In this powerful episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zach Garza sits down with Chris Cox from Back2Back Ministries. With over two decades of experience in youth work and 13+ years at Back2Back, Chris brings a wealth of wisdom around trauma-informed holistic care and mentoring vulnerable youth.
Chris shares his journey from youth pastor to launching Back2Back’s first U.S.-based site in Cincinnati, where he now leads a team serving children and families with trauma-informed, gospel-centered care. Together, Zach and Chris unpack what it means to create safe spaces for kids who’ve experienced hard things, how to mentor without fixing, and why community and consistency are essential in a child’s healing journey.
You’ll hear practical insights about the five components of holistic care, the difference between mentors and coaches, the power of presence over performance, and how Jesus modeled a trauma-informed ministry before the term even existed.
If you work with kids from hard places, or want to, this conversation will inspire, equip, and remind you that showing up consistently does make a difference.
Check out backtoback.org, traumafreeworld.org, and learn more about Chris’s work at https://back2backcincy.org/
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Chapter 1: Introduction and Welcome (00:00)
Meet your hosts, Zach Garza and Chris Cox
Overview of the episode's focus on mentoring and community
Chapter 2: Chris Cox's Journey (01:23)
Chris shares his background and work with Back to Back Ministries The global impact of Back to Back's mission
Chapter 3: The Power of Youth Ministry (04:24)
Insights into the role of youth ministry in mentoring Personal experiences and lessons learned
Chapter 4: Trauma-Informed Holistic Care (08:00)
Understanding trauma and its impact on youth The importance of a holistic approach in mentoring
Chapter 5: Building a Community of Belonging (12:00)
Creating a sense of belonging and trust Strategies for mentors to foster inclusive communities
Chapter 6: Faith and Mentoring (16:00)
The role of faith in mentoring relationships Choosing faith over fear in challenging situations
Chapter 7: Self-Care for Mentors (20:00)
The importance of self-care in effective mentoring Tips for maintaining personal well-being
Chapter 8: Conclusion and Call to Action (24:00)
Recap of key insights and takeaways Encouragement to get involved in mentoring
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