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Happy Monday, Partners! This week’s resources showcase opportunities to build resilience and advance mental health initiatives across our state, including funding opportunities, DECAL Family Peer Ambassador program, Justice Day at the Capitol, and resources for Workforce and Youth.  Before we dive in, here are some updates and reminders from the RG Team:   RG Highlights 2025 Power of Healing Blog Series Launch : We are so excited to kick off this 2025 blog series with a personal and inspiring post from our very own Alex English titled   "Healing from Anxious Attachment: My Path to Secure Relationships."  Alex reflects on her journey of overcoming an anxious an attachment style through therapy, education, and self-awareness and shares how it has made her a better parent. She models how to foster secure relationships and break generational cycles of insecurity. Thank you, Alex, for your insight on this topic as we embark on this journey to inspire healing, growth, and resilience! Check out the full blog for more practical tools on attachment theory. January Round Calls: This month’s Round Calls are scheduled this week as follows. Please ensure at least one member from your coalition is able to attend! Round 1: Friday, January 31st 10am Round 2: Tuesday, January 28th 11am Round 3: Thursday, January 30th 1pm Round 4: Tuesday, January 28th 2pm Round 5: Wednesday, January 29th 1pm Coalition Spotlights Resilient Coastal Georgia’ s   Vira Salzburn is hosting the following free Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Workshops   on Zoom February 24, March 17, and April 21 from 11:30AM-1PM.   CRM helps create “trauma-informed” and “resiliency-informed” individuals and communities that share a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system and how resiliency can be restored or increased using this skills-based approach. Register here .   Resilient Communities of Southwest Georgia   is excited to share six months of training opportunities. Check out the RSWGA Training Calendar . Each month, the coalition will implement a different trauma-informed, resiliency based training. Training includes Connections Matter, Path to Becoming Trauma Informed, QPR and more. Register for any of the trainings here .   Education DECAL   is recruiting new   Family Peer Ambassadors   to support families with young children in licensed childcare or early intervention programs. Ambassadors—fathers, mothers, custodial grandparents, foster parents, stepparents, or guardians—receive training on child development, quality early care, and statewide resources, which they then share with families at community events. They also provide feedback on DECAL’s family-focused websites and tools. While volunteer-based, participants receive stipends for their involvement. Applications are open until February 10th and interested folks can apply here . Watch the program overview video here .   Funding Opportunities Early Literacy Alignment Mini Grant     The Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning  and the Georgia Foundation for Public Education  are launching the second round of Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants. These competitive grants provide up to $5,000  for 6-month projects to support partnerships between public elementary schools and Quality Rated childcare providers, focusing on literacy-based professional development and smoother transitions for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. Applications close on   February 10, 2025 . School leaders in districts with populations over 35,000 are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply here . Please share with your school partners! Spreading Love Through the Media Funding: The Greater Good Science Center , with support from the John Templeton Foundation , is offering grants of $5,000 to $50,000 through its Spreading Love Through the Media  initiative. This three-year effort aims to address social challenges like polarization and loneliness by showcasing the transformative power of love in fostering compassion, altruism, and social cohesion. Grants will support nonfiction media projects—articles, videos, podcasts, and more—exploring love in its many forms. Applicants will receive funding, guidance from scientific advisors, and participate in a collaborative cohort during the 18-month program. Applications are open until March 24, 2025 , with an informational webinar on January 28.   Professional Development Justice Day - Justice Reform Partnership   Join The Justice Reform Partnership  for the   14th Annual Justice Day at the Capitol: Rooted in Justice, Thriving Together   on Tuesday, February 25 from 9AM-3:30PM   at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA (across from the State Capitol) . This free public event will feature expert panels, advocacy opportunities, and discussions on justice and equity in Georgia’s criminal legal system. Focused on community-rooted solutions and reform, it will highlight ways to strengthen families and communities. The event will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Breakfast and lunch will be provided and you can register here. Workforce "Workforce Trends: Behavioral Health in Focus" :   Motivo   is excited to invite you to read their report on some of the emerging trends in clinical and professional development for therapists. Their goal in creating it was to uncover the key drivers and challenges that therapists face, so that we’re better equipped to support the next generation. Drawing on real, lived experiences, this report captures the voices of professionals navigating today’s challenging mental health landscape to deliver insights from the front line. Please share widely! 