HOPE Consortium

Every Child Deserves Experiences That Help Them Thrive.

Positive childhood experiences — or PCEs — are the building blocks of lifelong health and resilience. HOPE Consortium brings together local agencies and families to make them possible for every child.

What are PCEs?

The experiences that shape a lifetime

Positive childhood experiences are safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments that help children grow into healthy, connected adults. Research shows that PCEs don't just buffer against adversity — they actively build resilience, strengthen mental health, and foster community belonging.

"Adults who reported higher PCEs had significantly better mental and relational health outcomes — regardless of their ACE scores."

— Bethell et al., JAMA Pediatrics, 2019
01Feeling able to talk to family about feelings
02Feeling that family stood by them during difficult times
03Enjoying participation in community traditions
04Feeling a sense of belonging in high school
05Feeling supported by friends
06Having at least two non-parent adults who genuinely cared
07Feeling safe and protected by an adult in the home

Why it matters

The research is clear

72%of adults with 6–7 PCEs reported excellent mental health
3–4×more likely to thrive socially with high PCE exposure
1 in 3children in our community lack consistent access to PCEs

For member agencies

Amplify your impact

Join a network of local organizations committed to embedding PCE-informed practices into every program, policy, and interaction. Access shared training, tools, and research to deepen your work.

Community professionals in a workshop

For families

You're already doing it

Every moment of connection, every tradition, every time you show up — these are PCEs in action. Explore resources designed to help you nurture the experiences your child needs to flourish.

Diverse family together in a park

Resources & Research

Tools for agencies and families

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Child reading a book
Guide

Introduction to PCEs: A Guide for Youth-Serving Agencies

A practical overview of the PCE framework and how to integrate it into your programs.

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Parent and child bonding at home
Family Resource

Building Protective Relationships at Home

Research-backed strategies families can use every day to strengthen connection and belonging.

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Children playing together outdoors
Research Brief

PCEs & ACEs: Understanding the Full Picture

How positive experiences interact with adverse ones — and why both matter for child health.

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Join the HOPE Consortium

We're building a local movement of agencies, families, and community leaders committed to making positive childhood experiences the norm — not the exception. There's a place for you here.

Families and children in the community