The NEW HOPE concept is used to supporting individuals in their personal growth and healing process.
While there is exploration and research involved in connecting and understanding concepts within the framework, the NEW HOPE journey was actually an epiphany for me personally a few years ago when I took a look back in my life…
As a teen, I declined into a high school truant after a close friend was senselessly murdered by a stranger who misunderstood what he was communicating. Like many students, my teachers and loved ones had no idea why there was a sudden shift in my behaviors and schoolwork. Parents, relatives, educators and other caregivers encouraged me for years to use various tools to dig out from this childhood trauma. Moreover, they helped me keep taking next steps. Those forward movement healing and change steps are now part of the metaphor represented in the image below.
Years later, I instinctively remembered my childhood reboot process when navigating another few life crises while supporting an aging parent. Trauma truly hit my own family. The elements which comprise the NEW HOPE framework began to crystalize as I reflected on the support and lessons I received since those early crazy years. It was still a tough journey using NEW HOPE strategies. Personally, it took more than “grit” and “getting over it”. These words I often hear from caregivers when they attempt to encourage traumatized at-risk youth to rebuild their lives.
I eventually noticed how much the toolbox of concepts resonated with others when I shared them. Hopefully, the NEW HOPE framework will spark a little flicker in hurting individuals. Many components have been well researched and utilized much more now that we are all healing from the effects of the global pandemic.
In person, I sprinkle in a few stories and visuals along with the neuroscience when sharing NEW HOPE as an attempt to remain relatable and useful. Many youth and young adults along the way have helped me tweak and adjust the NEW HOPE toolbox. Truthfully, young people are some of my best tutors. We may need to figure out the virtual version of NEW HOPE each new year of our lives.
Overall, my intent for the NEW HOPE framework is to encourage youth, young adults, caregivers, providers, and educators to consider the many tools available for their life reboot… no matter what it looks like right now.
