A powerful documentary, Resilience reveals how toxic stress and adverse childhood experiences can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for a lifetime of negative outcomes. The film also chronicles the dawn of a movement that is determined to fight back. Trailblazers in pediatrics, education, and social welfare are using cutting-edge science and field-tested therapies to protect children from the insidious effects of toxic stress, but the applications don’t end with those professions. We can all play a role in building resilience in our communities.

In a post-screening discussion, we explored the meaning of resilience in our own lives and how we can feel empowered as parents, co-workers, and community members to promote awareness within our own communities.