MONDAY MEMO #77
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Happy Monday, partners! This week’s Monday Memo highlights a range of resources, including climate resilience resources, training for families, parents and professionals, suicide prevention and youth resources. Here are a few reminders and highlights from RG:
RG Highlights
In recognition of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are highlighting several resources focused on supporting AAPI mental health, healing, and community well-being. Check out and share this Mental Health Resource Directory from NAAPIMHA, Webinar Recordings from the Lotus Project, and of course our Resilient Georgia Mental Health Resource page for AAPI populations. Please share widely!
New! Sector-Specific Trauma-Informed Flyers: The Resilient Georgia Education and Training Committee created a few new sector-specific flyers to help organizations better understand and engage with trauma-informed and resilience-building practices in their unique settings. These brief, easy-to-share flyers are tailored for business leaders, education partners, and youth-serving organizations, offering practical information, key messaging, and the importance of becoming trauma-informed. We are also continuing to expand this resource library and are currently developing flyers for law enforcement and first responders. Please share widely with your networks!
Attention early career mental health clinicians! RG is actively recruiting for the Mental Health Career Accelerator (MHCA). The application is open until May 27th. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to participate. Candidates who are selected will receive up to $10,000 in financial incentives, in addition to other professional development, mentoring, and licensure exam prep resources. For questions, please contact Dr. Andrea Meyer Stinson at ameyerstinson@resilientga.org.
The Youth Prevention Network (YPN) is a statewide initiative equipping youth and youth-serving adults with tools for mental wellness, substance misuse prevention, and leadership. The program offers two tracks: Youth Prevention Advocates (ages 13–19), who build leadership and peer support skills, and Youth Prevention Mentors, including educators and community professionals who support youth development. This interactive, evidence-informed training covers coping skills, healthy decision-making, and prevention strategies, and is designed to be flexible for schools and community organizations. Participants receive stipends ($15/hour for youth, $20/hour for adults), transportation support, and certificates of completion. YPN is currently seeking partners to host or participate in 2026 trainings—reach out if you’re interested in getting involved or scheduling an info session! Request Your 2026 Youth Prevention Network Training
Coalition Highlights
Resilient Communities of East Georgia is hosting a Handle With Care Virtual Information Session on May 21, from 12:00–1:00 PM. The session will discuss how schools can support students impacted by trauma through awareness and coordinated care. Participants will learn how proactive communication and partnerships with first responders can help schools respond more effectively to student needs, reduce suspensions and absenteeism, and create safer, more supportive learning environments. It will highlight strategies for building systems of care that support both students and staff while helping interrupt the cycle of trauma through early intervention.
Waycross Area Partnership is hosting a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training on May 28 from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Waycross Family Justice Center. The training is designed for parents, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, healthcare and human services workers, and community members interested in supporting youth ages 12–18. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, understand risk factors and warning signs, respond with confidence, and connect youth to appropriate support and resources. Register here!
Resilient West Central Georgia, in partnership with Bloom University, is offering a virtual Triple P Positive Parenting Program on “Raising Resilient Children” to provide foster, adoptive, kinship, biological parents, and educators, with practical strategies to build strong relationships, encourage independence, strengthen communication, and support social and emotional development. The training will take place virtually on May 21 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and will be led by Dr. Katie New. Register here!
Climate Resilience
The Climate Mental Health Network is a resource focused on strengthening emotional resilience and supporting mental health in the context of climate-related stress and challenges. By centering youth voices, the organization works with young people, parents, caregivers, and educators nationwide through peer-based programs, research-informed resources, and evidence-based classroom tools. The network also partners with schools to provide professional learning opportunities and workshops that support youth wellbeing and collective care.
Climate Change Makers is a youth and family-centered climate leadership initiative that helps communities understand climate impacts, prepare for extreme weather, and take action through creative expression, digital tools, and community engagement. The platform offers a range of resources and opportunities, including interactive climate learning tools, trauma-informed preparedness resources, youth art and storytelling through the Climate Change Makers Gallery, and Weathering the Storm workshops focused on climate resilience and mental health. The initiative aims to transform climate stress and anxiety into preparedness, leadership, and collective action while centering youth voice and strengthening family and community resilience.
Family and Parents
The Critical Issues Forum: Family Literacy: A Catalyst for Community Transformation, hosted by GPEE focused on the role of family literacy in strengthening academic success, economic mobility, and community wellbeing. The forum brought together education leaders and community advocates to discuss how whole-family learning approaches can support children’s education, empower parents and caregivers, and create stronger, more connected communities.
Rural
CARES Impact Case Study on Rural School Support: The GPEE CARES Impact Case Study highlights how rural Georgia school districts are addressing challenges related to student mental health, literacy, educator shortages, transportation, and postsecondary access following the COVID-19 pandemic. The report shares promising practices, innovative community partnerships, and policy recommendations to strengthen support systems and improve outcomes for children and families in rural communities across the state. Check it out and share widely!
Training
Upcoming Benefits Referral Training: Join the G-SPAN and Atlanta Community Food Bank Benefits Referral Training focused on helping Georgia families access SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid benefits. This virtual training will provide information and tools to support referrals and applications for essential services. Registration is available here.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide rates have dropped since the 2022 launch of the 988 line: A recent study published in JAMA found that suicide rates among young people ages 15–34 declined following the 2022 launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, with researchers estimating approximately 4,300 fewer suicides over a two-and-a-half-year period. States with the greatest increases in 988 usage saw the largest declines in suicide deaths, suggesting the hotline may be playing an important role in crisis support. It also emphasized the need for greater public awareness of 988, expanded crisis response systems, and continued support for high-risk groups, including LGBTQ+ youth.
Youth
In the article “Start With the Teen and Not the Tech,” it discusses the importance of centering teens’ voices in conversations about technology and digital well-being. The article highlights how online spaces can both support and harm youth mental health, depending on individual experiences and circumstances, and emphasizes that one-size-fits-all approaches often miss the complexity of teens’ relationships with technology. The conversation also explores emerging concerns around AI, digital pressure, social connection, and mental health, while calling for youth-informed, community-based, and systemic solutions that support healthy digital environments rather than placing responsibility solely on parents or young people themselves.
on May 30, from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM at C.T. Martin Natatorium & Recreation Center. Designed for youth and young adults ages 16–24, the free event will connect participants with resources related to healthcare access, trauma-informed mental health and wellness, employment and education, housing and economic stability, and legal and advocacy support. Attendees can also expect mentorship opportunities, tools for school and career success, wellness resources, activities, and giveaways in a safe and welcoming environment. Register here!
THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!