Executive Director’s Corner - October 2023

Dear Friends and Family:

Our hearts go out to our ‘ohana on Maui. The concept of being “trauma informed” seems more important than ever as we deal with tragedy at home, and in the world. Over the last two years, we have been blessed to partner with the Pū'ā Foundation as they work to build a peer support network and workforce and to find ways, based on Hawaiian culture and values, to build a trauma effective and beloved community. At last year’s Mana Wahine conference, we started with a conversation about trauma, and also about healing and the concept of neuroplasticity. This video Trauma to Transformation is truly one of the most succinct with hopeful discussions about trauma that I have seen. (Please skip the ads on this YouTube video.)

The video reminds us about the “Six Principles to a Trauma Informed Approach” from SAMHSA, the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. These principles align with EPIC’s values in so many ways.

1. Safety. Creating a safe space in each and every conference, meeting and circle is our primary goal. And creating safety for each other within EPIC ‘Ohana.

2. Trust & Transparency. Building trust and transparency is difficult and takes a commitment to respect and aloha.

3. Peer Support. Recently our Youth and Parent Partner programs have proven the vital role that peer support plays in a path from trauma to transformation.

4. Collaboration & Mutuality. EPIC’s role is convene and connect. And as we convene we work to build a spirit of collaboration, within families, for youth, and in our community.

5. Empowerment, Voice & Choice. From our very first ‘Ohana Conference to the work of Nā Kama a Hāloa, we find ways to authentically, and powerfully engage parents, youth, children and those who serve them.

6. Cultural, Historical & Gender Issues. This one used to puzzle me, because of the word “issues.” Now I understand that this means to be responsive to the racial, ethnic and gender needs of the people we serve.

Trauma Informed doesn’t seem strong enough to me. EPIC strives to be not only trauma informed but also trauma responsive and trauma effective.

We have also been blessed to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience that was formed just a few months ago in the Governor’s office. When the Maui disaster happened, I was so grateful that an office exists for the purpose of addressing trauma and building resilience.

To all who walk with us each and every day: Mahalo.

With much aloha, Laurie