The New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force began in 2016 with a group of concerned child and education focused non-profit organizations who began meeting to collaborate on grant-writing efforts to address 3rd grade reading outcomes. After gaining some momentum in 2018, the group expanded to include additional New Hanover County entities and focus its efforts on addressing social determinants of health as it relates to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES's). The NHC Resiliency Task Force now works to reduce and prevent ACEs, respond to existing trauma in children, adults and providers with knowledge, empathy, and compassion, and create opportunities for our community to form meaningful connections with one another. The NHC Resiliency Task Force aims to create meaningful systems change by helping organizations approach their work through a trauma-informed lens. The task force is guided by a steering committee and operates through eight different subcommittees which all focus on a distinct area, including: birth to 8 years old; 4th grade to 12th grade; first responders and the justice system; healthcare; family, faith, and community initiatives; data; the arts; and equity and inclusion. 

https://www.nhcbouncesback.org/

The New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force serves all people of New Hanover County, working primarily through an organizational approach. The task force partners with local agencies and community groups to provide trainings like Mental Health First Aid and the Community Resiliency Model. 

Trauma-informed organizations produce better outcomes for clients, patients, students and the “providers” themselves.