MONDAY MEMO #48
- Resilient Georgia
- Sep 29
- 5 min read
Happy Monday, partners! Welcome to your weekly Monday Memo. This week we have compiled a variety of resources for educational partners and children and families experiencing grief and loss, as well as a variety of professional development and funding opportunities. Before we dive in, here are some reminders and highlights from the RG Team:
RG UPDATES
New Research Highlight: Associations between ACEs and obesity among young US adults
We’re proud to share that our very own Executive Director, Emily Anne Vall, PhD, co-authored a new study, along with Kiran Thapa PhD, Ye Shen PhD, and José F. Cordero MD, MPH, exploring the link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and obesity among young U.S. adults. The research shows that both individual ACEs and cumulative exposure to multiple ACEs are significantly associated with higher risks of obesity, even after accounting for childhood obesity. These findings reinforce the importance of trauma-informed approaches to public health and prevention efforts. Please share with your networks!
NEW Power of Healing Blog! Stitching Together Hope After Loss by Darice Oppong: In this month’s Power of Healing blog, Darice Oppong shares the story of her son Judah David’s brief life and her journey of healing through lament, community, and creativity. Her reflections remind us that even in deep grief, hope can take root—and that none of us have to walk through loss alone. Darice previously led Resilient Middle Georgia coalition efforts and currently serves as Operations Manager for Community Evaluation Solutions with Dr. Ann Price. We are so grateful for Darice’s willingness to share her story with our network.
Upcoming Dates!
October Peer-to-Peer Network Call: Join us next Tuesday, October 7th from 2–3 PM for an informal, connection-focused conversation on Vision & Leadership—exploring where coalitions are headed, who is guiding them, and how collaboration shapes the path forward. We’ll share experiences in bringing the right people to the table, highlight best practices (including the importance of steering and advisory committees), and consider the traits and strengths that help leaders carry coalition visions into the future. Hope to see you there!
Trauma-Informed Systems Workshop for Coalition Leads: These virtual workshops hosted by the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and Wellbeing will cover building systems that recognize the impact of trauma, identify its signs, and integrate practices that prevent re-traumatization.
Sept 30 | 1:00–2:30 PM
Please ensure at least one member from your coalition is able to attend both the update calls and one of the Systems workshops!
Coalition Highlights
Cobb Collaborative: In this podcast, Inside the District with D2 Commissioner Erick Allen, commissioner Erick Allen speaks with Cobb Collaborative's Irene Barton and Marietta Councilman M. Carlyle Kent about their involvement with "The Basics - Cobb County" and how that program has come to life on a mural in Marietta. Check it out!
South Georgia Wellbeing Alliance: Greater Valdosta United Way, lead partner with the South Georgia coalition, has helped residents of Valdosta coping after Hurricane Helene including rent assistance and boosting mental health first aid. This article dives into the work the organization is doing to help the community, read the full work here. As highlighted in Duke Today’s “Healing After Disaster,” the mental health effects of natural disasters can linger long after the immediate crisis, with survivors facing higher risks of depression, PTSD, and long-term stress. The article underscores the importance of psychological first aid, community-based support, and resilience-building strategies—work that aligns closely with the United Way’s ongoing efforts to strengthen recovery in South Georgia. Thank you, GVUW, for all of your efforts!
Education
New Funding Available for Georgia Schools to Bring Hope Givers Live to your students!: The Georgia General Assembly has allocated $20,000 for every middle school and high school in Georgia for student mental and behavioral health services. Those funds can be used for Tier 1 services, which includes Hope Givers Live! Learn more here.
Teen Content Advisors — HOPE GIVERS: Additionally, HOPE GIVERS just released their newest cohort of teen content advisors. Check out their bios here!
Funding
The Office of Juvenile Justice has various funding opportunities available!
OJJDP FY25 Regional Children's Advocacy Centers Program | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: This funding closes October 14 and offers 4 awards for $1,125,000 for 12 months. Grantees are for local public and private nonprofit children’s advocacy center agencies and organizations. Learn more and register here.
OJJDP FY25 Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Use: This funding closes October 23 and offers 13 awards for 36 months – 8 awards at $650,000 for local project sites and 5 awards for $1,980,000 for statewide and regional projects. Grantees are enhancing and expanding mentoring services for children and youth affected by opioids and other substance abuse. Learn more and register here.
OJJDP FY25 Multistate Mentoring Programs: This funding closes October 21 and offers a total of $25, 180,000 for various states in 3 category types for 36 months. Grantees are for mentoring organizations to enhance and expand mentoring services for children and youth who are at risk or high risk for delinquency, victimization, and juvenile justice system involvement. Learn more and register here
The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program: The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul model. Learn more about the model and how to apply here.
Grief and Loss
Helping Children Through the Grieving Process
Kate’s Club, a Georgia-based organization supporting grieving children and families, was recently featured on the Closer Look with Rose Scott podcast titled Helping Children through the Grieving Process. The episode explores the critical role of journalism in elevating conversations about childhood bereavement and highlights how Kate’s Club serves as a vital resource for navigating grief. In addition, Kate’s Club is offering Child Bereavement 101, a virtual webinar on October 17 at 12 PM. This session will cover developmental reactions to grief, ways to support grieving children and teens, and the influence of family and culture on the grieving process. Register here!
Camp Cocoon for Grieving Children | PruittCares Foundation: Camp Cocoon is a camp for children and their families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Campers will be together and meet others who have gone through similar loss situations and give campers the tools to deal with changes. Camp locations are in Blue Ridge, GA, Calhoun-Rome, GA, Macon, GA, Nash County, N.C., Tallulah Falls, GA, Valdosta, GA, and Wilkesboro, N.C. Learn more information here.
Professional Development and Training
2025 Georgia Positive Behavior Support Conference: Join Georgia State University for the Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support Annual Conference on November 14 at Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. This conference aims to share research, information, Tickets are $160 per person, register here.
Communicating the Relationship Between Place, Racism, and Early Childhood Development: On October 8 at 2 PM, FrameWorks and Harvard University are hosting a virtual webinar focused on helping people understand the connection between children’s development and the social, environmental, and policy contexts around them ultimately influenced by structural racism. Register here.