Resilience
More Than 20 Organizations Have Partnered to Reduce the Impact of Opioid Use on Children and Families
Thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, Georgia’s metro-Atlanta area organizations and leaders have come together as the Coalition for the Georgia Child Victims of the Opioid Epidemic. Through this public/private partnership of 20 organizations and individuals, the coalition works to establish a community-driven, comprehensive and multidisciplinary response…
Read MoreCHRIS 180 Experts Lead Conversation about Women’s Mental Health
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been an increase in mental health issues like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder found in women. According to a study at the University of Chicago Medicine, “29% of women reported symptoms of depression and anxiety — nearly twice the estimated pre-pandemic rates. One in six…
Read MoreCelebrating Women, Now and Forever
CHRIS 180 celebrates women’s role in creating brighter futures for every child, adult, family and community we serve and is proud to have an Executive Leadership Team that is 76% women. In honor of Women’s History Month, three of our leaders shared their reflections on working for and with women—and how being women impacts their…
Read More180 Change: Jocelyn Shares Her Story
At just 12-years-old, Jocelyn had her first encounter with CHRIS 180. Her grandmother was looking for help after taking in Jocelyn and her brother, in the wake of their mother’s issues with substance use. Knowing that both children had experienced significant trauma, the family turned to our Keeping Families Together program. Jocelyn’s involvement with CHRIS…
Read More180 Change: Sabrina’s Story
Without the support of her parents, CHRIS 180 client Sabrina was facing homelessness at age 18. She was connected to CHRIS 180 where she found the stability, acceptance, and resources that could help her make 180-degree change in her life. Sabrina originally shared the story below at The 2021 CHRIStal Ball. “My story starts in…
Read MoreAn Open Letter to Those Who Served in Afghanistan, From Those Who Served in Iraq
Dearest Women & Men Who Served in Afghanistan, My heart bends, twists, and breaks for you. It bends for those who left marriages and relationships in the pastel poppy fields of Helmand. It twists for those who made personal puddles in mud in Korengal. And breaks for those who knew in their core that their…
Read MoreFamily Mindfulness Activities
There are infinite ways to practice mindfulness. Well-known mindfulness practices include breathing exercises, sensory activities, meditation and mindful movement like yoga. But any activity can be made mindful by “paying attention, on purpose” to it and maintaining non-judgmental thoughts about the activity. My strong interest and belief in the power of mindfulness for families stem…
Read MoreCHRIS 180 Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Motherhood Housing Initiative
Home for neighborhood matriarch will provide stability for young mothers CHRIS 180, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trauma-informed holistic health services to children, youth and families, held a groundbreaking ceremony to announce the launch of a project to stabilize families on Atlanta’s Westside. CHRIS 180 partnered with the MicroLife Institute to construct…
Read MoreEmotional Trauma: How Post-Traumatic Stress Impacts Our Brains
Often when the term Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is used, it is associated with members of the military, especially war veterans. As times change and people become more familiar with trauma and its impact on each of our lives, we are starting to recognize just how the stress connected to past and present events impacts…
Read MoreThe Impact of Therapy on LGBTQ+ Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Michelle’s Story When Michelle lost her housing, a friend told her about CHRIS 180 and our Drop-In Center. The Drop-In Center provides a range of free services for youth ages 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness. These services include meals, life coaching, job and housing assistance and walk-in therapy sessions. But Michelle was hesitant. She had…
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