On Behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin, we would like to congratulate you on receiving the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Special Recognition Award for your pioneering work to promote Trauma Informed Care in Wisconsin. You are shifting the perspective – and the entire conversation – across Wisconsin and the nation.

Largely due to your work, our state has been a leader of incorporating Trauma-Informed Care and the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) into policy and practice. The Menominee Nation, Waupaca County Department of Health and Human Services, and the Sojourner Family Peace Center are just three of the leaders creating lasting change for Wisconsin’s children and families through Trauma-Informed Care. We stand with these organizations in our work on TIC, SEL and ACES at our 159 club sites across 57 cities and regions in our state.

Your ongoing efforts have made it evident that addressing trauma requires a multi-pronged, multi-agency public health approach. We have followed your work closely, and will be integrating trauma informed care into a number of our club activities and programs in the upcoming years. We look forward to continued partnerships with your office and other state entities to ensure Wisconsin is first in the nation on being Trauma Informed!

We are watching with enthusiasm all the work you are doing on this critical topic, which is instrumental to the well-being of our communities and our youth. Again, congratulations on the well-deserved recognition and award.

Sincerely,
Andrew Gussert
State Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin

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