NEU 101 Neuroscience for Life

A reflection from the group that chose the ION Center:

The Ion center offers rehabilitation that involves finding housing, healthcare, daycare and employment. There is a field of neuroscience called prevention neuroscience that is based around the neural activity that causes our health attitude and behavior change. Studies show that a persuasive, positive approach to health can lead others to better health outcomes. This is displayed in the these services. Offering these services works on the whole of the person rather than small areas of need. Showing a more well rounded approach to whatever issue they are dealing with at the time. For example being homeless and also in need for a daycare center or food can largely impact their ability to cope and keep stress levels down. Preventative neuroscience sees this issues and works on the variety of factors, showing a better outcome. This can even give off a Positive Motivation effect. Studies show that when experiences are motivating nerve impulses conduct through memories areas of the brain. This releases a wave of neurotransmitters that can increase attention. Feeling motivated to have a fresh start or having the help they need to get through a hard time can build these positive pathways. The increase in attention and drive would give people in need the best opportunity and outcome compared to them facing these issues without social support. This is why we chose the Ion Center as our Mayerson Charity.

Mission

Our mission is to take the best care of people of all identities who have been impacted by power-based personal violence and to measurably reduce the number of people who have been hurt by it.

Reflection

Throughout the years our organization has used several names to present our services to our communities. The Rape Crisis Center of Northern Kentucky and Women's Crisis Center were names that served us well. However, the growing normalization of violence prevention programs in our culture helped bring discussions of power-based personal violence to the forefront. This illuminated a much more pervasive problem and showed the need to present ourselves in new light to the communities we serve and reach out more effectively to the survivors of all identities who live there.             

In 2021 we added a new chapter to a 45-year story. Our name was revealed to us by the philosophies that drive our center and the services we provide. Our identity shines in everything we do. The Ion Center could not fully carry out our mission if not for the incredible, compassionate advocacy of our volunteer team. These funds will help us show some appreciation to those that give so much of themselves and of their time. We plan to spend the award on volunteer appreciation by purchasing Ion Center Branded Volunteer items to not only show a level of appreciation, but also by having our volunteers use these items in the community to spark discussion around our volunteer program. The hope would be that we will gain some additional volunteers.

https://ioncenter.org/