Skip to main content
You're logged in with MyAlex  |  Logout

City of Alexandria, VA

Search results cleared

Include archived pages
  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
    Close Menu
  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
    Close Menu
  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
    Close Menu
  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
    Close Menu
  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
    Close Menu
  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
    Close Menu
  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

    Close Menu
  • I want to…

    Use these shortcuts to perform some of the most common tasks on our site.

    • Apply
      • Building & Construction Permits
      • Business Licenses
      • City Government Jobs
      • Facility & Park Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Vehicle Registration
    • Pay
      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Parking Ticket
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Sales Tax
    • Report
      • Potholes
      • Street Light Outage
      • Tree Problem
      • Power Outage (Dominion Energy)
      • Water Main Break (Virginia American Water)
      • Natural Gas Problem (Washington Gas)
      • Cable TV/Internet Problem (Comcast)
      • Wired Telephone Problem (Verizon)
      • Discrimination Complaints
    • Request
      • Park Maintenance
      • Trash/Recycling Container
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
      • Public Records (FOIA)
      • Trip Planning Assistance
    Close Menu

RAISE

The RAISE mission is to build a more trauma-informed and resilient Alexandria by informing, supporting and elevating our community.
*Please note: RAISE does not provide direct services to clients
Page updated on January 26, 2023 at 4:55 PM

Children & Family Services

  • Department of Community & Human Services
  • FAQs Child Care
    • Child-care Providers
  • Child Welfare Programs
    • Child Abuse and Neglect
    • Child Abuse Prevention Training
    • Fund for Alexandria’s Child
  • Behavioral Health Services
  • RAISE Trauma Informed Network
  • Early Childhood Wellness Program
  • Parent Infant Education Program
  • Youth Development
    • Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy
    • Project Discovery College Prep
    • Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria
  • Release of Information Forms

Share

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
GoogleTranslate
Google Translate
WARNING: You have chosen to translate this page using an automated translation system. This translation has not been reviewed by the City of Alexandria and may contain errors.

RAISE: Alexandria's Trauma Informed Community Network

RAISE logo

About Trauma-Informed Community Networks (TICNs)

About Trauma-Informed Community Networks (TICNs)

Definition of Resilience

Throughout Virginia, there are more than 19 communities coming together across disciplines around trauma-informed care. Most often in Virginia, these groups form as trauma-informed community networks (TICNs). Every TICN looks different because they are built by the local community, however, in each of these communities, these networks share common characteristics:

  • Build a stronger, more resilient trauma-informed community
  • Increase awareness of trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and identify areas that the group can collectively build upon
  • Develop a shared language about trauma and resilience
  • Help organizations to become trauma informed, conduct trainings, support, and implement new practices in schools, courts, and community services
  • Create a mechanism for collaboration, and the sharing of information and resources
  • And much more!

It should be noted that these networks, including RAISE, do not provide direct services to clients. Instead, TICNs help to connect practice across disciplines and help to identify gaps and how policies can be implemented. Virginia’s community networks play a key role in advancing trauma-informed policy and promoting a statewide policy agenda. 

For more information about Virginia’s TICNs and the Campaign for a Trauma-Informed Virginia, visit the Voices for Virginia’s Children website at vakids.org.

About RAISE

RAISE One-Pager (page 1)

Alexandria’s Trauma Informed Community Network (TICN) is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Established in July 2019, Alexandria’s TICN aims to build a more equitable, safe, trauma-informed and resilient Alexandria by informing, supporting and elevating our community. Hence its name, Resilience  Alexandria: Inform. Support. Elevate. (RAISE)

RAISE Mission, Priorities, Committees, & Accomplishments

Mission

To build a more trauma-informed and resilient Alexandria by informing, supporting and elevating our community. 

Priorities

RAISE members were asked to use their lived experience and expertise to identify sources of trauma that are specific to Alexandria. Based on those sources, four following priorities drive RAISE’s mission:

  1. Inform Alexandria’s community and various sectors about RAISE and its mission to build a more trauma-informed and resilient Alexandria;
  2. Support community members and professionals by delivering trainings focused on ACEs, trauma, and resilience, and
  3. Support organizations becoming trauma-informed by providing them with technical assistance in transforming their spaces, policies, and procedures; and finally
  4. Elevate our community’s needs and voice through advocacy at the micro and macro levels.

