Women of Colors ACEs Public Education Campaign

ACEs 101: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur

before the age of 18. These may include experiencing or witnessing violence, abuse, neglect, or growing up in a household impacted by substance use, mental illness, or incarceration. According to the CDC, 62% of U.S. adults report at least one ACE, and nearly one in four report three or more.

The impact of ACEs is profound and long-lasting. From disrupted brain development and emotional regulation to chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and depression, the ripple effects extend well into adulthood. But, understanding ACEs also opens the door to prevention and healing. Through education, supportive relationships, and community care, we can buffer the effects of trauma and help build a future grounded in resilience and opportunity.

From ACEs to PACEs: Pathways to Healing

While ACEs highlight risk, Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACEs) emphasize healing and hope. PACEs include positive childhood experiences like feeling safe at home, having a mentor, access to supportive teachers, and safe places to play. These buffers serve as powerful antidotes to early trauma. Research shows that PACEs can significantly mitigate the effects of ACEs.

At Women of Colors, our trauma-informed programs promote PACEs by empowering families, encouraging mentorship, and creating affirming environments.

Michigan & Saginaw Snapshot: ACEs by the Numbers

Data reveals that fewer than half of high school students in Genesee and Saginaw

counties feel affirmed by parents or guardians. This matters. Positive affirmations from caregivers build self-worth and can significantly buffer the effects of trauma.

Michigan ACEs Data:

- 45% of adults report at least one ACE

- Youth in high-poverty areas are more likely to experience four or more ACEs

- Only 27% of youth with high ACE scores report feeling affirmed at home

Local Action Spotlight: Women of Colors launched the I’m So Proud of You campaign, urging adults to offer words of affirmation to children daily. A simple, sincere statement can become a memory that sustains a child through hard times.