The Universal Parenting Places will continue in a new phase of operation, despite the ACE Awareness Foundation’s management of the places ending March 31, it was announced last week.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Awareness Foundation opened in 2015, operating Universal Parenting Places (UPPs) across Shelby County to offer no-cost counseling services, emotional support, and other assistance to families experiencing trauma or crisis.
Late last year, foundation board Chair Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams and the organization’s executive director Dr. Renee Wilson-Simmons, announced the parenting places would close at the end of March due to loss of funding.
“Unless funding comes from another source, we will be closing down operations,” Johnson-Williams said.Â
Another announcement later was made, indicating that two potential fund sources had stepped forward. However, the stipulation for funding was that a new operator of UPPs could be found.
Last week’s announcement boded well for the continued family work and advocacy of UPPs. Funding is secured, and a new operator was named ⸺ Kindred Place.Â
Kindred Place offers similar services, specializing in family counseling and education for both adults and children.
“The work of mitigating childhood trauma and helping families is such important work,” said Kindred Place Executive Director Jennifer Balink. “We are just so honored to be chosen to carry on this crucial work.”
Johnson-Williams said seven candidates stepped forward, meeting the basic criteria specified by the search committee.
Kindred Place, which offers services in English and Spanish, was chosen.
“We’re pleased that the nationally recognized UPP model created in Shelby County will continue to support families, especially since these services are needed now more than ever,” said Johnson-Williams.Â
Balink said Kindred Place principals right now will simply “listen and learn” from ACE officials.
“In the midst of so much racial strife and economic stress, Kindred Place is excited to continue the great work of ACE Foundation,” said Balink. “We have watched this work over the years with great admiration and respect. But we want to just listen and learn. We want to be careful in our deliberations about this work moving forward.”
Balink said a collaborative effort between the ACE Awareness board of directors and the directors of Kindred Place.
“We are mindful that UPPs will close on Mar. 31,” Balink said. “And with that date in mind, we will be working with ACE on an ad hoc (as needed) basis with the intent that the work is carried forward continuously.”
Johnson-Williams explained that not all UPPs will necessarily remain open, but nothing about the new operations has been decided as yet.
Kindred Place’s website posts on its home page:
“As a counseling center, guided by universal principles of empathy, understanding, and growth, Kindred Place stands unequivocally with Black and Brown people against racial inequities and injustice. We stand with children whose schools have more armed officers than counselors. We stand with mothers and fathers who fear for their children’s safety and for their own, every single day.”
Johnson-Williams said that the two donors will remain anonymous until they choose to be publicly named during their association with Kindred Place. She said that ACE is delighted to see the work go on.
“While ACE Awareness Foundation is dissolving March 31, we’re excited that the new operator is able to continue providing this valuable and transformative work,” said Johnson-Williams. “And we’re appreciative of all the hard work and commitment of Dr. Renee Wilson-Simmons to make our programs so successful.”
