“We talk a lot about the need to be “trauma-informed” in our work with clients, and giving gift cards during the holiday season instead of gifts is a small but concrete example of putting that thinking into practice. Choice and autonomy are two major components of being a trauma-informed provider. Giving parents a gift card tells them that we want them to make decisions for their families, and gives them options – something that is in short supply when you’re navigating homelessness. It’s not just a gift of things, it’s a gift of being able to choose for yourself. That has value beyond the card itself. – Mary Shannon Thomas, Senior Director of Programs, Heading Home