‘Resilience’ documentary screening at the Galaxy
Film shows how brain science can help break cycles of violence and abuse
–In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, the Center for Family Strengthening (CSF) and CASA of San Luis Obispo County (Court Appointed Special Advocate) are present two screenings of the one-hour documentary film “Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope.”
“Researchers have recently discovered a dangerous biological syndrome caused by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction,” said Lisa Fraser, Executive Director of Center for Family Strengthening. The documentary “Resilience” shows how this toxic stress triggers hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children. These biological changes increase the child’s lifetime risk of physical and mental illness, substance abuse, incarceration, homelessness, family violence and more, regardless of whether the child remembers the trauma. While poverty may worsen the risk, no segment of society is immune. The film chronicles the dawn of a movement that is determined to fight back.
“Trailblazers in pediatrics, education, and social services are using cutting-edge science and field-tested therapies to protect children from the insidious effects of toxic stress,” said Fraser “By strengthening resilience and healing trauma, we can interrupt intergenerational cycles of violence, addiction, and disease.” In addition to preventing needless suffering, efforts to build strong families are less costly to California than trying to treat the perilous effects of child abuse and neglect after they have occurred.
The public is invited to attend a screening at the Palm in San Luis Obispo, and the Galaxy in Atascadero. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online from CSF. Times and locations are:
- April 18, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. San Luis Obispo
- April 24, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Galaxy Theater, 6917 El Camino Real, Atascadero
Click here for a short preview of “Resilience.” For more information on the screenings, contact Ann Berry-Gallegos (805) 441-4897 or support@cfsslo.org. For a short preview of RESILIENCE go to https://vimeo.com/137282528.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month nationwide, a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families. California’s 2017 campaign encourages a “community in unity,” because building community builds hope—whether it’s volunteering with an organization, speaking up when you see an issue of concern, or reaching out to offer a helping hand or sympathetic ear to your neighbors.
The Center for Family Strengthening was formed in 1988 when the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors designated CSF as the self-governing entity responsible for local efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. Center for Family Strengthening is dedicated to strengthening families through education and advocacy. Center for Family Strengthening partners with family support organizations in SLO County to provide resources to families in need, protect children from abuse and neglect, and ensure that strong families are a community priority.
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, known as CASA, of San Luis Obispo County advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the court system. CASA recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers who advocate for this vulnerable population with the goal of ensuring that each and every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent home.
