Strengthening
Our Mental
We are helping people find peace and strength within.
About CORE
CORE, which stands for Creating Opportunities to Realize Excellence, is a nonprofit that aims to improve the lives of others by focusing on optimal mental health. Founded by Phil "Coach" Black in 2015, CORE has impacted the lives of individuals and communities across the US and abroad by increasing awareness, education and skill building.
Our CORE Mission
Is to promote health, resilience and self-empowerment by helping veterans and everyday citizens live a trauma-informed life.
The Hard Truth
20%
Of US Veterans suffer from PTSD.
70%
Of adults have experienced a traumatic event at least once.
35M+
Children have had one or more Adverse Childhood Experiences by age 16.
Getting to the CORE
Trauma education plays a crucial role in mitigating the risks and long-term effects of traumatic experiences by raising awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting effective responses. Here’s how it helps:
1. Promotes early identification and intervention: Trauma education equips individuals—such as parents, teachers, healthcare providers, and community leaders—with the skills to recognize early signs of trauma. Early identification allows for timely support and interventions, which can prevent the escalation of trauma-related mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
2. Fosters trauma-informed practices: Educating everyday people, veterans, professionals and organizations about trauma helps them adopt trauma-informed approaches, which prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment. This reduces the likelihood of retraumatization, improves relationships, self-awareness- and creates supportive environments where individuals feel understood and respected.
3. Increases resilience and coping strategies: Trauma education includes learning coping mechanisms, emotional regulation techniques, and resilience-building strategies. These skills help individuals manage their emotional responses to trauma and reduce its impact on their daily lives.
4. Reduces stigma and promotes help-seeking: By normalizing discussions around trauma, education helps to reduce the stigma associated with traumatic experiences and mental health issues. This encourages individuals to seek support and treatment without fear of judgment or shame.
5. Improves community support systems: Trauma education empowers families, friends, and communities to provide compassionate, informed support. This enhances the individual’s sense of belonging and helps them feel less isolated, which can mitigate the long-term effects of trauma.
6. Prevents further harm: Trauma education and trauma-informed living emphasizes creating safe, predictable environments for self, in the home, schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings, reducing the risk of future trauma or retraumatization.
In essence, trauma education through CORE- equips individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively to trauma, reducing its lasting effects and helping create safer, more supportive environments.