Staff Recommendations

Their grandmothers were comfort women in WWII. This is how it changed their lives

The Post Standard published a piece detailing the dark history of “comfort women,” women and girls forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II. The women were typically Korean, but some were Taiwanese, Chinese, or Filipino. The article highlights the ongoing fight for recognition of an issue that had long remained hidden. Author Annabel Rocha reveals the large impact of the trauma on survivors and their descendants, demonstrating an increased proclivity toward mental health issues for these individuals. The article expands on the different kinds of trauma and encounters that may manifest from survivors and their descendants, including intergenerational trauma, secondary trauma, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Fabi said, “This article highlights a past that is not regularly talked about. It emphasizes the widespread effects of historical trauma on survivors and their descendants. It is a powerful tribute to the resilience of survivors and the significant impact of intergenerational trauma.”

Troubled

Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class follows author Rob Henderson and his time in foster care. Rob had a mother that struggled with addiction and an absent father, resulting in his entrance into the child welfare system. The book chronicles the challenges he faced in the foster care system, including 10 different foster home placements. Despite being placed with a loving family who adopted him, Rob continued to struggle with his early childhood experiences. Readers follow Rob and his struggles with depression and anxiety from the tragedies that marked his adolescence. Rob also navigates social mobility when he joins the military and is given the opportunity to complete his undergraduate degree at Yale and later his PhD from Cambridge. The memoir further discusses Rob’s concept of “luxury beliefs”— a set of principles that the upper-class benefit from that separate them from other classes.

Corrine says, “Throughout his journey, Henderson embodies the tenacity required to navigate a difficult environment and underscores the importance of stability and support in reshaping one’s destiny. His experiences serve as a testament to the impact of resilience and determination in the face of life’s trials.”

The Capacity Building Center for Tribes podcast

The Capacity Building Center for Tribes Podcast focuses on the challenges facing the tribal child welfare system and its programs through sharing anecdotes and resources. The podcast hosts tribal child welfare leaders, educators, and advocates. It includes thorough discussions on tribal sovereignty, reunification of families, adoption, and trauma-informed care. It looks to improve the outcomes for Indian country by highlighting initiatives that honor their cultural values. The podcast has a goal of building culturally competent child welfare programs and aims to empower the professionals and community members that look to advocate for Indigenous children and families.

Fabi says, “I recommend The Capacity Building Centers for Tribes podcast, especially during Native American Heritage Month, as it empowers the Indigenous community while looking to improve the tribal child welfare system. It has a big focus on cultural values and trauma-informed care. Each episode engages reputable professionals that provide valuable insights and strategies for strengthening advocacy for members of our community.”