Cedarbrook Center

Program I: Helping traumatized children in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)

Resiliency can be nurtured through a relationship with a caring adult who can share a sense of hope. We will train local community members to help children in St. Vincent and the Grenadines using 3 "layers" of accompaniment.

Program II: Focus for Success

Improve learning and school performance for children by teaching focus and attention skills. Develop brain healthy lifestyles using the 6 pillars of brain health

Program I:
Each child will be matched with adult mentor(s) based on their needs. We will provide training for adults to serve as mentors and models. Training layers will be:
• Kinship Partners training – to foster long-lasting relationships between caring adults and children and teens.
• Stephen Ministry training – to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to children and teens who are hurting. (Later, this might expand to serve adults as well.)
• Mental Health training and Spiritual Direction – to provide guidance to overcome trauma, abuse, and to find connection to God acting in our lives.

Program II: Cedarbrook’s Focus for Success

Children will learn to focus using Play Attention – equipment originally developed by NASA. Sensors read brain waves much like a stethoscope reads heartbeats. Students learn to activate the "brain waves for focus" by controlling computer activities ("games") with brain activity alone.

Other components fo our Emerson Focus for Success program include:

• Movement – physical activities that improve brain function and focus
• Nutrition – enjoy healthy brain snacks (and bring recipes home to share)
• Nature and Nutrition – plant and grow a brain-healthy potted garden
• Relaxation & Mindfulness – learn relaxation and calming techniques that improve focus (and likely improve sleep at home)
• Interact with others at brain-stimulating strategy games (chess, checkers, Go, and others.)
• Students will also coach peers to improve focus and gain the benefit of improved learning and focus for themselves

Few in number but passionate volunteers. No administrative expenses (all-volunteer).

"Large streams from little fountains flow, Tall oaks from little acorns grow." ~ D. Everett 1797

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Accomplishments

Mentors for kids in SVG

Needs Assessment & 3-layered mentoring planned

2 years preparation
5 trips
Enrolled local Mentor Coordinator & SVG Coordinator
Kinship Training in February 2020
Stephen Ministry Leadership training Spring 2020

Training teachers & counselors in SVG

150+ teachers / 5 schools
Working with & teaching traumatized children
Positive Behavioral Intervention Strategies
Stress reduction for teachers & students
Developmental Assets & Adverse Childhood
Experiences
Communication & Self-Awareness training for 15 Peer Counselors

Attachment & Child Development training for Staff at 2 Children's Homes
Delivered 100 lbs of school supplies collected by St. Francis School

Emerson in Minneapolis

33 students served in Focus for Success

4 PA Brain Training systems acquired

2 workshops for 35 teachers