Discover how Aunt Martha’s is leading the charge in trauma-informed care, creating a brighter future for Illinois’ children and families.
Trauma-Informed Care: Healing with Purpose
At Aunt Martha’s, we recognize trauma’s lasting impact on children’s mental and physical health. As pioneers in trauma-informed care, we’re changing lives and reshaping care across Illinois.
Crain’s Chicago Business recently featured our CEO, Raul Garza, spotlighting Aunt Martha’s groundbreaking work. Moreover, the Illinois Healing-Centered Task Force, launched on January 30, 2024, marks a major advance in trauma-informed policymaking. This initiative mirrors Aunt Martha’s long-standing commitment to these principles.
A Holistic Approach
Our Integrated Care Center exemplifies our commitment to holistic care. In partnership with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, we provide comprehensive care for some of the most acute cases in the state’s child welfare system. As the only Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Illinois collaborating with DCFS on a medically-led program for youth, we stand out for our innovative approach.
Mr. Garza stresses the importance of integrating primary and specialist care. He adds that trauma doesn’t just affect the mind—it can lead to physical health issues like obesity and diabetes. Through our integrated care program, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in our young patients’ health outcomes, including reduced agression and fewer hospitalizations.
Collaboration for Comprehensive Care
The Illinois Healing-Centered Task Force is a groundbreaking initiative championed by the state to embed trauma-informed principles into the fabric of policymaking. Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton leads the task force, bringing together experts and stakeholders to tackle intergenerational trauma. The group aims to reshape how we apply trauma-informed principles, fostering healing and resilience throughout Illinois. Its work will position the state as a leader in healing-centered governance.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to learn more about our efforts and hear directly from Mr. Garza by watching his remarks at this week’s Task Force launch. Check out the video on our recent blog post.
At Aunt Martha’s, we’re not just providing care—we’re nurturing hope and fostering resilience. We’re proud to contribute to Illinois’ reputation as a national role model in trauma-informed care. And we’re excited for you to be a part of this journey with us.
For more details on the task force and Aunt Martha’s role, read the full article on Crain’s Chicago Business.
