MONDAY MEMO #21

Resilient Georgia
Mar 9
6 min read

Happy Monday, Partners! This week’s Monday Memo focuses on resources for supporting parents, youth, and families, along with information on early literacy and a variety of professional development and funding opportunities to help advance resilience and mental health initiatives across our state. Before we dive in, here are some key updates and reminders from the RG Team:

RG UPDATES

Regional Coalition Events Reminder: Thanks to everyone who has already submitted their scheduled coalition events for 2025! This calendar is housed on the RG website and is a great way to showcase upcoming trainings, summits, and partner activities across the state. As a reminder, please submit your coalition events here. We appreciate your support in keeping this webpage up-to-date!
Mindful Onwards: In 2024, we partnered with Mindful Onwards and Jean-Christophe (JC) Trentinella to bring Search Inside Yourself (SIY) training to coalition leaders, equipping them with essential skills in emotional intelligence, resilience, and mindful leadership. Mindful Onwards specializes in supporting nonprofit leaders and teams with science-backed tools to navigate challenges, strengthen leadership, enhance resilience, improve communication, and promote workplace wellbeing. JC has worked with global nonprofits and mission-driven organizations to cultivate sustainable, engaged, and effective teams. If you’re looking to invest in leadership and workplace wellbeing, this is a great way to make your organization more trauma-informed. Email JC at hello@mindfulonwards.com to learn more, or Nikki (nwarner@resilientga.org) can connect you!
Georgia Health Policy Center’s 30th Anniversary Speaker Series! The Georgia Health Policy Center is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an inspiring speaker series featuring nationally renowned experts. We’re especially excited to announce that our very own Dr. Emily Anne Vall will be presenting on April 3rd at 2 PM on the topic “School Design with Mental Health in Mind.” Check out the full list of events and register here.
Immigrant Mental Health Support One-Pager: RG created this resource to support immigrant mental health, recognizing the unique challenges they face, including disrupted family cohesion, discrimination, language barriers, and increased risks for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It includes national and Georgia-specific resources, including immigration hotlines, legal advocacy organizations, and mental health support.
March Lunch and Learn: This Thursday March 13th at noon, join us for a presentation on Healing-Centered Leadership with Jennifer Bonds. In an effort to encourage a safe space, this session will not be recorded, so try to attend if you’re interested! Email Alex for the invite at aenglish@resilientga.org.

Partner Highlights

Gwinnett Coalition: The Gwinnett Nonprofit Coalition is hosting an event titled "Government 101: Navigating the Nonprofit Landscape" tomorrow March 11th from 11:30am-1pm. This session aims to educate nonprofit organizations on effectively engaging with government entities, understanding public policies, and leveraging governmental resources to enhance their missions. Attendees will gain insights into building strategic partnerships with government agencies and navigating the complexities of the nonprofit sector. This event is part of the coalition's efforts to strengthen the capacity of nonprofits in the region.

KSU Trauma-informed Care Microcredential: Kennesaw State University and various content experts from trauma-informed organizations have created a microcredentialing program that includes five modules for emerging and established professionals to address trauma-related community challenges in an interdisciplinary setting. Learners will identify key factors that influence human development, behavior, and trauma response, to describe the impact of trauma on individuals and systems, as well as evidence-based approaches to fostering resilience, analyze inequities, systemic barriers, and leadership strategies to support trauma-informed and sustainable change to address the need to increase trauma-informed training in Georgia. Completion of one or all of these virtual, self-paced modules results in a Level II Badge that demonstrates leaners have obtained skills and competencies that have professional and career value. KSU has worked closely with some of our coalitions, including Cobb Collaborative and Resilient North Georgia. We are grateful for their partnership and commitment to trauma-informed training!

Parents and Families

Research Project — Power of Self-Compassion for Parents: The Center for Engaged Compassion and the Radically Inclusive Parenting Project are conducting a research study on the power of self-compassion for BIPOC parents and caregivers. Participants will engage in short, self-paced compassion practices over four weeks (just 3 minutes per day) and complete two online surveys. This opportunity comes with a $25 gift card and a free e-book upon completion. To qualify, you must be a BIPOC parent/caregiver of a child ages 0-12 and interested in compassionate parenting. Sign up by March 16th here!

