Resilience

WHAT IS CONNECTIONS MATTER? 

Every day connections are more important than we ever believed. Science tells us that relationships have the power to shape our brains. Relationships help us learn better, work better, parent better. When we experience tough times, they help us heal. With each connection, we develop a healthier stronger community.

Connections Matter is an in-person and virtual training designed to engage community members in building caring connections to:
• Improve resiliency,
• Prevent childhood trauma, and
• Understand how our interactions with others can support those who have experienced trauma.

The Connections Matter Georgia initiative is a collaboration between the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy and Prevent Child Abuse Georgia. The training curriculum is an evidence informed curriculum, developed using a robust body of literature by Dr. Linda Chamberlain and adapted for Georgia specific audiences. View curriculum evaluation report here.

 

TRAINING
RELATIONSHIPS
TRAUMA

 

Read About Everyday Examples of Why Connections Matter!  

We Dine Together in Henry County

Posted: August 16, 2023

The Lunch Time video in Connections Matter is a fan favorite, seeing high school students come together to ensure nobody feels alone. We all can relate to feeling like an outsider. We Dine Together is student-led and made up of schools all over the country who are working to create a more inclusive environment. Members of the club search for […]

“How are you feeling today?”

Posted: July 24, 2023

Mrs. Coker, a 4th grade teacher in Lumpkin County, starts every day by having her students complete a morning sign-in. The students are asked, “How are you feeling today?” If the students choose sad, angry, or nervous, they are asked to tell their teacher why they are feeling this way. Mrs. Coker uses this information to help her students solve […]

 

 

 

This project was supported in part by the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Community Based Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CFDA 93.590). Points of view or opinions stated in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Community Based Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CFDA 93.590).

Stay Connected!

Become a Trainer

The Connections Matter Georgia Training of the Trainer offers professionals the foundational knowledge and tools they need to train others, including parents, educators, child-serving professionals, healthcare, human services providers, faith leaders, and community members.

Upcoming TOT Dates

2024

  • March 14
  • May 15
  • September 24
  • December 10

View details and application

What People Say About the Training

  • "It was interesting to learn about the mind-body connections that exist and how trauma can manifest physically."
  • "Focusing on the importance of social connections is very useful and will greatly assist me in collaborating with the stakeholders."
  • "I especially enjoyed the opportunity to interact with colleagues. It allowed the group to actually experience what is being shared with us instead of solely relying on the trainers to teach us what we needed to know."
  • "I would love to share with others that Connections Matter is the perfect training to remind staff of the importance of connectivity, engagement, and being that person, we all need when life gets hard. The training renews excitement and reminds us how important our daily interactions are with students and families.”

Download Connections Matter One-Pager