After two years of hard work and dedication, the Alston Wilkes Society became the first South Carolina-based community organization to earn its certification in Trauma Informed Practices (TIP) through Columbia College’s Institute for Resiliency Through Trauma Informed Practices.

Columbia College’s Provost, Dr. Kristine Barnett, said, “At Columbia College, we understand that trauma is underdiagnosed, under-treated and overrepresented, and its impact is pervasive. This institute champions the use of trauma-informed practices and equips individuals and organizations to build resilience through their work in the world.”

AWS leadership staff participated in extensive training and implemented an all-encompassing list of expectations, competencies and initiatives set by the Institute in order to become a TIP certified agency. President and CEO of Alston Wilkes Society, Anne Walker, shared “Becoming the first non-profit agency in South Carolina to be certified by Columbia College as a TIP agency is significant to AWS and those we serve. As we continue our path of achieving best practices at the Society, earning this certification

ensures our continued reputation of providing ongoing quality services for over 61 years. We

sincerely appreciate Columbia College working with us to reach this historic milestone.”

Please join us in congratulating all the staff at AWS for their commitment to the people they serve that have been impacted by trauma, and to serving them through the lens of Trauma Informed Practices.