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health Recognition Webinar:   Join   Mental Health America   January 23rd at noon  for an info session about the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health Recognition, a leading certification program for employers committed to improving employee mental health and well-being. Now in its sixth year, the Bell Seal features updated survey questions informed by employer feedback and industry best practices. This webinar is designed for business leaders, HR professionals, and workplace wellness advocates, whether you’re new to the program, a current recipient, or exploring certification for the future. The Bell Seal is open to organizations of all sizes and industries. Please share widely!   Caring for Nonprofit Worker Mental Health in Uncertain Times Workshop:   Join Mind Share Partners  on   January 30th at 1PM  for a virtual workshop designed for nonprofit leaders and employees to address the unique challenges of funding anxieties, burnout, and post-election concerns, offering strategies to support workplace mental health. For those outside the target audience, contact connect@mindsharepartners.org  for more information.  Youth Youth Policy Accelerator Application:  The YPA is a youth leadership program from Mental Health America  that equips 10 outstanding young adults with the skills, relationships, and experience to advance federal youth peer support policy.  YPA members are young adult leaders (18-25) with diverse backgrounds and identities interested in the intersection of policy change and youth peer support. The YPA has two parts.  Part I: Foundations of Youth Peer Support and Policy Members - explore the foundations of policymaking and youth peer support, learn from leading experts in the field, build community within the cohort, and co-create policy and research priorities.  Part II: Application and Learning Opportunities - Members apply their skills with expert feedback. This includes opportunities to meet with legislators, conduct original policy research, lead a national youth peer support policy coalition, participate in presentations and panels, and more. Youth can apply   here .

Happy TUESDAY, partners! We hope you had a wonderful long weekend reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy of service, equity, justice, and community. This week, our memo arrives a day late due to the observance of this meaningful holiday, but it’s packed with valuable resources and opportunities. Before we dive into this week’s content, here are some updates and reminders from the RG Team:   RG Highlights 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.    Help the Helper counseling and consultation sessions with Gabrielle Stewart : Gabby was a previous coalition lead with 20+ years experience in nonprofit leadership and she is offering various levels of support to our coalitions  AT NO COST while she completes her Master’s program at Kennesaw State University this Spring. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity! Appointments are available between 1 – 5 PM, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, based on availability. To schedule, please email her at gah4508@students.kennesaw.edu with your preferred 1-hour time block. All sessions will be virtual on Zoom. For more information, click here! Peer to Peer Network:  Thank you to everyone who joined our January Peer-to-Peer Network call and shared your valuable feedback on potential 2025 topics! Your input helps shape our discussions and ensures they address your needs and priorities. If you weren’t able to attend this month’s meeting, we’d still love to hear from you—feel free to share your thoughts here . Looking ahead, we’re excited to dive into  Coalition Structure and Partner Engagement during our February call on Tuesday, February 4th, at 2 PM . Regional Coalition Event Calendar : Our coalition event calendar is back for 2025, and we’re excited to continue showcasing and celebrating your events, trainings, and partner activities! All events submitted up to this point have been added to our webpage . As a reminder, you can now share your events using this Google Form .  Submissions will be reviewed regularly, with monthly reminders to ensure our calendar stays up to date!  If you have events planned, please submit them as soon as details are finalized! If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Nikki at nwarner@resilientga.org . Coalition Spotlights The Gwinnett Coalition : Congratulations to Kamesha Walker ,  Community Health Manager at the Gwinnett Coalition, for being selected to participate in the   inaugural 2025 Collective Leadership Advancing Racial Equity (CLARE) program . With an emphasis on developing leaders to build collective impact in local communities, CLARE is a new leadership accelerator of the Collective Impact Forum designed to invest in the capacity and wellbeing of individuals leading collaborative work. Through CLARE, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their personal leadership journeys, explore their role in leading and working with others in their place-based collaboratives, and drive systems change. Resilient and United Communities of South Georgia :  In South Central Georgia, disaster recovery efforts are advancing with the formation of a South Central GA COAD under GA VOAD, supported by GVUW as the fiscal agent. This COAD is part of a larger effort to coordinate and strengthen disaster response through collaboration, as outlined by GA VOAD  and CDP’s Long-Term   Recovery Groups . FEMA and GEMA are hiring disaster recovery specialists and providing case management, while the Red Cross is offering grants and family assistance, with new support launching next week. United Way National has created a disaster response department, emphasizing community resilience. Additionally, Samaritan’s Purse and FEMA disaster locations remain active, and Second Harvest’s new facility, opening in 60 days, will serve as a hub for recovery efforts, training, and collaboration. Many thanks to the Greater Valdosta United Way  and RUCSG for supporting these recovery efforts in their community.  