Next Steps: Applying a Trauma-Informed Model to Create an Anti-Racist Organizational Culture

Abstract

Although there has been a significant increase in the delivery of evidence-supported, trauma-informed care over the past few years, there has been less discussion around the consideration of the broader cultural, political, and societal factors that contextualize client trauma and that also need to be recognized and understood to promote healing and prevent future trauma. In support of sharing some best practices and lessons learned, this article provides a case study of one agency that has used the Sanctuary Model®, an evidence-supported, trauma-informed organizational change model, to introduce the practice of cultural humility with staff as a facilitator of improved service delivery for clients from culturally marginalized communities. The model supports these endeavors through the adherence to the seven commitments, a set of organizational values for creating a trauma-informed community, allowing for all voices to be heard and considered and providing opportunities to begin the repair of previous experiences of inequity and suppression. Through the board of directors, leadership, and staff, the organization transformed its culture into one that truly supports and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion in its operation for the benefit of both staff and clients alike.