RAISE Committees

These priorities and RAISE’s current capacity resulted in the following committees which guide RAISE’s strategic direction:

  • Member Engagement and Wellness Committee: Supports existing efforts that aim to promote community wellness and resiliency among RAISE members and the greater community.
  • Changing Environments and Cultures Committee: Helps teams and organizations create a trauma-informed culture by providing them with technical assistance in transforming their spaces, policies, and procedures.
  • Justice Advocacy Committee: Supports community members and professionals by delivering trainings focused on ACEs, trauma, and resilience, and elevates our community’s voices by advocating for justice and advancing policies that dismantle systems that perpetuate racial trauma and inequity

Each of these subcommittees have developed their own action plans that will guide future work and evaluate progress.

Past Accomplishments

RAISE Accomplishments

Since July 2019, RAISE has cultivated authentic community engagement while promoting trauma-informed practices and community resilience through the following events and efforts:

  • Community Development and Planning: In recent years, community members have identified mental health as an important issue that they wish to take collective action on, so RAISE has had the distinct honor of working its partners to coordinate the development and implementation of the following plans that address mental health.
    • Community Mental Health Plan: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, RAISE was called upon by the City of Alexandria to develop and implement a Community Mental Health Plan that promoted resilience among Alexandria's thousands of residents and employees. Initiatives included:
      • an online COVID-19 Wellness Resource Guide featuring 75+ resources;
      • the Resilience Week Virginia Campaign;
      • an online Continuum of Race Based Trauma Resources and Support in Times of Civil Strife featuring 70+ resources;
      • Bi-Monthly Mindful Wellness Circles for City employees;
      • a regional Parent Support Line and Text Line;
      • city-wide “RAISE Your Voice” outreach to educate people on reporting situations that are high risk for abuse or neglect; and
      • Town Halls to orient City staff to the Resiliency Resource Guide for Trauma-Informed Supervision.
    • Alexandria’s Community Health Improvement Plan: To help move the CHIP forward, RAISE is committed to providing trauma-informed trainings and advocacy trainings and education to community groups.
    • Children and Youth Community Plan: To help implement the CYCP, RAISE is committed to helping our communities adopt trauma-informed and resilience building practices.
  • Alexandria’s Trauma and Resiliency Summit: Despite not having a budget, RAISE hosted a Summit that engaged over 140 community members in 15 different workshops focused on wellness, social and racial justice, and navigating changing environments.
  • Trainings, Workshops, and Film Screenings
    • 62 Resilience Film Screening participants
    • 14 Advocacy 101 Workshop participants
    • 57 Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces Workshop participants
    • 32 Cultivating Authentic Community Engagement Workshop participants
    • 37 Resiliency Resource Guide for Trauma-Informed Supervision participants
    • 600+ Understanding ACEs: Building Self-Healing Communities participants
  • Capacity Building Projects
    • $5,000 in funds awarded to RAISE from the FACT Fund were used to assist immigrant clients that the Domestic Violence Program worked with to pay rent, utilities, and other bills that they were not able to pay due to COVID-19. 
    • $350 in funds awarded to RAISE from the FACT Fund were used to assist local organizations transform their spaces into trauma-informed environments

Mailing List, Meetings, Orientations, and Events

Mailing List

To sign up to our mailing list to receive RAISE updates, fill out this short registration form.

2022-2023 RAISE Calendar

2022-2023 RAISE Calendar

RAISE Calendar for 2022-2023

 

 

Network Meetings

RAISE holds a network meeting every quarter. Below are meeting dates for 2022-2023. To attend the meetings, register here.

Network Meetings provides members an opportunity to hear about and share trauma-informed efforts taking place across the city and state; receive policy updates from the General Assembly, make decisions, and collaborate on shared work.

Upcoming Meeting Dates:

  • October 20, 2022 10AM-12PM
  • January 19, 2023 10AM-12PM
  • April 20, 2023 10AM-12PM
  • July 20, 2023 10AM-12PM

Educational Experiences

Every quarter, RAISE will provide an educational experience for free for the public to learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences, trauma, and resilience. These educational opportunities will include trainings, workshops, film screenings, and events during Resilience Week VA and Racial Truth & Reconciliation Week. To attend these events, register here.

Upcoming Educational Experiences:

  • November 17, 2022 at 10AM: Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces
  • February 16, 2023 at 10AM: Advocacy Workshop
  • May 7-13, 2023: Celebrate Resilience Week VA!
  • August 2023: Celebrate Racial Truth & Reconciliation Week!

