About Us

Vision

That all New Yorkers have the tools they need to prevent, respond to, and recover from the effects of trauma and live healthy, successful lives.

Mission

Trauma-Free NYC aims to bring together New Yorkers who are committed to creating trauma-informed partnerships across the city. We promote the integration of scientific advances regarding the causes and effects of trauma into the work of any organization, individual, or public servant actively involved in the well-being of New Yorkers.

History

Trauma-Free NYC (TFNYC) is a Columbia University-based initiative focused on identifying and promoting trauma-informed practices and policies in New York City. We do this through promoting educational, training and service learning strategies that support health, resilience, and well-being, while simultaneously working to prevent adverse experiences, buffer the impact of poverty, and reduce health disparities. TFNYC was founded in the summer of 2017 by an interdisciplinary group of faculty and staff, and led by the Mailman School of Public Health. Our work is growing, and we aim to forge sustainable relationships between academics, policymakers, and community agencies across New York City so that our city will be scientifically informed when developing and implementing policies, practices and investments related to trauma. 

 

What We Do

  • Coordinate dialogue among policymakers and practitioners in NYC
  • Conduct annual speaker events to increase public awareness of the factors associated with ACEs and trauma experienced across the lifespan
  • Support organizations to increase their understanding of and compassion for the effects of trauma on the well-being of children and adults by providing information on the latest ACEs research 
  • Validate and disseminate scientific findings to inform policy makers and practitioners
  • Promote cross-disciplinary interprofessional conversations about trauma-based research and practice
  • Develop undergraduate and graduate courses on the causes and effects of trauma, and current trauma-informed care practices 
  • Create service learning experiences for graduate and undergraduate students in partnership with community groups and external stakeholders
  • Offer certificate programs and workshops for professionals seeking further knowledge and credentials in trauma-informed approaches 

EXTENDING OUR REACH

If you are interested in hosting students for ACEs and trauma-focused summer practicums, or if your agency would like to host students for a service learning project connected to a graduate course, please contact Wanda Garcia, Director of Community Engagement, [email protected]