident.The focus of the group is on stabilizing individuals, normalizing reactions to stress,supporting positive coping and sel-care plans, developing safety plans for the funeral (if applicable), and screening for further services-referrals.
- Coping Groups accommodate 3-10 participants for 1.5-2 hours, typically 3-4 weeks after the incident. However, coping groups can be held at any point in time, whenever the community has not yet had a chance to process the experience as a group. The discussion provides participants a safe space in which to discuss one’s involvement in the incident, thoughts surrounding what happened, as well as reactions—including physical reactions—and coping strategies for adapting to traumatic stress.
- Self-care Discussions accommodate 3-10 participants for 1.5 to 2 hours. The discussion addresses thoughts and reactions to the type of work performed by the group’s members. This can include parenting, caring for one’s community, teaching, organizing, being part of a case management, victim service, or peer specialist team, etc. In other words, anytime “emotional labour” is performed. Self-care discussions are the only non-incident specific intervention offered by the Network of Neighbors. Coping strategies, self-care plans and resources are explored as a group.
Presentations and Workshops
Network staff (Yolanda and Kamela), along with Network Trauma Responders, provide presentations and workshops to communities upon request. Each presentation or workship is modified according to the circumstances and needs of the community, but all provide information about the Network of Neighbors program, as well as the impact of trauma and violence on individuals and communities. The focus is always on providing practical information and resources. The Network also seeks to facilitate a dialogue with the community and share the mic with local organizations and leaders.
Trainings
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- Network of Neighbors Trauma Responder Training
The free, 2.5 day training to become a Trauma Responder with the Network of Neighbors will be offered annually/bi-annually until our capacity expands.
The training is open to any community member who lives or works in Philadelphia. There are no degree or experience requirements. However, preference is given to:
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- Community members over agency/organization personnel.
- Those who are actively involved in their community or want to become involved.
- Those who are able to connect with others, collaborate, and advocate with credibility.
Participants in the Network of Neighbors Trauma Responder Training learn about how trauma impacts the body and brain, as well as trauma-informed postvention (post-incident) and early intervention in reference to individuals (Psychological First Aid), and communities (Post Traumatic Stress Management, or PTSM).
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- Additional Trainings for Trauma Responders
The Network provides ongoing opportunities for additional professional development, networking, and training for Trauma Responders. Additional training may take place during the quarterly Trauma Responder meetings, or in addition to the quarterly meetings.
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