NOVA focused on how exposure to violence and being a victim of violence affects the entire community. Extensive work was done through various need-based programs in two specific areas in Memphis: Hickory Hill and Raleigh/Frayser. Collaborating with a host of organizations and programs, a substantial impact was made on children and families, as well as participants.

Since 2011, NOVA made a great impact on Shelby County through grassroots and funded initiatives and work streams including accomplishing the following:

• Community outreach and engagement in key areas, Frayser/Raleigh and Hickory Hill to provide services to families that may have been affected by violence and trauma

• More than 2,000 professionals in Shelby County were trained on how to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse.

• Social services pilot in key communities, including social services referrals, parenting classes and education support

• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy training for Shelby County Schools social workers to benefit students in schools

  See the executive summary of our work here

• A Plan for the Future
  The University of Tennessee Health Science Center will oversee the Defending Childhood work moving forward to continue to inform Shelby County resident about how trauma and exposure to trauma affects the family and broader community.