Helping New Jersey Become More Trauma-Informed with CCSI's TRUST Tool

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Helping New Jersey Become More Trauma-Informed with CCSI’s TRUST Tool

CCSI partnered with the State to make the TRUST self-assessment tool widely available, offering guidance grounded in SAMHSA’s trauma-informed domains. CCSI’s Jenna Velez mentored state staff and helped develop a model that pairs the tool with consultation and optional year-long coaching.

Posted on: June 16, 2026

Author: Simone Kelly

Challenge

The New Jersey Office of Resilience wanted to build a truly trauma-informed, healing-centered state. But local non-profit agencies lacked a shared framework and clear starting point, making it hard to measure progress or turn trauma-informed values into everyday practice.

Solution

CCSI partnered with the State to make the TRUST self-assessment tool widely available, offering guidance grounded in SAMHSA’s trauma-informed domains. CCSI’s Jenna Velez mentored state staff and helped develop
a model that pairs the tool with consultation and optional year-long coaching, giving organizations the support they need to turn insight into meaningful action.

Impact

In just 18 months, the TRUST tool has become a catalyst for change statewide. Agencies now have a clear roadmap for becoming trauma-informed, stronger relationships built on trust and transparency, healthier internal cultures, and practices that improve resilience and reduce burnout. Together, New Jersey and CCSI are activating new possibilities for healing and connection across communities.

"

Embracing trauma-informed approaches is a never-ending process of listening, learning, and maintaining a stance of curiosity."

Executive Director, New Jersey Office of Resilience

— Rebecca Bryan,