In 2015, NATAL embarked on a major project in Chicago to support the development of a trauma and resiliency center in areas severely impacted by urban violence. NATAL partnered with TURN (The Urban Resiliency Network), a community-driven initiative launched in 2014 by Pastor Chris Harris with the support of institutions like the University of Chicago Medicine and United Way of Chicago. TURN focuses on providing counseling and social services aimed at reducing violence and building resilience in at-risk populations.
NATAL’s initial involvement began with a needs assessment in partnership with TURN and Sinai Health System. This comprehensive analysis identified gaps in trauma and resiliency services. Following this assessment, NATAL played a key role in helping TURN establish its Helpline by providing intensive training to a cohort of faith-based leaders and mental health professionals. The goal was to equip them with the tools needed to deliver trauma-informed care within their communities.
Since then, NATAL has continued to support TURN through additional Helpline personnel trainings and continued remote supervision, ensuring the Helpline is able to offer pre-clinical counseling and a range of trauma-informed interventions. This ongoing collaboration underscores the critical connection between NATAL's expertise in trauma care and TURN’s mission to foster resilience and healing in Chicago’s most affected communities.
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