Any Baby Can Deepens Commitment to Families Through Trauma-Informed Care Initiative

Austin, TX – Any Baby Can, an organization dedicated to partnering with families to build stability, develop skills, and unlock each child’s full potential, today announced a significant step in its ongoing commitment: the integration of trauma-informed practices across all aspects of programs and services.

Demonstrating this commitment in a tangible way, every one of Any Baby Can’s over 160 employees recently completed the Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) caregiver training, provided by Nurturing Change. This comprehensive training included not only direct service staff but also administrative teams in communications, operations, HR, and more.

“This investment in our staff is an investment in the high-quality services we provide,” said Veronda Durden, President & Chief Executive Officer at Any Baby Can. “It’s a crucial part of our ongoing journey to nurture healthy relationships built on trust and respect, both with the families we serve and within our own team.”
By adopting this approach, the organization aims to create a safe and supportive environment for families navigating challenging circumstances. Through training, education, and specialized resources, Any Baby Can strives to empower families to heal, grow, and build resilience.

TBRI®, the intervention model at the heart of this training, is an attachment-based approach designed to support individuals who have experienced trauma. Nurturing Change emphasizes the core principle from TBRI® creator Karyn Purvis. While grounded in research on attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience, the essence of TBRI® is connection.

TBRI® fosters healing through connection by equipping individuals with regulation strategies, cultivating a sense of safety, and empowering them with a voice. The training educates participants on the impact of trauma on brain development and its lasting effects on emotions and behaviors, for both children and adults.
“While TBRI® was developed for children, its principles are universally applicable,” explained Amanda Herron, Founder & CEO of Nurturing Change. “We’re empowering Any Baby Can staff to guide parents in understanding their children’s emotional and behavioral needs, while also supporting their own healing journeys.”

Trauma, defined as a strong emotional response to a difficult event, can manifest in various forms, from intense experiences like abuse and neglect to more common stressors such as divorce, financial hardship, and medical interventions. Notably, 64% of individuals have experienced at least one traumatic event in childhood. Understanding that the children and families they serve often navigate complex systems where trauma is present, Any Baby Can is committed to being a safe and welcoming space.

“We want to be adaptive to the community’s needs. It’s part of meeting families where they are. We want to be a trusted place for parents, valuing their identities, experiences, and backgrounds,” said Rebecca Elizondo, Chief Programs Officer at Any Baby Can.

The training helps participants understand the underlying reasons behind behavior, extending this understanding to adult survival responses like fight or flight. By encouraging the fundamental question, “How can I help this person feel safe?”, Any Baby Can staff are equipped to approach challenging situations with greater compassion and effectiveness.

Furthermore, Any Baby Can is in the process of becoming a nationally recognized Family Resource Center, a designation that brings specific quality standards to further guide their community service.

“It’s about taking a step back to see the bigger picture,” said Rebecca Elizondo. “While our current approaches have been successful, the evolving environment necessitates a more thoughtful and intentional approach to our work.”

By integrating trauma-informed care principles into their work, Any Baby Can reaffirms its commitment to serving families with compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the impact of trauma on their lives.

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About Any Baby Can: Any Baby Can is a Central Texas nonprofit that provides critical family services in the home or other safe space. With support for children with developmental challenges or medical diagnoses, first-time mothers navigating pregnancy, and parents facing life’s toughest moments, Any Baby Can ensures no family has to face the unknown alone.

About Nurturing Change: Nurturing Change, a Central Texas nonprofit, empowers caregivers with insight and proficiency in trauma-informed care, in order to bring emotional healing and behavioral transformation to kids.

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