Zepf Center began its journey to evolve from a trauma-informed to a trauma-responsive agency by adopting the Sanctuary Model in 2019. The Sanctuary model provides a roadmap for providing and receiving Zepf services with a focus on growth and change. 

 

The Sanctuary Model is rooted in the belief that trauma is universal. In our understanding of that, we must change our perspectives from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What’s happened to you?” By embedding this trauma-responsive question into the heart of our practice; we facilitate a shared understanding through a common language. You can watch Oprah Winfrey’s experience asking “What’s happened to you?” by clicking here.

 

Zepf Center understands that trauma and adversity affect people and systems in different ways. By adopting the Sanctuary tools as outlined below, we can begin to reverse and mitigate the impacts of trauma for the clients seeking and employees providing our services. 

 

Sanctuary Toolkit
The Sanctuary Toolkit is a set of practical and simple interventions that reinforce the language and philosophical underpinnings of the Sanctuary Model. These tools—community meetings, safety plans, SELF treatment planning conferencing, team meetings, self-care planning and SELF psycho-education—are the daily practices for both staff and clients that support an organization’s creation of a trauma-informed culture.

 

Sanctuary commitments serve as a universal guide for creating strong, healthy, and respectful communities for clients and staff. There are Seven Commitments that shape our environment and reduce the potential for re-traumatization.