Education Beyond the Hardware: Keeping Kids Safe at School and Elsewhere on Vimeo :   The recording of this Voices for Georgia’s Children  event pulled stakeholders engaged in improving the lives of Georgia’s children. During this panel discussion you will hear from community leaders, elected officials and youth service providers about the state of child safety in Georgia and what each is doing to promote safety for children in their organizations, committees, and programs.  Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools | Trauma Conference (ATN):   Join the largest gathering of Trauma-Informed Educators dedicated to building Trauma-Responsive schools gathering in Atlanta, GA February 16-18 and VIRTUALLY  Feb 20-2 1. Register here. Foster Care I mproving Access to Support Services for Teens in Foster Care - The Annie E. Casey Foundation :  All young peo­ple deserve sup­port as they pur­sue edu­ca­tion, obtain employ­ment, main­tain sta­ble hous­ing and pre­pare to be suc­cess­ful adults. A Dec. 5 Insta­gram Live con­ver­sa­tion fea­tur­ing the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Todd Lloyd, senior asso­ciate for Child Wel­fare Pol­i­cy, explored approach­es to ensur­ing more young peo­ple get and ben­e­fit from these crit­i­cal resources. Shaping Identity: Racial and Ethnic Development for Young People in Foster Care:   A new brief from Child Trends  explores how time in fos­ter care can  influ­ence young people’s racial and eth­nic iden­ti­ties. Fos­ter Care and the Devel­op­ment of Racial and Eth­nic Iden­ti­ty  rec­om­mends how best to sup­port the crit­i­cal process of iden­ti­ty devel­op­ment for youth who may feel dis­con­nect­ed from their roots. Fund­ed by the Annie E. Casey Foun­da­tion, the brief fea­tures inter­views with young peo­ple who have expe­ri­enced the child wel­fare sys­tem and high­lights their need for infor­ma­tion, resources and ongo­ing con­ver­sa­tions as they embrace or shift their identities. Professional Development 2025 Connections Matter Train the Trainer Sessions:   The Connections Matter Georgia Train-the-Trainer (CMGA TOT) offers professionals the foundational knowledge and tools they need to train others, including parents, educators, child-serving professionals, healthcare, human services providers, faith leaders, and community members. Each TOT consists of one full in-person day, and one-half virtual day. 2025 Trainings  will be hosted in Atlanta on the following dates: March 19th,   June 17th, and September 18th   Prerequisite : Participation and verification in a Connections Matter workshop is a prerequisite. If you haven’t taken the training yet or need a refresher, click here  for upcoming workshops. 29th Annual Child & Adolescent Mental Health Conference  : This conference will be April 27th-29th  in Duluth, Minnesota bringing together professionals and caregivers supporting children prenatal to age 24. Early bird registration rates are available until March 28th  and Scholarships   are available to reduce barriers, with priority given to BIPOC professionals, those working in rural areas, and dual-language speakers. Scholarship applications are due by Wednesday, February 26, 2025 , and recipients will be notified by Friday, March 21, 2025 . Strolling Thunder: Little Ones & their Grownups Advocate at the Capitol :   GEEARS: Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students  is excited to announce the eighth annual Strolling Thunder. This kid-friendly event gives families from around Georgia the opportunity to speak personally with elected officials about the joys and challenges of raising young children. We’re bringing along our little ones in their strollers to send a clear message: To build strong families, vibrant communities, and a prosperous state, our lawmakers must prioritize families with young children. This year’s Strolling Thunder is a two-part event: The first part of the event is a virtual training session where you will learn what to expect and empower you to share your story during your day at the Georgia State Capitol. There will be three identical trainings on Saturday, January 25th from 10:00-11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 28th from 7:30-8:30 PM, and Friday, January 31st from 12:00-1:00 PM . You only need to attend one training session. The second part of the event will take place in person on Thursday, February 6th, 2025 from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM . Your young children (infants through five-year-olds) are invited to attend this event with you. Expectant parents are also welcome to attend.  Substance Use and Recovery Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force | Bipartisan Policy Center :   Dr. Patrice Harris ,  a Georgia-based psychiatrist and the first African American woman to serve as President of the American Medical Association , has joined the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force . The task force recently released a new report featuring actionable recommendations to improve mental health and substance use services, addressing key areas such as licensing, funding, parity, data disaggregation, and telehealth access. Dr. Harris brings her extensive expertise in public health and her commitment to promoting equitable care to this vital initiative. Learn more about the report here .

