The H.O.P.E. Initiative

is Child and Family Centered, committed to

• collaborative systems
• seamless services for families
• systems that promote healing
• addressing the cause
• learning together

Mission

Many of the social challenges facing our community are rooted in childhood trauma. The H.O.P.E. Initiative’s mission is to inform and educate the community about the impact of childhood trauma on learning, relationships, economics, and health.  Working together on a comprehensive, systemic approach to childhood trauma builds opportunities for hope and healing.

Compassionate Schools

With the assistance of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) the H.O.P.E. Initiative was the advisory group for the Compassionate Schools project in Pierce County.  Tacoma Public Schools and Bethel School District each had two schools embark on a year long project of learning to build a flexible framework to become trauma sensitive or compassionate.  Each site used the Massachusetts Advocates for Children’s Helping Traumatized Children Learn publication. This link provides the pdf version of the manual.

Training on the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences

The H.O.P.E. Initiative also provides training to the community on the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on physical, emotional and mental health.  Created by the Washington State Family Policy Council, this training ties research from the studies of Dr. Martin Teicher, Dr. Rob Anda and Dr. Amy Matsen that stimulates the community to shift their thinking about children growing up in traumatic circumstances. 

If your organization would like training in Adverse Childhood Experiences please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Informal Natural Supports

The H.O.P.E. Initiative is conducting a survey in three key service systems for children impacted by A.C.E.s (Mental Health, Child Welfare, and Medical) to clearly understand how the community can engage with children and families to build resiliency.  Informal or natural supports are our neighbors, friends, and family.  Together with the formal service system, natural supporters can enhance the development of better outcomes for children and families experiencing significant trauma.

H.O.P.E. Initiative Partners

Children’s Administration, Region 5
Puget Sound Education Service District
YWCA of Pierce County
Tacoma Public Schools
Greater Lakes Mental Health
Pierce County Mental Health
MultiCare – Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital
Crystal Judson Family Justice Center
Tacoma Urban Network
Pierce County Juvenile Court
Tacoma Pierce County Health Department

Link to pdf of the H.O.P.E. Initiative’s strategic plan.