Human Services Department Receives Trauma-Informed Care Certification
Published on April 15, 2025
SAN ANTONIO (April 15, 2025) – The City of San Antonio’s Department of Human Services (DHS) has received a Level 1 Foundational Trauma-Informed Care Organizational Certification.
A trauma-informed care organization works to build resilience and empower individuals by providing physical, psychological and emotional support through the principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment.
The Ecumenical Center is the certifying entity for the South Texas Trauma-Informed Care Consortium. DHS is the third City department to earn the organizational certification. Last year, the City of San Antonio Metro Health Department and the San Antonio Police Department were recognized for receiving Level 1 Trauma Informed Care certification.
“The Level 1 Certification is a testament to the City’s commitment in serving our community,” City Manager Erik Walsh said. “By providing employees with the necessary tools and training to identify unique situations they encounter daily, we can improve resident services. I extend my gratitude to the entire Department of Human Services team and the Ecumenical Center for their tireless efforts to ensure Human Services is recognized as a Trauma-Informed organization."
The certification process involved department-wide completion of an organizational assessment, staff training, development of a mentorship program, a comprehensive desk review and site visits to Walker Ranch Senior Center, NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center at Frank Garrett Multi-Service Center, Early Head Start Center at Blessed Sacrament Academy, the Head Start Operations Center and DHS Administrative office at City Tower to observe trauma-informed environments and practices at physical locations.
“This achievement reflects our dedication to understanding the impact of trauma on our program participants and employees to better inform our practices,” Melody Woosley, Director of the Department of Human Services said.
The Department of Human Services will continue incorporating Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) practices throughout the organization.
“As the certifying body for the Trauma-Informed Care Initiative in Bexar County, The Ecumenical Center congratulates the City of San Antonio’s Department of Human Services on achieving Level 1 Trauma-Informed Care Certification,” Mary Beth Fisk, President & CEO of The Ecumenical Center, said. “This recognition reflects Human Services’ commitment to fostering safety, trust and collaboration in their work with San Antonio’s most vulnerable residents. It also underscores the City of San Antonio’s dedication to integrating Trauma-Informed Care principles across multiple departments, ensuring a more compassionate and responsive approach to serving our community.”
To learn more, visit The Ecumenical Center’s website.