1. MINNESOTA COMMUNITIES CARING FOR CHILDREN (MCCC) HEALING VESSELS FORUM 2014 DELIVERING THE MESSAGE: BRAINS ARE BUILT What if the largest public health discovery of our time is about the smallest of us? Let’s talk about surprising and powerful scientific discovery. Public engagement State -n- National policy Human experiences Science and Child Development Toxic Stress Trauma Informed Care Communication

2. 6thAnnual Healing Vessels Forum 2014 DELIVERING THE MESSAGE: BRAINS ARE BUILT The Healing Vessels Forum is intended to create networks with the common goal of positive transformation for families throughout Minnesota. Minnesota Communities Caring for Children (MCCC) and its’ allies invite community leaders, supporters, parents, and early-childhood/school-age care providers to join together to focus kindred spirits, values, and goals on promoting better learning outcomes for children of color. Participants attending this two day seminar make up urban and rural neighborhoods, are from Indian, African, Latino, S.E. Asian and European cultures and include immigrants and refugees. MCCC recognizes the difficult realities for children at risk in Minnesota. Research shows a high percentage of children (0-5 years old); lack school readiness skills, live in disproportionate poverty, and experience hunger and exposure to violence and stress. These factors promote unfavorable family outcomes and create barriers to achievement. MCCC also recognizes the difficulty with discussing, providing services and offering support to clients dealing with the realities that arise from the complexity of these issues.

3. 6th Annual Healing Vessels Forum 2014 DELIVERING THE MESSAGE: BRAINS ARE BUILT • Two days for sharing wisdom, resources, and reaction to new strategies in fields concerning education and child welfare. • Participants will gain new insights and a renewed capacity to learn, listen and comprehend what unfolds before them daily both personally and professionally. • The Healing Vessels Forum is crucial to addressing equity in education and will allow the much needed time and space to focus on targeted priorities. • This is a critical opportunity to focus attention on developing issues currently being discussed in legislation, at community groups hearings, and other decision-making tables across the United States.

4. 6th Annual Healing Vessels Forum 2014 DELIVERING THE MESSAGE: BRAINS ARE BUILT As the Minnesota host site for the ACE Study (adverse childhood experiences), MCCC is committed to providing information on scientific research that shows the life long impact of toxic stress, and on ways to eliminate the disparities that cause toxic stress. We are driven by the citizens we serve. We believe in encouraging discussion as a starting point in the process of restoration. The Healing Vessels Forum will allow us to put into practice our knowledge of ACE’s through suggestions and application. The two day agenda includes; guest panelists, several education tracks, keynote speaker, resources, and break-out sessions. The Healing Vessels Forum specifically aspires to assist in closing the achievement gap by using what we have learned from science and research. Ultimately, this Forum is intended to solidify concepts to be used in building healthier communities. Date*Agenda*Registration Late February 2014