Sectors &
Communities
Walking alongside people and organizations as they move from learning to lasting change.
Safe & Secure Model
AN INITIATIVE OF EMPOWERED TO CONNECT
Safe & Secure began as an initiative to help communities better support children and families impacted by adversity. What started as a statewide effort in Tennessee became a practical model for moving organizations and communities from training to lasting change.
Through Safe & Secure, Empowered to Connect developed a model that equips local organizations, leaders, and cross-sector partners to build connected systems of care where children, families, and the adults who serve them are equipped, aligned, and supported.
A MODEL FOR SYSTEMS CHANGE
The Safe & Secure Model helps communities grow from shared learning into coordinated action. The model combines training, coaching, local leadership, practical resources, and cross-sector collaboration to help organizations apply relational, trauma-informed practices in ways that fit their setting.
Safe & Secure Tennessee served as the implementation laboratory for this model. Now, the lessons learned in Tennessee are available to other communities and organizations looking for support.
ETC Support
Training, coaching, implementation support, resources, and evaluation infrastructure.
Champion Organizations
Trusted local partners who help lead the work, support implementation, and strengthen connection across their communities.
Community Collectives
Cross-sector groups that learn together, identify shared challenges, and coordinate care across organizations and systems.
WHAT WE LEARNED IN TENNESSEE
Safe & Secure Tennessee served as the first large-scale implementation of the Safe & Secure Model. Through cross- sector partnerships, ETC tested and refined a practical framework for helping communities move from awareness to sustainable systems change.
- Statewide Initiative
- Child Welfare
- Regional Collaboratives
- Juvenile Justice
- School Disctricts
- Nonprofit Networks
- Faith-based Coalitions
- Early Childhood Programs
WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED IN TENNESSEE
- Launched a statewide TBRI® Collaborative Network
- Developed trauma-informed community initiatives in Shelby, Wilson, Bradley, Polk and Hamilton Counties
- Over 4,000 professionals and parents trained in trauma-informed practices
- Over 250 organizations engaged in services
READY TO BECOME A SAFE & SECURE COMMUNITY?
Safe & Secure Tennessee is one example of what becomes possible when communities are equipped, supported, and connected over time. Your community could be next!