For All Seasons Positive Childhood Experiences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (EASTON, MD – APRIL 7, 2026)

CONTACT: KATIE THEEKE, 410-822-1018

Positive Childhood Experiences Help Kids Grow into Resilient Adults

For All Seasons is using Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) to train adults in how to help kids grow into resilient, emotionally healthy adults. For years, our agency has been teaching about ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and the impact of childhood trauma (like divorce, food insecurity, poverty, violence, neglect, death of a parent, incarceration of a parent) on mental and physical health. According to Lauren Weber, Chief Strategy Officer at For All Seasons, “When we train our community on Adverse Childhood Experiences, we focus on how trauma shapes long-term health. That matters, but it is only half the story. The 2019 Johns Hopkins research on Positive Childhood Experiences helped shift our thinking by showing how supportive relationships and environments can help children heal, grow, and become healthy adults. That is where real opportunity for change lives.”

As the counterpart to Adverse Childhood Experiences, Positive Childhood Experiences focus on the supportive, grounding experiences that help children manage life and stay connected.

The seven core PCEs are:

•            Being able to talk about feelings with family

•            Having other trusted adults who care

•            Feeling supported by friends

•            Feeling a sense of belonging at school

•            Family support during tough times

•            Taking part in community traditions

•            Feeling safe and protected at home

Growth happens when children feel safe, seen, and supported. As adults, we cannot always prevent adversity for children, but we can provide supportive experiences for them that can change outcomes. Research shows that young people with two or more adults to talk to, who are not their parents, can help them overcome the impact of ACEs in their lives.

“What’s really important to remember is that even a child who has experienced trauma in their life can become strong and resilient through the caring support of even just one steady adult in their lives,” Weber adds.

Because PCEs can happen outside of the home, For All Seasons’ Center for Learning began to look at how the agency could help adults in youth-serving roles strengthen these experiences for children. The Center developed a foundational online course, Trauma-Informed and Resilience-Building Practices in Youth, for parents, faith leaders, youth group leaders, or teachers to learn the role they play in helping youth find resilience and positive mental health. The course is two-fold, helping them become more aware of what youth are going through today and how to manage their own self-care while working with youth. This course will be released to the public in May of 2026.

“Children thrive when a few caring adults show up for them. That sense that there are people who believe in me can be a powerful force in overcoming adversity,” shares Weber.

To learn more about the Center for Learning, visit https://centerforlearning.forallseasonsinc.org/

For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education and outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures that anyone can receive high-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it – regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons’ walk-in hours, call 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.