MONDAY MEMO #74
- Apr 27
- 5 min read
Happy Monday! This week’s memo highlights a range of resources, including early childhood supports, funding opportunities, professional development and training, and resources for parents and caregivers. Before we dive in, here are a few reminders and highlights from RG:
RG Highlights
Join Resilient Georgia for our Spring General Meeting THIS THURSDAY April 30th from 11AM–12:30 PM, featuring Resilience in Action: Showcasing the Community Resiliency Model Across Georgia. We will highlight how the Community Resiliency Model is being implemented across multiple sectors statewide to support resilience, strengthen well-being, and expand trauma-informed practices in diverse communities. Join the Zoom here!
We have a doctoral student interested in a remote or hybrid Fall 2026 practicum to meet any immediate program-related needs. Potential projects may include theory of change or logic model development, program evaluation data collection, report writing, health communication graphic design, or data visualization. Total hours for the Fall semester would be approximately 100 hours. Please contact Audrey directly at aidaikkadar@resilientga.org to get connected.
Next week is Children’s Mental Health Week! (May 4–8, 2026) This statewide initiative led by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning highlights the importance of supporting young children’s social and emotional wellbeing. Their webpage offers free resources and activities for educators, families, and communities—including tools to build connection, support emotional development, and promote resilience in early childhood settings. Check it out!
Upcoming Training: Community Resiliency Model (CRM): Join Nikki Warner and Andrea Meyer Stinson Wednesday May 13th from 10 AM–12 PM on Zoom for an interactive Community Resiliency Model (CRM) training. This trauma-informed training offers simple, practical tools to support stress regulation, connection, and resilience. Open to all, with a special focus on those working with young children (ages 0–5). Register here and please share widely with your networks!
Coalition Highlights
Resilient Northwest Metro: Cobb Collaborative, through the Positive Childhood Alliance Cobb, is working to strengthen child abuse and neglect prevention efforts by raising awareness and supporting families and caregivers. In partnership with SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, the initiative focuses on creating safer, healthier environments where all children can thrive by engaging the community in prevention efforts. The resource highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of abuse and emphasizes that community involvement is key to prevention, encouraging individuals to learn more, access resources, and take action to support children and families.
Join the South Georgia Wellbeing Alliance for All Hands In: Advancing Youth Mental Health on May 8 from 8:15AM-3PM at the Rainwater Conference Center in Valdosta, GA. This full-day summit brings together educators, healthcare providers, community leaders, and youth-serving professionals to strengthen collaborative responses to youth mental health. The event features breakout sessions on the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), Trauma 101, and QPR Suicide Prevention Training, equipping participants with practical skills to support resilience, understand trauma, and respond to youth in crisis. Register here!
Resilient Metro: ARCHI is excited to highlight the upcoming GACHW Summit: Heroes Without Capes: Celebrating the Power of Community Health Workers on June 3 at Atlanta Technical College—an energizing, in-person event bringing together CHWs, partners, and advocates to connect, learn, and celebrate their impact across Georgia. ARCHI also welcomes several new partners to Resilient Metro, including YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Retaaza, The Giving Kitchen, and CHRIS 180, whose work strengthens access to resources, behavioral health support, and community wellbeing across the region. Thank you for your tireless efforts, Resilient Metro!
Early Childhood
Georgetown University’s Thrive Center, home to the federal Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC), is launching new resources in response to national workforce challenges, including staff stress and a shortage of qualified consultants. A free monthly virtual education series is now available, offering practical guidance on managing challenging behaviors, supporting staff wellness, and strengthening classroom practices for early childhood professionals. Additionally, a new 4-month Practical Certificate in IECMH Consultation—beginning June 2026—provides competency-based training for both mental health professionals and early childhood educators, with a focus on real-world application. Additional resources from the recent session include a “repair” toolkit, a reflection tool, and more information about their consultation program, which currently has 74 open slots available for June.
The GA-AIMH Early Childhood Summit will take place virtually on May 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM, kicking off Children’s Mental Health Week with a focus on early relational health and supporting young children and families. The event will explore strategies for sustaining joy and connection amid burnout while highlighting the work of community partners. It is designed for a broad audience, including early childhood educators, clinicians, home visitors, advocates, and others invested in child and family wellbeing. Register here!
The National Institute for Early Education Research 2025 State of Preschool Yearbook highlights continued growth in early childhood education, with record enrollment (nearly 1.8 million children) and $14.4 billion in state investment nationwide. However, progress has slowed, and access and quality remain uneven across states. Notably, Georgia stands out as the first state to achieve both broad access—serving over half of 4-year-olds—and meeting all 10 national quality benchmarks, demonstrating that expanding access and maintaining high quality can go hand in hand.
Funding
Cooper Foundation: The Housing Stability Grant Program from the Cooper Charitable
Foundation provides financial assistance to help individuals and families access or maintain stable housing. The program primarily covers upfront move-in costs such as security deposits and initial rent, as well as emergency expenses like rent and utilities. It prioritizes working individuals at risk of homelessness, including survivors of domestic violence, those exiting foster care or incarceration, and individuals in recovery or receiving health care. Grants typically range from about $500 to $5,500, with most addressing move-in barriers. Applications are submitted through partner organizations that provide additional support services and help ensure long-term housing stability.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is now accepting applications for From Insight to Action: Health Equity Research that Meets This Moment through its Health Equity Research for Action (HERA) program. This funding opportunity supports community-driven research that advances health equity and addresses structural discrimination. Up to 20 grants (up to $500,000 each) will be awarded to organizations with strong community partnerships. Letters of intent are due May 14, 2026.
Parenting
GeorgiaCAN Parent Fellowship: GeorgiaCAN is now accepting applications for its Parent Fellowship, a program that supports early-stage advocates in shaping and improving public education across Georgia. The fellowship runs from July 2025 to May 2026, includes a monthly stipend for six selected participants, and is open to individuals passionate about advocating for all students. Applications are due by May 1, 2025.
Professional Development and Events
Become a Connections Matter Trainer: The Connections Matter Georgia Train-the-Trainer (CMGA TOT) is an in-person training designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to lead Connections Matter workshops for parents, educators,
and community members. Focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, brain development, and resilience, the training prepares participants to deliver community-based prevention education that strengthens connections and supports child and community wellbeing. Upcoming sessions will be held June 3 and September 29, 2026, in Atlanta, GA. The cost is $500 with an annual $100 licensing fee, and participants must have previously completed a Connections Matter workshop. Certification is valid for one year and includes access to training materials and ongoing support.
New Online Learning Series: Getting Started with Collective Impact: This two-part virtual workshop series (June 18 & July 16, 1–4 PM) offers a practical introduction to collective impact, including core collaboration practices, backbone team roles, and collaborative leadership. Participants can attend one or both sessions, with access to materials and recordings included. Ideal for those new to or strengthening their approach to cross-sector collaboration.
2026 GMHCN Annual Conference "W.A.V.E.S.": Registration is now open for the 2026 W.A.V.E.S. Conference, taking place August 4–6, 2026, in Jekyll Island, GA. This multi-day event brings together peers, professionals, and partners to learn, connect, and grow. Two registration options are available: General Registration, which includes full conference access, CEU eligibility, meals, and lodging, and Peer Registration, which includes all benefits except CEUs. Early bird pricing is available through May 25, 2026, with discounted rates for both options. Click to register!
THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!