Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Battling Trauma for Brighter Futures

What do diabetes, heart disease, depression and a host of other illnesses have in common? They all have their roots in childhood trauma—according to The ACE Study conducted by the CDC and Kaiser. This massive study and subsequent research conclude that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact the developing brain, affect long-term health and perpetuate through generations.

As the science behind this conclusion continues to evolve, anecdotally it's not so hard to understand that childhood experiences affect future behavior, health and opportunity; and that related outcomes multiply exponentially over time and through generations.

But we can prevent the negative effects of trauma from following children into adulthood. At Synergy, we work with children and teens every day who have experienced trauma capable of limiting their future--and see time and again that with appropriate care and connections with caring adults, they can overcome traumatic experiences and emerge resilient and able to lead productive and healthy lives.

Frederick Douglass eloquently summed up the value of early intervention when he said "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." It's also much more cost-effective--studies suggest that early intervention produces a return of $11 for every $1 spent by decreasing future health care, imprisonment and other social welfare costs. We value your investment in this life-changing work that pays dividends for generations to come.