Funding

Federal funding plays a crucial role in supporting early childhood education, child care, and family services, with ongoing efforts to expand access and protect critical programs. The 2024 ABCs of Federal Early Learning and Child Care Funding Streams report by the First Five Years Fund outlines key federal programs such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant, Head Start, and Preschool Development Grants, emphasizing their impact on low-income families and children with disabilities. Meanwhile, Zero to Three is hosting a Special Briefing: What Federal Actions and Proposed Budget Cuts Mean for Babies and Families on March 11th from 4- 5PM to discuss how federal budget cuts could threaten these essential programs. The briefing will provide insights into the budget process, the impact on families, and advocacy strategies to safeguard early childhood initiatives nationwide.

Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation Youth Initiative Funding: The Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation's Youth Initiative program provides funding for direct service programs that support youth aged 14 to 21 who have experienced trauma from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible programs must offer age-appropriate therapeutic interventions, use trauma-informed practices, and include an evaluation plan. They should be new or newly expanded initiatives providing services beyond crisis intervention. Priority is given to programs that collaborate with organizations, take a multidisciplinary approach, and serve marginalized youth (including BIPOC, rural, state-involved, refugee, LGBTQ, and survivors of exploitation). The Letter of Inquiry deadline is June 15.

Literacy

Early literacy plays a crucial role in child development and long-term health outcomes, with leaders across Georgia championing its importance. Dr. Terri McFadden integrates literacy promotion into pediatric care through Reach Out and Read Georgia, ensuring children receive books during doctor visits to support language development and overall well-being. Complementing these efforts, the Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy advances evidence-based literacy practices statewide through training programs, workshops, and initiatives like the 2025 Virtual Learning Series, which provides educators with professional development and insights into the Science of Reading. Together, these efforts highlight the vital connection between literacy, education, and pediatric health.

Professional Development and Training

Bullying Prevention Webinar Series: Dr. Eric Landers from Georgia Southern University’s College of Education is hosting a 3 part webinar series on Bullying Prevention. The sessions will be March 13th, April 3rd, and May 8th from 10:30-11:30AM. Registration information can be found on the flyer.

PCA Georgia 2025 Conference: Call for Proposals The Georgia Conference on Child Abuse & Neglect is accepting proposals that focus on preventing or treating child abuse and neglect. This year’s theme, "Stronger Together: The Power and Nature of Community," highlights the importance of supporting caregivers and strengthening families. Proposals should align with protective factors such as caregiver resilience, social connections, child development knowledge, access to support, and creating safe environments. The conference will take place in Peachtree City on September 10, 2025. Learn more and submit proposals here by Friday March 28th.

Mandated Reporter Train the Trainer- PCA Georgia: PCA Georgia’s Mandated Reporter Training of the Trainer (TOT) equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to train others on mandated reporting responsibilities. The training helps participants recognize, report, and prevent child maltreatment, addressing gaps in knowledge and confidence. The next sessions will be May 7-8 and June 11-12, 2025. Applications open February 24 and close April 4, 2025. Eligible participants must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, prior training experience, and submit a resume. Priority is given to professionals in family and child-serving organizations. Sign up here!

2025 International Virtual Conference: A Call to Action to Change Child Welfare: The 2025 International Virtual Conference from October 6-9th is currently accepting abstract submissions. This conference aims to bring together professionals and stakeholders to discuss transformative strategies in child welfare. Prospective presenters are encouraged to submit their proposals by April 23rd.

Youth

Hope Givers Youth Across America Film Challenge: The Hope Film Competition is an annual competition organized by HOPE GIVERS, encouraging middle and high school students to create short films (30-90 seconds) that highlight themes of hope and resilience. Participants must collaborate with a school mentor—such as a teacher, counselor, administrator, or coach—and submit their films by the specified deadline. Winners receive cash prizes and software awards, with their films potentially featured in the HOPE GIVERS PBS series. Submissions close on April 14th!

Join GCAPP's Youth Advisory Council (YAC)! The Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential is inviting Georgia residents aged 14 to 24 to join their Youth Advisory Council (YAC). This free youth development program offers members opportunities to host webinars and events, serve as panelists at GCAPP functions, facilitate workshops, and receive training in leadership, public speaking, event planning, marketing, and community building. Participants will also network with youth-serving professionals and peers statewide, with additional incentives such as prizes. Interested individuals can apply here!