They may still not pronounce it correctly, but dozens of support staff now better understand “Ukeru” (oo-keh-roo) and its importance to Saint Francis Ministries.
Corporate Support staff from Human Resources, Training, Benefits/Payroll, the Foundation, and MarCom gathered at the Stevens Center on the Otis campus last month for the Ukeru Trauma-Informed Corporate Supports Workshop. The two-day experience helps each department move from foundational Ukeru concepts to practical process improvement.
For program staff, Ukeru consists of restraint-free crisis management and de-escalation techniques. Developed by behavioral health clinicians and care professionals at Grafton Integrated Health Network, it focuses on a “comfort over control” philosophy. The training equips staff in child welfare, schools, psychiatric hospitals, and residential facilities with tools to safely manage aggressive behavior without relying on physical restraints or seclusion.
The name Ukeru comes from the Japanese word meaning “to receive”, highlighting its core approach of receiving and safely absorbing energy or conflict rather than meeting it with force.
The Corporate Support workshop, however, focuses on integrating trauma-informed principles into and strengthening the important work across corporate functions.
Facilitated by Ukeru President Kim Sanders, the workshop introduces a process review framework that supports a trauma-informed culture. Participants learn to be as trauma-aware when interacting with colleagues as they are with clients.
In a way, it’s all about incorporating trauma awareness into everything we do at Saint Francis, regardless of our job or department.
“Trauma-informed care isn’t limited to the people providing direct services,” said Chief Clinical Officer Amanda Pfannenstiel. “It’s reflected in how we communicate, make decisions, solve problems, and support one another. Ukeru reminds us that every role at Saint Francis has an opportunity to create a culture of safety, trust, and compassion.”
A second workshop is planned for Facilities Safety and Security, Corporate Risk, Finance, IT, System Improvement, and Clinical Services.
Keeping Kids and Staff Safe on the Road: Introducing Motive
At Saint Francis Ministries, the safety of the children, youth, and families we serve, and of the staff who transport them, is central to our mission. As part of that commitment, we are introducing Motive, a vehicle safety and management system for our fleet.
What is Motive?
Motive is a driving safety system that combines in-vehicle technology with a mobile app to give drivers and the organization a clear, objective picture of what happens on the road. Its purpose is to support safe driving.
How Motive helps protect kids and staff
- Motive documents what happens inside and outside the vehicle, providing a reliable, third-party account if an incident occurs. This helps protect the children and families we transport, as well as our staff.
- The system can warn drivers when they may be drowsy, following too closely, or approaching vehicles ahead that are braking, helping prevent accidents before they happen.
- Driver scores provide a constructive coaching tool, helping staff build safer habits over time.
- The Motive app serves as a one-stop tool for vehicle management, including inspections and fuel purchases, so drivers can focus on the road and the people in their care.
Why we’re making this investment
Saint Francis is implementing Motive to improve safety, manage risk, and drive operational excellence. We’re providing staff with training and resources so they feel confident and supported.
Our drivers do important work every day, often in demanding circumstances. Motive is one more way we are working to make safety a priority on every trip.
