• Physical Abuse

  • Emotional Abuse

  • Sexual Abuse

  • Physical Neglect

  • Emotional Neglect

  • Mental Illness/Depression/SI

  • Mother treated Violently

  • Divorce

  • Incarcerated Relative

  • Substance abuse in home

ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur before a child reaches the age of 18. These experiences can harm a child’s developing brain, change how they respond to stress, and can result in long-term damage to their immune systems.  

There are 10 types of childhood trauma measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences Study:

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Why is trauma during childhood a problem?

ACEs are extremely common, and they can impact the development of risky behaviors, health, and social problems.  

Studies have found a stunning link between childhood trauma and the chronic conditions that people develop as adults such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer, stroke, depression, and suicide.  

ACEs are also proven to impact life potential too. Things like academic achievement, graduation rates, early unplanned pregnancies, adult unemployment, and financial problems.  

The more ACEs a person experiences, the greater that person's risk is to have these outcomes. 

Interested in learning more about ACEs?

This is what Pueblo is doing about it:

  • We believe it takes a village to raise a child.

  • Having an informed community is the biggest driver of change for any social movement.  

  • Our goal is to empower individuals to engage with youth and families. 

  • Work small but think big! By doing for ONE child, what you wish could be done for EVERY child, we can change the whole future. 

This is what it can look like for you:

  • There’s a teen in your workplace… you take an interest in their success, and offer direction and opportunities for growth. 

    • It’s not a radioactive spider bite but it’s having someone who believes in their potential that can unlock a youth’s own superpower.

  • There’s a single mom that lives a couple of houses down. You invite her kids to accompany your family to the park on Tuesdays. 

    • This is like being accepted into the Avengers… mom feels the neighborhood support, the kids feel valued, and they get to see other family dynamics.

  • A grandmother brings extra vegetables from her garden to church and discovers a child in her neighborhood has always wanted to learn how to garden.  She invites the child to come over to learn.  They pull weeds, water, harvest, and talk regularly.  

    • The Ancient One has a lot to offer: time, wisdom, and love.  The child learns a skill, is occupied doing a productive activity and is encouraged to eat healthy foods.

  • Your coworker is swamped with projects. You pick his kid up on your way to the farmer’s market.  

    • It’s not necessarily about entertaining kids.  You’re just running errands, but they were exposed to a new life experience.  You were the Tony Stark to their Peter Parker.

NOW do you think you know an Everyday Hero? 

Nominate them! 

We want to recognize their brand of superpower and mobilize the whole community by their example.  Click here to nominate!