Member Orientations

Every quarter, new, returning, and prospective RAISE members are invited to a Member Orientation to learn more about the Network and ways to get involved! To attend a Member Orientation, register here:

Upcoming Member Orientation Dates:

  • December 15, 2022 | 10-11AM
  • March 16, 2023 | 10-11AM
  • June 15, 2023 | 10-11AM
  • September 21, 2023 | 10-11AM

Learn more about RAISE now by checking out the RAISE Welcome Packet and Orientation Guide .

Trainings, Workshops, and More!

Resiliency Resource Toolkit for Trauma-Informed Supervision

Resiliency Resource Guide

Resiliency Resource Toolkit for Trauma-Informed Supervision: 

Target Audience: Supervisors, Helping and Aspiring Professionals 

Description: Supervision is an important element of creating and fostering a trauma-informed workplace. While many employees continue to work from home, some are returning to work sites and offices. Supervisors and staff may be experiencing feelings of concern and uncertainty regarding the impact returning to a work site may have on themselves and their families. They may experience doubt, anxiety, stress, fear, and depression, and may even be experiencing grief or a sense of loss for the way of life before the pandemic. This workshop equips participants with a toolkit that has been designed to help supervisors and their staff understand the mental health impact of COVID19 and challenges associated with returning to the workplace. Request a Training.

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Self-Healing Communities

Understanding ACEs Presentation

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Self-Healing Communities

Target Audience: Everyone (educators; parents/family members; people with lived experience; professionals from behavioral health, public health, social services, nursing; education; justice; and other fields; clients; survivors; community members; faith-based groups; etc.) 

Description: In the 1990s, the CDC and Kaiser Permanente conducted a landmark study on ACEs. They discovered that ACEs and trauma are the leading cause of our nation's social and health problems. During the presentation, you’ll learn more about:

  • the ACE Study,
  • the impact of stress on the brain and how that affects a person over the course of their life, and
  • ways to encourage and promote resilience in youth and adults so together we can create a healthier community.

This training is appropriate for both mental health professionals and community members. Learn more and contact RAISE@alexandriava.gov to schedule a training for your team!

Darkness to Light - Stewards of Children Training

Darkness to Light Training

Darkness to Light - Stewards of Children Training

Target Audience: Adults; Mentors; Teachers; Child Care Providers; Youth Service Providers; Tutors; Coaches; Out of School Time Staff; Parents/Family Members; Faith-Based Community members; Youth Group Leaders; Camp Counselors; any adults who work/engage with children and youth.

Description: Stewards of Children is a prevention training program that teaches adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The program is designed for organizations that serve youth and for individuals concerned about the safety of children. It is the only nationally distributed, evidence-based program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child protective behaviors. 

The Center for Alexandria’s Children has partnered with the Alexandria Health Department to provide this training for free to all child serving professionals in the City of Alexandria. This two-hour long in-person training is offered in both English and Spanish and will be facilitated by members of the City’s Multidisciplinary Team on Child Abuse (the detectives, social workers, advocates and attorneys who investigate and prosecute the crime of child sexual abuse in our City). Contact Terri Cheshire at terri@alexandriaskids.org  or 703-746-6018 to discuss and schedule a training for your team or organization. 

Cultivating Authentic Community Engagement Virtual Workshop

Cultivating ACE

Cultivating Authentic Community Engagement Virtual Workshop

Target Audience: Service Providers/Helping and Aspiring Professionals, Nonprofit Organizations, Government Agencies, Businesses

Description: What has worked for you and not worked for you when working to increase community engagement in your organizations and why? What do you do with the information you gather from community members and how do you increase transparency and accountability around these processes? How can organizations cultivate the patience and consistency necessary for this long-term work? How can we identify our strengths and avoid duplicating efforts by building partnerships with those who already have authentic relationships with community residents? Guided by her lived and professional experience, Behavioral Health Community Organizer Tamika Daniel will share tips and strategies to address these challenges and facilitate a discussion that will help us answer these questions together. Contact RAISE@alexandriava.gov if interested in scheduling this training!

Intro to Trauma and Resilience Workshop

Intro to Trauma & Resilience

Intro to Trauma and Resilience Workshop 

Target Audience: Everyone (Community Members, Community Advocates, Helping and Aspiring Professionals, Parents/Family Members, Youth and Young Adults) 

Description: What is trauma? What is resilience? Greater Richmond SCAN's Behavioral Health Community Organizer Tamika Daniel will cover the basics of trauma, including its behavioral impacts. She will explore how resilience can be built and based in real life experiences. This relatable and accessible training will help to shed a new light on these topics and provide the foundation for key concepts. Contact RAISE@alexandriava.gov if you're interested in scheduling a training!

Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces Workshop

Creating TI Spaces

Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces: Using Trauma-Informed Design to Promote Healing, Health, and Human Dignity. 

Target Audience: Service Providers/Helping and Aspiring Professionals, Staff and Senior Leadership from Nonprofit Organizations, Government Agencies, Businesses, or Faith-Based Organizations

Description: This 90 minute workshop will explore what it means for a space to be trauma-informed, why this is important, and how to get started in building a trauma-informed space that will promote healing, health, and human dignity. Examples of space transformations will be shared. If you work on a team or for an organization that is interested in becoming more trauma-informed, this workshop will provide concrete steps for creating more healing-centered spaces within your organization or agency. Workshop participants can sign up to receive ongoing technical assistance and support from RAISE. To request this free training for your team or organization, email RAISE@AlexandriaVA.Gov. 

"Resilience" Film Screening and Discussion

Resilience Film Screening

Resilience Film Screening and Discussion: RAISE has a license to conduct screenings of Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope.  Contact us to learn how you can show this powerful 60 minute documentary to your staff or community group and use it to start a conversation about prevention!

Volunteer Needs

Overview of All Current Volunteer Needs

Volunteer Needs

Volunteering for RAISE is a great way to gain leadership experience, volunteer or internship hours, knowledge of Alexandria's systems, initiatives, and trauma champions, and friends! There is a role for all ages, backgrounds, lived experiences, sectors, staff position levels, etc. Training and ongoing support is provided. Any one of these roles can be made into an internship or capstone project. If interested in learning more, contact Chelsea Eickert at Chelsea.Eickert@alexandriaVA.Gov!

Roles, Responsibilities, & Time Commitments

  • Committee Co-Chairs (Need: 2)
    • Responsibilities: Help plan and facilitate committee meetings and activities that are in alignment with Committee Action Plans. Contribute to member engagement, and more. Encourage and support the collection of data to identify needs and monitor on-going performance of the Committee. Oversee progress with the implementation of the Committee's Action Plan and report on the Committee's progress. Collaborate on the design and implementation of new initiatives set by the Committee, center equity in all decisions, and ensure that strategic decisions made are in alignment with the overall strategic goals of RAISE. Help manage the "day-to-day" operations that keep the Committee moving forward and on track, including member engagement, communications, data collection and analysis, and other administrative tasks. Identify and cultivate emerging leaders in RAISE. Attend monthly Steering Committee meetings and quarterly educational events and Network Meetings. To learn more about each Committee, see the "Committee" section of the page.
    • Approximate Time Commitment: ~2-4 Hours/month
  • Communications Specialist (Need: 1-2)
    • Responsibilities: Serve as a bridge to the greater community by maintaining and enhancing communication practices and platforms that engage community members, raise awareness, share information, and cultivate motivation. Assist with the implementation of the Member Engagement Plan, the development of the RAISE eNewsletter every month, a RAISE promotional video, the creation of flyers, brochures, and other marketing material, and lead efforts that support the annual Resilience Week VA campaign. Attend quarterly Network Meetings and monthly Steering Committee Meetings.
    • Approximate Time Commitment: 3-6 hours/month
  • Training & Events Coordinator (Need: 1)
    • Responsibilities: Help plan and organize monthly trainings, educational experiences, film screenings, and special events. 
    • Approximate Time Commitment: 2-4 hours/month
  • Grant Coordinator (Need: 1)
    • Responsibilities: Help build RAISE's capacity to create a more trauma-informed and resilient community by coordinating efforts to obtain grants and funding. Seek out funding opportunities, analyze Request for Proposals, write grant proposals and narratives, and prepare required reports. Provide project management, ensuring that project stakeholders have reviewed and provided feedback on proposals in a timely manner, and obtaining final approval.
    • Approximate Time Commitment: 0-1 million hours/month
  • Committee Member (Need: Unlimited)
    • Responsibilities: Committees are at the heart of RAISE and bring ideas to life. RAISE has three Committees and each has their own Action Plan that helps to achieve the mission of RAISE. Committee members have professional and/or lived experience, are genuinely interested in advancing racial equity, building resilience, raising awareness of the impacts of trauma and ACEs, and creating trauma-informed environments, and are action-oriented "doers" who commit to attending meetings, educational experiences, and carrying out tasks.
    • Approximate Time Commitment: 2-4 hours/month

