Building BTR Villages: A Conversation with Stephanie Collier of BBBS of the TriState

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Hurley Collier, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State, to discuss why trauma-responsive services matter across every sector — including mentoring programs serving vulnerable youth.Stephanie shares how meaningful, professionally supported mentoring relationships can help children build confidence, resilience, and connection, especially when organizations intentionally create environments that recognize and respond to trauma. Together, we explore what it means to move beyond simply serving youth and toward truly understanding the experiences many children carry with them every day.In this conversation, we discuss: What trauma-responsive care means in practice  Why mentoring relationships can be life-changing for children facing adversity  The importance of safe, supportive adult connections  How organizations can integrate trauma-responsive principles into their services  The role community members play in helping youth reach their full potential Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State is part of the nationwide Big Brothers Big Sisters network, creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Research and best practices in mentoring continue to show that trauma-responsive approaches help organizations better recognize the impact of trauma, respond appropriately, and reduce the risk of re-traumatization for children and families. If you’d like to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State — whether by becoming a mentor, donating, or supporting their mission — you can learn more on their website.You can also learn more about the organization’s mission and programs through their About page.If you’re interested in learning more about or supporting the Building Trauma Responsive (BTR) Communities initiative through Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, you can find more information here: BTR Communities Initiative InformationYou can also explore more about Branches’ ongoing trauma-responsive advocacy, community education, and podcast initiatives through their website.