Faith in Action: Transforming Lives Through Love and Community
Sharon Hirsch
CEO at Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina
In times of adversity and uncertainty, the power of love, faith, and community often emerges as a beacon of hope. In this episode of Anchoring Hope, David Mansilla speaks with Sharon Hirsch, the CEO of the Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina, about her mission to transform the lives of children and families through impactful programs and unwavering compassion. Sharon's journey and her faith-driven leadership remind us of the profound difference that love and collective action can make in our communities. As Sharon beautifully states, “Love each other, and the world will be a much more peaceful place.”
The Power of Resilience in Adversity
Resilience is the cornerstone of overcoming life’s challenges, and Sharon Hirsch’s journey exemplifies this truth. From enduring personal struggles, such as her daughter’s reconstructive surgeries, to navigating professional challenges like rebuilding her team during the Great Resignation, Sharon’s reliance on faith, connection, and introspection has been vital.
“Faith communities and relationships provide the strength we need to weather life’s storms,” Sharon shared, emphasizing how connection to others fuels resilience. For families recovering from disasters or trauma, having a support network fosters healing and creates opportunities to thrive, even amid significant challenges.
Through her work with Positive Childhood Alliance, Sharon illustrates how resilience is built not just on individual effort but also through the collective power of communities that come together in moments of crisis.
Faith Communities as Anchors of Hope
Faith communities play a pivotal role in nurturing both individuals and families. Sharon discussed how these communities provide critical “protective factors” that ensure children and parents can flourish, even in difficult circumstances. From offering parenting resources and child care to creating social connections, faith-based groups are indispensable in building a strong societal foundation.
Sharon highlighted five protective factors that faith communities naturally provide:
Knowledge of parenting and child development
Social and emotional competence of children
Social connections
Parental resilience
Concrete supports in times of need
These elements help families navigate challenges, fostering environments where children can grow into healthy, thriving adults. Sharon notes, “Faith communities give us a space to learn, connect, and find the strength to face life’s challenges with hope and love.”
Breaking the Cycle of Trauma Through Love and Forgiveness
Childhood trauma has long-lasting effects, often manifesting in adulthood as unresolved pain and maladaptive behaviors. Sharon emphasized the importance of addressing these issues early and creating environments that buffer against adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
David shared his personal story of overcoming childhood trauma and how forgiveness became the key to healing. As he noted, “Without forgiveness, the wounds remain, no matter how much therapy or medication you try.” Sharon concurred, adding that faith and community are powerful tools for breaking the cycle of trauma and ensuring that children and families experience the love and stability they need to thrive.
Organizations like the Positive Childhood Alliance focus on raising awareness about ACEs while equipping communities with tools to create positive childhood experiences. “What happens to us is not our destiny,” Sharon affirmed, emphasizing that love, support, and connection can transform lives.
Restoring Community in Modern Society
The fabric of modern society has changed significantly, with fewer people engaging in traditional faith communities. Sharon and David reflected on how this decline in connection has contributed to societal challenges, including increased isolation and a rise in adverse experiences.
Despite this, Sharon remains hopeful. She shared, “Even in today’s world, we see people finding community in new ways, from neighborhood groups to social organizations.” These modern forms of connection may not replace traditional faith communities, but they still provide opportunities for belonging and support.
The key, Sharon noted, is to “grow the positive”—amplifying stories of love, support, and collective action to counterbalance the often loud negativity in the media. By fostering connection, communities can help individuals find purpose, healing, and hope.
The Science of the Positive: Building Strong Foundations
The Positive Childhood Alliance is grounded in the “science of the positive,” which highlights the profound impact of nurturing environments and positive experiences on children’s development. Sharon shared that children thrive when surrounded by safe, stable, and nurturing relationships, which not only promote healthy brain development but also shield them from the effects of trauma.
Sharon explained how simple acts of kindness, like offering food, childcare, or even a listening ear, can create ripples of positive change. “When parents and caretakers are supported, children naturally thrive,” she said, reinforcing the idea that strong families are the foundation of strong communities.
Faith communities and organizations like hers are instrumental in this work, creating networks of care that ensure every child has the opportunity to grow into a healthy, contributing member of society.
Conclusion
Sharon Hirsch’s work with Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina is a testament to the power of faith in action. From breaking the cycle of trauma to creating communities of love and support, Sharon and her team are transforming lives through programs that prioritize connection and compassion.
As David Mansilla reflected, “When we help others, hope comes to us. And with hope, we can heal, grow, and make the world a better place.” Let Sharon’s journey and her insights inspire us to take action in our own communities, offering love and support to those who need it most.
Written by Dhan Ababa
“Love each other”
