Offering Moral Injury Education and Recovery Services
The Shay Moral Injury Center at Volunteers of America is dedicated to education and research on moral distress and moral injury and to the provision of recovery strategies that are contextual, adaptable and scalable. We implement recovery programs in partnership with VOA’s affiliates, as well as other organizations, communities and institutions. We educate professionals in diverse fields, including chaplaincy, social services, mental health, healthcare, spiritual care and ministry.
What is moral injury?
Moral injury is the suffering people experience when we are in high-stakes situations, things go wrong, and harm results. The suffering is grounded in our moral conscience, which struggles to make sense of devastating experiences that challenge our identities, deepest moral codes, and ability to trust in others or ourselves. The harm may be something we did, something we witnessed, something we failed to prevent, or something that was done to us. It results in moral emotions such as shame, guilt, outrage, and sorrow, and withdrawal from significant relationships.
The Soul Repair Podcast
In this podcast, Dr. Susan Diamond and Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock bring to light a misunderstood trauma. In each episode, they will walk through the labyrinth that is moral injury, which is our human reaction to harm. This wound to the soul is often experienced through feelings of grief, remorse, shame, outrage and despair. Whether you have experienced moral injury, hope to help someone who has it, or want to learn more and advocate for others — this is a place for us all.
Join us as we seek pathways to bring light, healing, and peace into the labyrinth journey of Soul Repair: After Moral Injury.
The Shay Moral Injury Certificate Program
Moral Injury Certificate Program (MICP) – A ten-week online course for chaplains, social workers, clinicians, students, educators and professionals seeking to integrate moral injury-informed care in their work and communities. Certificate of completion and 30 continuing education units in chaplaincy or social work offered.
Register for the course running from October 2 to December 20, 2023:
Registration Fee Scale: $600-$800 *special rate available for VOA employees*
Registration deadline: September 20, 2023
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Contact Us:
shaycenterinfo@voa.org or (703) 341-5059
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