On January 28, Erin Gilfillan graduated from the Family Care Program at Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries (CMCM) and celebrated the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth.

When Erin first arrived at CMCM on November 9, 2021, she was a single mother facing insurmountable challenges. She had a hard past and two young boys who were no longer in her care.

Erin found a community of support and encouragement when she entered the Family Care Program.

The Family Care Program at Connie Maxwell is more than just a shelter or a temporary solution — it is a comprehensive support system designed to address the unique needs of single parents like Erin. From life skills classes and parenting workshops to financial education and spiritual guidance, Connie Maxwell provided Erin with the tools she needed to succeed in life.

Through individualized goal setting sessions and counseling, Erin learned to confront her past traumas and envision a brighter future for herself and her children. With vocational services and support during the transition to independent living, she gained the confidence and skills necessary to pursue her dreams and build a stable and secure life for her family.

Erin was surrounded by staff members who believed in her and fellow residents who understood her struggles.

She was constantly encountering Jesus through the Family Care staff. At CMCM, the most important aspect of healing is finding hope in Jesus. Erin grew in her faith during her time at CMCM.

She also regained custody of her children and made the Dean’s List at Piedmont Technical College, where she was taking classes to be accepted into the radiology program and participated in prayer and study groups. During the program, she volunteered at Self Regional Hospital in the radiology department, as well.

Now, Erin is working full-time and attending school, with her end goal of being accepted into a nursing program. She regularly attends church with her boys.

Diana Johnson, Director of the Family Care Program, enjoyed watching Erin grow in grace. “I truly believe that it takes a village. And Connie Maxwell is just that. We are not just Family Care — we are Family Care at Connie Maxwell.”

The post Hope and Healing: Erin’s Story appeared first on Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries.

As Connie Maxwell continues forward in the “Decade of Dreams” strategic plan, one of the most important components of our future will be a commitment to better understanding trauma and how to bring restoration, resiliency, and flourishing to kids from hard places in Jesus’ name.

Connie Maxwell is excited to now begin offering FREE workshops, trainings, and resources focused on “Christ-centered, trauma-informed” care to churches and community groups! These workshops will equip caregivers with a comprehensive understanding of trauma and its impact on children and families.

We will be offering two different types of training: Intro to Christ-Centered Trauma Informed Care, and TBRI® Caregiver Training. Both of these training courses differ in length of time ranging from 90 minutes to a full-day based on the needs and desire of the audience.

These “Christ-Centered, Trauma Informed trainings” are a mixture of evidence-based research principles and scripture. These courses discuss who children from hard places are, the risk factors involved, and some of the misbehaviors that are seen because of what has happened in their lives. Training attendees receive tips and tools for how to manage these behaviors and respond with compassion, while remaining calm and structured in the moment.

Texas Christian University, who developed Trust-Based Relational Intervention® provides this definition, “TBRI® is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors.”

While everyone could benefit from the content in these training courses, they are especially needed for adults who work with children and youth on a regular basis. This could include schoolteachers, daycare workers, youth pastors, children’s directors, foster and/or adoptive parents, volunteer workers in children’s ministries, and more.

Connie Maxwell will be offering Christ-Centered Trauma Informed trainings and TBRI® trainings led by Tana Dukes, our new Lowcountry Director of Foster Care, and Jules Thompson, Director of Volunteer Engagement. Jules and Tana are both certified TBRI® practitioners and bring a wealth of personal and professional experience to draw from!

Meet  the Trainers

Jules Thompson joined Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries in 2021 as the Director of Volunteer Engagement. A proud two-time graduate of Samford University, originally from Spartanburg, SC, Jules’ upbringing as a biological child in a foster home deeply instilled in her a passion for helping children from challenging backgrounds. Following her parents’ example, she and her husband Kyle became foster parents, eventually adopting their two boys. With a heart for volunteers, Jules enjoys connecting their talents with the mission of Connie Maxwell. As a TBRI® practitioner, she is committed to educating church leaders and members on supporting children and families during difficult times, particularly foster families. Reflecting on her journey, Jules emphasizes, “The biggest thing that I have taken away from my experience with TBRI® and just being generally trauma-informed is that adults have to be regulated if there’s any hope of regulating a child.”

We’re excited to announce Tana Dukes as the newest addition to our team! She will be serving as our Director of Foster Care in the Lowcountry. Tana brings nearly 15 years of child welfare experience. With her background as a Casework Supervisor, she’s equipped to navigate the complexities of fostering healing and stability in the lives of vulnerable children. Tana’s commitment to Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) perfectly aligns with Connie Maxwell’s mission, as she spearheads efforts to build church partnerships in the Greater Charleston Area and advocate for Christian foster parents.

Tana’s personal vision for fostering healing and stability is deeply rooted in her faith and her extensive experience:

“Connie Maxwell has a long and dynamic history of serving vulnerable children in some of the most challenging times in history. This time is no different—there are children that need to be served in some of the saddest of situations. My hope is that through my new role, we can equip believers, churches, and communities in a collaborative fashion to utilize trauma-informed tools to help children and further generations heal.”

Commitment to Local Churches

Jay Boyd, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Engagement, shares CMCM’s desire to be a trusted partner in equipping churches to better care for kids from hard places. “With over 2,100 SCBC churches and more than 6,000 Evangelical churches across South Carolina, we know children who are victims of trauma show up to Sunday school, youth activities, and church events on a regular basis. By making these trainings free and providing them on site to churches across the state, it shows our continued commitment to equipping churches and strengthening communities.”

Our training programs will provide ministers and volunteers with ongoing professional development opportunities, ensuring they have access to the latest research and best practices in child welfare.

All training will offer people the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences that may impact the way they care for children and families. Trainees will walk away with action items that can be used to better connect and interact with the people they serve. Churches and other community organizations will be able to enhance their support services through the training programs, while laying the foundation for long-term success, where every child can thrive and succeed.   

Shannon Mountz, a children’s director at Newspring Church was very thankful for the training Jules was able to provide to her team. “The training was exactly what our volunteers needed to reach our kids where they are and give them the skills to be their best self. It showed us ways to really correct, connect, and empower each child. I am truly thankful for the practical tips that our team received. We are able to see an incredible difference in those we reach.”

Expanding to the Lowcountry 

Currently licensing and serving nearly 50 foster families across the Upstate and Midlands, Connie Maxwell recognizes the urgent need for our support in the Lowcountry, where approximately 675 children are in foster care.

Tana Dukes’ arrival to Connie Maxwell helps us place more of an emphasis on strengthening church partnerships and raise awareness for the need for foster parents in the Lowcountry.

While a physical location for a Charleston site is in the works, Connie Maxwell has already begun recruiting foster parents and building relationships with churches in the Lowcountry.

If you would like to learn more about having Tana or Jules conduct a training at your church or community event, scan the QR code below or visit ConnieMaxwell.com/trauma-informed-training.

The post Equipping Hearts: Connie Maxwell Trains Churches and Expands Services appeared first on Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries.

The post Connie Maxwell Volunteer Workday appeared first on Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries.

The post Dear Pee Dee Home… appeared first on Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries.