EDSOURCE — Merced County’s Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Overcomers, an organization that addresses the effects of childhood trauma, received funding to purchase The Lisa Project, a multisensory exhibit that raises awareness about child abuse, the organization announced in a Thursday media release emailed to EdSource.
The exhibit, condensed into a traveling showcase, was shown temporarily in Merced County in August to garner funding for a permanent full-scale space.
Created by the nonprofit organization The Lisa Project, the exhibit raises awareness, increases prevention and provides education about child abuse through multimedia installations and audio narration that depict what child abuse looks like in various situations.
“This initiative aims to raise awareness about the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and provide resources for individuals and families affected by the trauma of abuse,” ACE Overcomers said about funding from The Central Valley Opportunity Fund, which supports innovative projects that address critical needs in the community.
ACE Overcomers, the Merced County Office of Education and Adverse Childhood Experiences Informed Network of Care, all of which collaborated in the temporary showing of the exhibit, will offer The Lisa Project for Merced County and surrounding communities.
ACE Overcomers, according to the release, plans to mobilize The Lisa Project by placing it at locations throughout Merced County, including high schools, child development centers, colleges and community centers over the next five years.