• Occupational therapy assessment with brothers

    Evidence-based Interprofessional Care

    The WMU Resiliency Center for Families and Children provides a myriad of resiliency interventions.

  • flowers by the fountain

    What is Resiliency?

    Resiliency is the capacity to recover from adversity. Specifically, the WMU Resiliency Center for Families and Children will address trauma, toxic stress, chronic disability, neurodevelopmental disorders, or addictions.

The Western Michigan University Resiliency Center for Families and Children was established in 2020 to address the multifaceted needs of those experiencing trauma, toxic stress, chronic disability, neurodevelopmental disorders, or addictions.

Resiliency is the ability to recover from traumatic events or setbacks, adapt well to change, and recover following adversity. Building resilient families can mitigate the transmission of intergenerational trauma. Helping individuals and families cope when a family member has experienced continual adversity at an early age is linked with improved functioning during the life span.

Take the first step

Together we can talk about the best approach to meet your goals.

Who can benefit?

We are committed to serving the community by providing services and resources in order to build resilience in individuals and families. In addition to experiencing trauma, individuals may be seen at the Resiliency Center if they have experienced any of the following:

  • Individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect or domestic violence
  • Individuals seeking addiction recovery
  • Adolescence in the juvenile justice system
  • Individuals who have experienced trauma
  • Children with disruptive behaviors or dysregulation
  • Individuals living with chronic disability/stroke survivors
  • Individuals with mental health disorders
  • Transgender adults and youth
  • Adults and youth with anxiety or depression
  • Adults and youth with tic disorders
  • Adults and youth with eating disorders
  • Children with academic or school concerns
  • Families who have been impacted by substance use

Patient success stories

Caregiver Co-Regulation Coaching Successful Amid Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic developed in 2020 and case numbers steadily increased, Brittany and Mark Imminks’ options for occupational therapy services for their four-year-old son Isaiah was next to impossible.

Facilities temporarily closed their doors as the pandemic raged on. OT was cost-prohibitive because of their high-deductible insurance. The Imminks were not sure who to turn to or where to start as they needed help...quickly.

Read more

Services

Universal screening  •  Assessments  •  Interventions
Education  •  Case management and referrals
Integrated community services  •  Consultation and advocacy 

Individual and group trainings and group presentations on childhood trauma and trauma-informed interventions will be offered to the community.

There will be requests for research proposals to support and enhance sustainability goals.

Students will have the chance to observe, volunteer and get involved to support their learning.

News and Media

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