Somerville Trauma Response Network (STRN)

Team & Training

All STRN team members are trained in school and community-based Post-Traumatic Stress Management (PTSM) which focuses on the mental, physical, behavioral and emotional impact of trauma on youth. We offer several free 3-day trainings a year in basic PTSM to Somerville community members through the Children's Trauma Recovery Foundation, as well as advanced training and skills practice for those who have taken PTSM.

The STRN team consists of people who live and/or work in Somerville, including:

• School staff and faculty
• Guidance counselors
• Police officers
• Clergy members
• Nurses
• Youth workers
• Clinicians
• Parents
• Coaches
• Community organizers
• City volunteers
• Administrators
• Doctors
• Substance abuse counselors

Our goal is to train and sustain a team  made up of all community members who interface regularly with Somerville youth.

Dealing with Trauma - Brochure

Why STRN in Somerville?

The City has faced a series of tragedies with the loss of many youth to suicide, drug overdoses, and sudden violent death. Since its inception in the spring of 2004, the STRN has been formally activated three times. STRN members throughout the community also use their skills and knowledge daily to help youth struggling in the aftermath of trauma.

Somerville has a deep commitment to helping its young community. Throughout the City, in various community programs, efforts are being made to hear our youth's concerns, to prevent substance abuse, self-injury, and violence, and to engage young people in healthy, protective, and positive activities. The STRN is the post-vention part of this larger picture, helping to make connections between trauma survivors and already existing community supports. By providing a supportive presence when the unthinkable happens, we hope to enable the natural resiliency and strengths of our youth and the larger community.