About Us

Introduction to ACEs

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is the term used to collectively describe all types of abuse, neglect, and other potentially traumatic experiences that occur to people under the age of 18. ACEs and other stressors/trauma may cause high levels of toxic stress that impacts development and has a significant impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. Children who experience ACEs are more likely to engage in risky behaviors in adolescence and have health problems as adults. These problems include alcohol abuse, depression, drug abuse, eating disorders, obesity, sexually transmitted diseases, smoking, suicide, violence towards others, and many other chronic diseases.

Evidence exists indicating safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments provide a buffer against ACEs. Children’s positive experiences or protective factors can prevent children from experiencing adversity and can protect against many of the negative health and life outcomes even after adversity has occurred. Hence, safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments may help to : reduce the occurrence of ACEs, reduce the negative effects of ACEs, improve physical, cognitive, and emotional outcomes throughout a child’s life, reduce health inequities, and have a cumulative impact on health. ACEs, and other toxic stressors, has been shown to impact families from all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Our Mission

The Chester County ACEs Coalition, a collaborative network of individuals and organizations, increases awareness, knowledge, and prevention strategies on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, and toxic stress. Building resilience and fostering hope can offset the cycle of trauma as well as contribute to long-term health benefits, bringing strength to our communities.

We work towards our mission by offering the following opportunities:

• Trauma Training Series - includes topics such as Trauma & Resiliency 101, Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and the Importance of Self-Care, and Trauma-Informed Care & Evidence Based Practices.

• Film Screenings - includes powerful documentaries that highlight the science behind ACEs/trauma as well as the importance of implementing trauma-informed care practices. Documentaries featured include Paper Tigers and Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope.

• ACEs Community Meetings - The Chester County ACEs Coalition’s Leadership Committee hosts quarterly ACEs Community Meetings where different topics related to ACEs, trauma, toxic stress, hope and resiliency are highlighted and community members gain insight into the coalition’s work and progress.

• Continued partnerships with key stakeholders within Chester County - We cultivate relationships with key stakeholders and providers within Chester County to offer the community a variety of different presentations and training opportunities to increase the awareness and knowledge of the impact of ACEs, trauma, and toxic stress.