Trauma-Informed Leadership: The Impact of the Spark Series Training
Through programs like The Spot: Young Adult Opportunity Center, KentuckianaWorks places special emphasis on supporting vulnerable young people ages 18–26—many of whom are disproportionately impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, generational poverty, and substance-use-related instability. These challenges can create significant barriers to employment, making it essential for workplaces to adopt leadership approaches grounded in understanding and support.
In December, KentuckianaWorks partnered with the Bounce Coalition to lead a training program for new managers across a range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, child welfare, and the nonprofit sector. The program, known as the Spark Series, is designed to help supervisors better relate to and effectively lead young workers navigating complex life circumstances.
The Spark Series was co-created in partnership with young adults, employers, and community organizations, including The Spot: Young Adult Opportunity Center, Metro United Way, Goodwill Kentucky, and Blueprint502.
For leaders at ChooseWell Communities, a nonprofit that supports parents in recovery with children under the age of five, the training proved especially impactful.
“The training provided me with an opportunity to step away, find perspective, and gain energy. The activities reminded me why I do this work, helped me reconnect to the values I strive to embody each day, and clarified what makes me most effective in supporting participants.”
The impact extended beyond reflection into measurable results. Among other benefits, ChooseWell saw improved retention in its three-month internship program. Eight weeks into the program, all 11 interns remained employed. In their previous cohort, half had dropped out by the same point.
Participant survey results further reinforce the program’s effectiveness, with managers reporting increased confidence, stronger communication skills, and a deeper understanding of trauma-informed practices.
The success of the Spark Series highlights a fundamental truth: when organizations invest in the emotional intelligence of their leaders, the benefits ripple outward to every employee they support. By adopting trauma-informed practices, organizations like ChooseWell Communities are doing more than filling positions—they are helping rebuild the foundation of a more resilient, inclusive workforce.