City-Wide Strategic Plans for Creating Self-Healing Communities

Community Mental Health and Resilience Plan

 

Community Mental Health & Resilience Plan

Community Mental Health and Resilience Plan

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, RAISE developed and implemented this Community Mental Health and Resilience Plan. The Plan recommends mental health strategies that support all of Alexandria's workforce, parents, youth, and residents throughout and after the pandemic. Read the Plan. See what RAISE was able to accomplish.

Community Health Improvement Plan

CHIP 2025

Community Health Improvement Plan 

Working extensively with the community, the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) and Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria have coordinated the Community Health Improvement Plan 2025 (CHIP). The CHIP, which identified Mental Health as one of three priorities for our community to address, is a collection of action-oriented strategies and tactics to address inequities through programs, advocacy, services, education, and policy change. Read more about the CHIP.

Children and Youth Community Plan 2025

 

CYCP 2025 Cover

Children and Youth Community Plan

Alexandria’s Children and Youth Community Plan (CYCP) is a roadmap for how our community will work together to create the conditions for all young people to thrive in Alexandria. The Plan centers equity while preventing harmful experiences known as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and building the 40 Developmental Assets® which are positive supports, relationships, and strengths that all young people need to succeed. In short, this Plan is all about decreasing ACEs and increasing assets. Read the Plan.

Resources

Resources to Help Children and Youth Heal in the Wake of Traumatic Events

These supports, available in both English and Spanish, were compiled by the National Research Center of Hispanic Children and Families and developed by national organizations including The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the American Psychological Association, and the Child Mind Institute.

  • Resources for Parents and Caregivers
    • Helping Children Cope With Frightening News | Cómo ayudar a los niños a afrontar noticias alarmantes
    • Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers | Ayuda Para Los Adolescentes Con Duelo Traumático
    • After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal | Después De Una Crisis: Cómo Sanan A Los Niños
    • Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things Happen | Creando Ambientes de Apoyo Cuando Suceden Hechos Alarmantes
    • Talking to Children When Scary Things Happen | Hablando con los Niños Cuando Sucede La Violencia
    • Talking to Teens When Violence Happens | Hablando con los Adolescentes Cuando Sucede la Violencia
    • Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event | Reacciones A Eventos Traumaticos Relacionadas Con La Edad
    • Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting | Cómo Ayudar A Sus Hijos Tras Los Tiroteos En Los Centros De Educación
    • Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting | Guía Para Los Padres Para Ayudar A Los Jóvenes Después De Un Tiroteo Reciente
    • How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings | Ansiedad por los tiroteos en las escuelas
  • Resources for Educators
    • Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators | Ayuda Para Jóvenes Después De Un Trauma Comunitario
  • General Resources
    • Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event | Cómo ayudar a los niños a lidiar con un evento traumático
    • Helping Children Cope with Grief | Cómo ayudar a los niños a enfrentar el duelo
    • Quick Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Guía rápida sobre el trastorno de estrés postraumático
    • Managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting | Manejando tú angustia después de los tiroteos
    • Well-being Practices: Gentle Reminders for Times of Stress | Prácticas para el Bienestar: Breves Recordatorios para Tiempos de Estrés

Race Based Trauma Resources and Support in Times of Civil Strife

Continuum for Coping with Racial Trauma

Chronic stress can have negative side effects on everyone. Psycho-social factors, specifically, pervasive exposure to racism and discrimination, create an additional daily stressor for people of color. Research shows this to be particularly true for African-Americans (APA, 2016). Race Based Trauma Resources and Support in Times of Civil contains a continually growing list of resources for and information related to coping with racism and trauma on individual, interpersonal and family, community and national and global levels.

Grief and Loss Resources

Full Circle Grief Center, based in Richmond, Virginia, provides support for grieving children, families, adults, and communities through support groups, individual counseling services, remembrance programs, and grief education support.

