Did you know that creating positive experiences in childhood can lay the groundwork for lifelong resilience and well-being? These experiences are known as Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs).

PCEs highlight the nurturing moments, relationships, and environments that build a child’s inner strength and emotional health. In the Bloom Kentucky blog series, we explore how we can nurture these positive experiences to support children across the Commonwealth. 

Today’s spotlight is on the PCE of feeling safe and protected by an adult in the home. 

Spotlight on PCE: Feeling Safe and Protected by an Adult in the Home

Every child deserves to feel safe and protected by an adult in the home and research demonstrates that this PCE is common. While every family aspires to provide a sense of safety and protection to children within a home, we know that families face various challenges and stressors that can lead to feelings of uncertainty, isolation, and at times lack of safety. Families may need various support at different times– whether economic like having access to SNAP, social support through community connection, or emotional support including mental health care and safe spaces like community centers that promote emotional well-being.

That’s why organizations that offer wraparound support are essential in helping families foster safe, stable, and nurturing environments. One such organization is the William Joseph Crisis Nursery (WJCN), which promotes this PCE by meeting families where they are and providing compassion, care, and practical tools for stability. 

What Does This Look Like in Action? (could talk about WJR here and how it relates) 

Based in Frankfort, KY, William Joseph Crisis Nursery provides immediate and ongoing support to families facing crisis situations such as domestic violence, homelessness, parental/caregiver substance use disorder,  mental crisis and medical emergencies. Once the immediate crisis is addressed and alleviated, the nursery continues to walk alongside families, offering services that build long-term resilience and connection. 

WJCN works with local partners such as Greenhouse 17 to offer domestic violence support groups to empower survivors to reclaim their voice, find purpose, and build confidence, all while fostering emotional safety for their children. These types of opportunities promote healing and normalize open conversations about feelings, encouraging families to process their emotions and experiences in healthy ways. 

WJCN also provides supervised visits to families who have had their children removed from their custody. These supervised visits  allow children and caregivers to connect and be present with one another in a safe environment with limited distraction. Looking ahead, WJCN is eager and excited to begin offering parenting classes using the “Connect the Dots” curriculum to equip families with the skills and knowledge to provide emotional support, healthy communication, and nurture safety and connection at home.

Wrap Up & Call to Action

WJCN understands the importance of children feeling safe and protected by an adult in the home. This is why they are working toward becoming a 24/7 emergency shelter for children to reside when parents are in the midst of crisis situations. WJCN believes in the power of  providing a safe, loving environment for families and recognizes that all families, when given the appropriate tools, can create a safe, nurturing environment. 

Being an adult doesn’t come with a handbook and oftentimes, families need support. Bloom Kentucky believes in normalizing help-seeking behaviors and is proud to uplift organizations like WJCN that aspire to empower families.