Overview
Vision
The annual BRIDGES TO RESILIENCE conference is the most recognized conference in California’s coastal tri-counties, focused on educating and increasing awareness about the widespread impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and providing hopeful strategies to build resilience within our communities and systems of care. A day of virtual learning and networking will strengthen trauma-informed care networks by raising awareness about and engagement with resources that can help to prevent, treat and heal the harmful consequences of ACEs and toxic stress.
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True systems change requires a high level of collaboration, where different sectors explore intersections and embrace opportunities for learning. Shared vision and values play an important role in this process, and the science of ACEs and resilience provides a platform for finding common ground. The BRIDGES TO RESILIENCE conference provides a unique opportunity to increase the engagement of the healthcare sector, unite people from diverse communities and professions, and weave a stronger network of care throughout San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties.
A free, virtual conference
With the support of California’s ACEs Aware Initiative, this fifth annual BRIDGES TO RESILIENCE is a virtual conference — and free to participants.
This year, in addition to our dedicated community partners, we welcome physicians and healthcare providers who may be new to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and those seeking connections and referral opportunities with dynamic regional Networks of Care.
Virtual conference features will include educational and inspirational presentations, collaborative learning Affinity Group discussions, networking, one-to-one connections, and a virtual Sponsors and Resource Hall (for educational materials, ACEs resources, experts and community partner connections). Program elements are designed to increase engagement between healthcare practitioners and community partners, strengthening multidisciplinary care networks throughout the tri-counties.
Attendees
The annual BRIDGES TO RESILIENCE conference welcomes more than 500 diverse participants from direct service / healthcare providers and community organizations who serve children, youth and families on a daily basis throughout the Central Coast.
Our participants are physicians, nurses, medical assistants, educators, early care providers, social workers, therapists, probation officers, youth program facilitators, family advocates, and leaders from faith communities. The audience also includes program managers, administrators, community stakeholders, and parents.
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This year’s program will increase connections between regional healthcare professionals and community partners, building interdisciplinary partnerships in the region.
BRIDGES TO RESILIENCE has established a safe conference culture where all participants — inclusive of role, background, socioeconomic status, or age — are welcome.
Conference Goals
Build care networks that are trauma-informed and resiliency-focused
Inspire, engage, invigorate and integrate the work force in every sector
Leverage the ACEs Aware Initiative to link providers from every sector to other opportunities for training, education and connections
Improve life outcomes for children, youth and families throughout the Central Coast
Conference Learning Objectives
Summarize the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study
Examine the impact of ACEs, including the science of toxic stress, physiological and psychological repercussions, and the impact on child development
Apply evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches for strengthening families and fostering resilience in individuals, families, and communities
Facilitate strong connections and communication between healthcare professionals and community partners
Integrate resources and tools for ACEs prevention and early intervention.
About Our Bridges to Resilience Collaborative
KIDS Network and the BRIDGES TO RESILIENCE conference gave rise to the growing ACEs initiative known as Resilient Santa Barbara County. Through the ACEs Aware Provider Engagement Grant, KIDS Network is leading a tri-county planning process for this year’s conference to engage new partners and strengthen care networks in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties. The three neighboring counties have a long history of regional collaboration. The Coastal Tri-Counties Child Abuse Prevention Coalition provided a springboard for the current project. Multidisciplinary prevention teams from each county offered a base from which to build cross-sector networks of care that align with the goals of the ACEs Aware initiative.
Medi-Cal managed care plans, CenCal Health and Gold Coast Health, joined with Cottage Health, Dignity Health and the Pediatric Resiliency Collaborative to engage primary care and specialty healthcare providers. Community partners, including representatives of First 5 Commissions in all three counties, are reaching out to educators, early care providers, and human service organizations to ensure that featured presentations are enhanced with information and networking opportunities to highlight local resources and intervention strategies.
The result of these dedicated partnerships and collaboration is the fifth annual BRIDGES TO RESILIENCE Conference. Please join us on June 9, 2021 as we realize our vision!