From Chaos to Connection

Last May, at Project 1.27’s Hope for the Journey conference, the impact of trauma-informed training came to life in a powerful and unexpected way. During the event, a newly trained foster father, Dean, volunteered in the children’s program while caregivers attended an eight-hour Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) training. 

It quickly became clear that one 6-year-old boy, Dillion* would need additional care and attention. As an infant and young child, Dillion had been severely neglected, often confined alone for long periods without adequate food or water. These early experiences deeply affected his sense of safety and self-regulation. He had a history of running away and found it extremely difficult to remain in structured classroom settings, making supervision challenging and at times unsafe.

Full of energy and speed, Dillion bolted several times from the children’s area. Dean stepped in with calm confidence. Drawing on his training, he responded with patience, attunement, and empathy, rather than control. He spent the day one-on-one with Dillion, engaging him in relational and regulating activities such as walks, bounce houses, and petting goats. By staying present and responsive to Dillion’s cues, Dean helped him feel safe, understood, and supported.

This intentional, relationship-based care not only transformed Dillion’s day but also ensured a safe and successful conference experience for families and staff alike. Since that event, Dean and his wife, Darya, have become foster parents to two children under the age of two.

“Volunteering with Project 1.27 at Hope for the Journey gave us a powerful window into the lived experiences of children from so many different backgrounds. We saw that behind every behavior was a deep desire to be loved, seen, and acknowledged. That perspective has shaped how we show up as foster parents, especially with our current toddler, helping us respond with more empathy, patience, and understanding, knowing his behaviors are rooted in a need for connection and safety," Darya shared.

Project 1.27 is dedicated to equipping foster families with the essential tools to foster healing and healthy development in children who have experienced early adversity. Stories like Dillion’s demonstrate that trained and supported caregivers can truly transform lives.

By Lisa Marr, Family Connections Manager

*Name has been changed