Happy Monday, partners! Welcome to another edition of the Monday Memo. We have a lot of great resources to share, but first, here are some 2025 updates and highlights from the RG Team:   RG Highlights End of Year Survey Feedback Highlights   Thank you to everyone who shared feedback in our end-of-year survey! Based on your input, coalitions will have a designated point person for one-on-one technical support, and we’re launching exciting initiatives like the   free 9-week Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) program  led by RCG’s  Tara Jones starting in March, and virtual Lunch and Laughters  to foster connection throughout the year (stay tuned!). We will continue coalition connections, office hours and peer-to-peer network calls   and will start  Help the Helper counseling and consultation sessions with Gabrielle Stewart ,  current MSW intern and previous coalition lead with 20+ years experience in nonprofit leadership. We are working to connect coalitions to sector-specific champions—but please don’t forget to check out our Speakers Bureau  for a wonderful list of subject matter experts. We look forward to an amazing year of growth and collaboration ahead!  Point Person from the Regional Coalition Team: Round 1, Round 4: Nikki Warner, nwarner@resilientga.org Round 2, Round 5, Resilient and United Communities of South Georgia: Alex English, aenglish@resilientga.org   Round 3 (except RUCSG): Audrey Idaikkadar, aidaikkadar@resilientga.org   Additional Support: Upcoming Office Hours and Peer-to-Peer Network Call We’re continuing Coalition Coaching Office Hours  on the 2nd Wednesday and Thursday of each month. This session will be   this Wednesday, January 15th, at 4 PM and Thursday, January 16th, at 8 AM  via Zoom. This is an optional space for questions, concerns, or brainstorming. Grab your coffee or afternoon snack and join us—we look forward to connecting! Our next  Peer-to-Peer Network Call  is tomorrow , January 14th at 2 PM . These optional monthly calls aim to foster engagement, collaboration, and shared learning across the state. With support from our partners at RNEGA, Resilient Communities of SWGA, and RMG, these calls offer an opportunity for mentorship and discussion on relevant topics. Tomorrow we will have a light discussion welcoming everyone back as we look ahead to 2025 topics.  ALL Monthly Coalition Round Calls  will now be the  last week of each month  unless otherwise scheduled. Calendar invites have been sent for 2025. Email Nikki if you did not receive the invites. 2025 Conference List :   If you’re looking for opportunities for professional development and networking, check out our updated list of conferences and summits in 2025! Coalition Spotlights Waycross Area Resilient Georgia Partnership : Magnolia House  and Waycross Area Resilient Georgia Partnership are hosting a free Domestic/Sexual Violence Training  for the Waycross Judicial Circuit featuring Lt. Mark Wynn , former member of the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department, on February 12 and 13th .  Each day will offer two sessions:  8:30 AM–1:00 PM and 4:30 PM–9:00 PM  with breakfast and dinner provided. This training is open to law enforcement and anyone working with victims of domestic/sexual violence, offering 4 P.O.S.T. hours for attendees. Register here by February 7, 2025 .   Resilient Coastal Georgia:   The 11th Annual Chatham County Mental Health Symposium , themed "Connection to Community and Care," will take place on May 8, 2025, at Georgia Southern University – Armstrong Campus. The Chatham County Regional Community Collaborative invites proposals for presentations and workshops that align with this theme . Proposals can be submitted here by February 28th.  