Art, music, education, and recreation. These are the core offerings that TCP specializes in providing for our Scholars. But you may not know that our staff has been trained to practice trauma-informed care when engaging students. More recently, TCP has incorporated Social Emotional Learning into our curriculum year-round. That is in part due to a grant supporting this programming, honoring the late Marie Laney Dahm.
Marie was, first and foremost, an artist. Born during the great depression, she earned a bit of spending money by selling miniatures door-to-door in their neighborhood. She attended the Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, and ultimately merged her passion for art with a career in real estate, designing welcoming and attractive spaces for developers and clients alike. She spent her final years in Palm Beach Florida, where she was a prolific painter of ocean scenes.
When Marie’s life became filled with trauma of her own, it led her to seek therapy and counseling. Never one to have her bright spirit dampened, Marie ultimately channeled her learning and experience into support for both Cornerstone Christian Academy and The Common Place. Her indomitable spirit was evident in everything she did: “She played much bigger than her 5’2″ frame,” recalled husband Don Dahm.
Indeed, the impacts of her generosity of spirit are being felt even now at TCP. Phase I of The Marie Laney Dahm Program for Emotional Wellness kicked off in 2019, with an emphasis on training staff in trauma-informed care and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) core principles. Engaging with Hopeworks of Camden, TCP staff were able Indeed, the impacts of her generosity of spirit are being felt even now at TCP. Phase I of The Marie Laney Dahm Program for Emotional Wellness kicked off in 2019, with an emphasis on training staff in trauma-informed care and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) core principles. Engaging with Hopeworks of Camden, TCP staff were able to gain an understanding of the basics of SEL and assess baseline behaviors for Scholars and camp attendees alike. TCP continues to utilize SEL curriculum, such as Harmony’s “Speak Up, Speak Kindly”. By connecting with their peers and taking ownership of problem-solving when conflicts arise, students feel connected, safe, comfortable, and valued in their classroom community. Promoting diversity in students’ experiences leads to positive peer relationships and overall school success. In addition to curriculum implementation, TCP is actively seeking a part-time professional counselor for the campus.
Marie’s legacy of compassion and healing continues to impact the children and families of Southwest Philadelphia alongside the staff of The Common Place. If you are interested in learning more about this work or financially supporting this programming, please reach out to our Development Office.
