OUR PROGRAMS
Creating a Bright Future for Trauma Survivors
The Healing and C-PTSD Foundation combines direct financial support with advocacy to create meaningful change for trauma survivors. Our programs are designed to remove financial barriers to recovery while advocating for trauma-informed policies that transform systems survivors encounter. Learn more about each of our programs below.
ADVOCACY
C-PTSD DSM Recognition
Advocating for C-PTSD’s Formal Inclusion in the DSM
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) deserves its own diagnosis within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which would validate the unique experiences of trauma survivors and open doors to more accurate, effective care. Our efforts to advocate for C-PTSD’s inclusion include:
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Collaboration: Working with mental health professionals, organizations, and researchers to gather evidence and support
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Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public and mental health community about the unique nature and needs of C-PTSD
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Petition for Recognition: Through our petition, we invite community members and allies to join us in calling for C-PTSD’s formal inclusion in the DSM
Recognizing C-PTSD in the DSM would not only validate survivors’ experiences but would also increase access to specialized care, reduce stigma, and improve insurance coverage for trauma-specific treatments.
Trauma-Informed Policies in Key Sectors
Transforming Systems to Support Trauma Survivors
Survivors of complex trauma interact daily with systems that often lack trauma-informed practices. Our advocacy aims to address this need by promoting mandatory trauma-informed training across three key sectors:
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Healthcare and Mental Health Services: Trauma survivors rely on healthcare providers for critical support, and we advocate for training that equips these professionals to recognize and respond sensitively to trauma-related needs.
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Law Enforcement: Trauma survivors encounter law enforcement during crisis and emergency situations, making trauma-informed practices vital to ensure respectful and supportive interactions.
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Education: For young trauma survivors, trauma-informed policies in schools are crucial to creating safe learning environments. We advocate for policies that equip educators to recognize and respond to trauma, fostering resilience and safety.
Through workshops, policy proposals, and partnerships, we are leading efforts to ensure these sectors adopt trauma-informed practices, creating systems where survivors can feel seen, understood, and supported.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Healing Grants
Providing Financial Assistance for Healing
Our healing grants offer essential financial support to survivors of complex trauma, enabling them to access the resources and care needed to rebuild their lives. These grants are designed to reduce the financial burdens associated with trauma recovery, covering:
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Therapeutic Services: Access to trauma-specific therapies, including EMDR and counseling
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Living Essentials: Assistance with basic living expenses, such as rent and utilities, to provide stability
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Holistic Healing: Support for additional resources that contribute to holistic healing, such as meditation, bodywork, or trauma-informed wellness practices
We believe financial limitations should never stand in the way of recovery, and through our healing grants, we empower survivors to reclaim their lives with the support they deserve.