  • Allyson English Drake presented A Journey through Grief to RAISE in October 2020 and shared these resources on Grief Journaling and Journaling for Healing with the network.
  • The Center has curated a Resource Library that offers a comprehensive array of resources for children, teens, adults, families, and individuals of all ages.
  • Full Circle has also compiled a list of Books and Websites for children, teens, adults, counselors, and those grieving the loss of a pet, child, miscarriage, sibling, or loved one.
  • The Full Circle staff created a 2022 Bereavement Resource Manual as a free resource to the community
  • Conversations about Grief is a series of pre-recorded educational programs hosted by Full Circle with the goal of increasing the community conversation about death, dying, and loss.

Equity and Diversity

  • Trauma and Equity Lens from Fairfax TICN 

Guides and Toolkits for Implementing Trauma-Informed Practices

  • Roadmap to Trauma-Informed Care by Trauma-Informed Oregon
  • ­ Helping Traumatized Children Learn and Creating and Advocating for Trauma-Sensitive Schools from the Massachusetts Advocates for Children and Harvard Law
  • Key Ingredients for Successful Trauma-Informed Care Implementation from the Center for Health Care Strategies
  • NCTSN Child Welfare Trauma Toolkit
  • SAMHSA Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma Informed Approach
  • ­Trauma-Informed Child Welfare Practice from the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare 

Resources for Creating Trauma-Informed Environments

  • Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces: Information Sheet (Fairfax TICN)
  • Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces: Facility Review Checklist (Fairfax TICN)
  • Trauma-Informed Agency Self-Assessment (Virginia HEALS')

Resources for Coping with COVID and Uncertainty

Coping with COVID Resources 

  • Resources for Coping with Fear and Uncertainty

Resiliency Resources For Supervisors

  • A toolkit designed to help supervisors and their staff understand the mental health impact of COVID-19 and challenges associated with returning to the workplace. 

COVID Specific Resources from Fairfax TICN:

  • Trauma Informed Supervision During COVID-19, April 7, 2020
  • Navigating Telework, April 2, 2020
  • TICN March Message, March 31, 2020
  • Self Care, March 19, 2020
  • COVID-19 Special Edition, March 16, 2020

Handouts and Flyers

  • RAISE One-Pager
  • Trauma Fact Sheet 
  • A Guide to Educating Children, Youth, and Families About Trauma and Resilience
  • Trauma and Resilience Tree
  • Mini Mandalas
  • Raise Your Voice to Help Neighbors at Risk of Abuse : How to recognize signs of abuse in children and adults. View or download the flyer in  English,  Spanish,  Amharic or  Arabic and share with your network. 
  • Parenting Support Line (703.324.7720).  Anyone, no matter their immigration status, can call and receive help.
    Parent Support Line

ACEs and Trauma Research

  • ACE Study
  • ADHD and Child Traumatic Stress
  • Effects of Trauma on Health Fact Sheet
  • Trauma-Informed Child Welfare Practice

Videos

  • Beyond the Cliff (Trauma Exposure on Professionals)
  • Connecting the Dots between Complex Trauma and Misdiagnosis
  • Dr. Dan Siegel’s Hand Model of the Brain
  • Every Opportunity
  • Healing Neen
  • Why Mindfulness is a Superpower

RAISE Meeting Agendas & Materials

2023

  • January

2022

  • December - RAISE Member Orientation
  • November - Educational Experience
  • October
  • September
  • July
  • June
  • May - Resilience Week
  • April
  • March
  • February
  • January- Educational Experience

2021

  • October
  • August
  • July
  • June
  • May
  • April
  • March
  • February
  • January

2020

  • December
  • October
  • September
  • August
  • July
  • June
  • May
  • April
  • March
  • January

2019

  • December
  • November
  • October
  • September
  • August
  • July

Contact Information

RAISE Email: RAISE@alexandriava.gov

RAISE Co-Coordinators

Chelsea Eickert
Children & Youth Community Plan Coordinator 
Department of Community and Human Services
703.746.3142
Chelsea.Eickert@alexandriava.gov

Advocacy and Policy

Kristin Lennox, Policy Analyst, Voices for Virginia’s Children

Committee Chairs

Member Engagement and Wellness Committee
Noraine Buttar

Justice Advocacy Committee 
Gina White 

Changing Environments and Cultures Committee
Erika Callaway Kleiner and Chelsea Eickert

Contact Us
Alex311 | 703.746.4311
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Visitor Information

VisitAlexandriaVA.com

  • Emergency Hotlines
  • Social Media
  • Privacy & Legal
  • FOIA Requests
  • Departments
  • Jobs
  • Payments

Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

City of Alexandria Seal
© 1995–2021 City of Alexandria, VA and others
Hold on, redirecting...