The Origins of the HEARTS Initiative
ACE Think Tank and Action Team meetings, launched at the University at Albany in 2009, sparked vital information-sharing and networking among agency leaders and community members. As awareness of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) spread, strong relationships were built and grew over time.
In October 2011, with seed funding from the Charles R. Wood Foundation, St. Anne Institute became the lead agency of this growing partnership. The initiative was supported by Prevent Child Abuse New York and the University at Albany School of Social Welfare, through technical assistance and in-kind services. This collaboration laid the foundation for what is now known as the HEARTS Initiative—expanding programs and inviting new community organizations into the fold.
At the heart of our work is Restorative Integral Support (RIS)—a flexible, trauma-informed model that helps integrate a variety of prevention and intervention programs within intentionally developed HEARTS communities.
Leaders across multiple service sectors have collaborated to implement ACE-informed practices within their agencies. Together, they built capacity with policymakers and community partners to make HEARTS a movement for healing and resilience. The initiative has worked to improve outcomes in human services as well as in families and communities as a whole.