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Understanding NEAR: Building Self-Healing Communities
This presentation will help attendees understand NEAR, which stands for Neurobiology, Epigenetics, ACEs, and Resilience. It will cover how our early experiences impact our brain and behavior, research findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study, and the numerous opportunities we have as individuals and collectively to foster resilience and healing. This presentation provides a shared understanding of Adverse childhood Experience (ACEs) and catalyzes community actions that promote resilience. By employing this strategy, we adopt a public health approach to shifting the the trajectory of health and well-being in our state.
Addressing intergenerational and historical trauma requires a range of creative solutions and approaches. Although a two-hour presentation cannot provide all the answers, the key goal of this presentation is to establish a common language and understanding of ACEs and the relative research as a starting point. After attending this presentation, attendees are encouraged to think about how this information could be applied within their “sphere of influence” (family, workplace, school, community, etc.).
Linsey McMurrin, a citizen of the Leech Lake Nation of Ojibwe, strives to serve our communities in a culturally affirming way to promote truth-seeking, healing, and change. Linsey’s work focuses on understanding how we are impacted by our experiences and the experiences of those who have come before us, allowing us to build more authentic relationships and connections through healing-centered engagement. Linsey advocates for equity-centered and community-driven work, believing that cultural humility, social-emotional skill development, and a commitment to lifelong learning, unlearning, and growth are central components in supporting thriving individuals, families, and communities. Linsey is the Executive Director of Peacemaker Resources.
Barb Sorum has been working in the field of child abuse and neglect prevention since 1993. As Director of Prevention Initiatives with Minnesota FamilyWise Services, she works extensively with family and community supportive services to strengthen awareness and prevention education efforts. Barb coordinates and facilitates regional trainings, coalition building, implementing system changes, supervision, and quality assurance. She works with community leaders and agencies to establish and guide the operations of parenting support and education programs through the Circle of Parents statewide network.
As a Certified ACE Interface Master Trainer, Barb specializes in the impact of trauma on the neurobiology and brain development of children, epigenetics, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, and community resilience and capacity building (NEAR). She has extensive knowledge of child abuse, neglect, and domestic violence prevention efforts, providing direct and indirect services, support, and intervention to women, parents, children, and families in crisis. She is a survivor of child abuse and domestic violence and is committed to children’s health, welfare, and safety, as well as developing parent and community-based leadership. Barb represents FamilyWise Services in local, statewide, and national collaborative activities, including service on the statewide and national Circle of Parents board of directors.