Cobb Collaborative Resiliency Week 2025:   Cobb Collaborative  is hosting Resiliency Week February 3-7, 2025, featuring a series of events aimed at fostering a more resilient Cobb County. The week includes a Partner Appreciation Breakfast, a Basics Playground Palooza at Henry Park, a Journaling Workshop at The Book Worm Bookstore, the Resilient Cobb Summit, a Wellness Walk, a Resiliency Dinner, and concludes with a Resiliency Retreat. These activities provide opportunities for advocates and community members to share best practices and collaborate on building a trauma-informed and resilient community! Check out the full list of events and register here . Highlight: Human Trafficking Awareness Month Events Knowledge to Action: Trauma-Informed Care in Human Trafficking Prevention Join the Georgia State Child Welfare Training Collaborative  for a powerful session on January 30th from 10-11:30 AM , featuring staff from Tharros Place. This discussion will explore strategies to prevent human trafficking and provide trauma-informed care for survivors. Learn how you can contribute to protecting our community and supporting survivors. Register Here  to be part of this impactful conversation. THARROS PLACE   is a nonprofit organization located in Savannah which serves as a residential facility for girls aged 12-17 who have survived human trafficking, and they also lead statewide prevention and education efforts. Tharros Place offers a nurturing environment where survivors can heal, rebuild their lives, and regain independence. Their holistic approach includes access to counseling, education, job training, and other essential resources to help survivors overcome trauma and achieve long-term stability. Through community partnerships and advocacy, Tharros Place strives to raise awareness about human trafficking and create a future where every survivor can thrive. Because January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, please check out their upcoming awareness and fundraising events ,  including the Cocktails for Courag e  fundraiser January 24th from 5:30-7:30 . Please share widely as girls statewide are referred to Tharros Place for support. Civil Discourse In our current climate of heightened polarization, resources for fostering civil discourse are essential for building understanding and unity.   Braver Angels   offers e-courses designed to equip individuals with skills for constructive conversations across political and ideological divides. These courses focus on listening, speaking with respect, and finding common ground, helping participants navigate difficult discussions with empathy and clarity. Similarly, the Duke University "I Came Looking for Hope" initiative  emphasizes storytelling and dialogue as tools to bridge divides. Through workshops and shared narratives, this program fosters meaningful connections and offers hope for collaborative solutions. Together, these resources highlight the transformative power of civil discourse in fostering resilience and unity in our communities. Please share widely! JEDI  Join the Lotus Project Community Advisory Board (CAB) and Explore Webinar Resources!   The   Lotus Project  is looking for passionate individuals to join its Community Advisory Board  to improve resources supporting mental health professionals and community-based organizations in implementing trauma-informed care for Asian American and Asian Immigrant communities. CAB members will provide feedback during quarterly Zoom meetings and receive a $40 gift card per meeting. Sign up here!    Additionally, the Lotus Project offers an array of recorded webinars on their website .  These webinars cover trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and mental health strategies tailored to the AAAI community.  Maximizing Global Talent   Join The BIG Partnership on Friday, January 24, from 9:30-11:30 AM  at the Latin American Association in Atlanta for the "Maximizing Global Talent" breakfast event. This two-hour gathering will feature coffee, a continental breakfast, networking opportunities, and a panel discussion on leveraging Georgia’s diverse international talent pool. Hosted by a coalition of business and civic leaders, the event focuses on strengthening Georgia's economy by harnessing the potential of New Americans and building a healthcare workforce with cultural and linguistic representation for immigrant and refugee Georgians. Organized by New American Pathways , this nonprofit supports refugees and immigrants in Georgia from arrival to citizenship. Suicide Prevention THE YELLOW ELEPHANT:  The Yellow Elephant is a Georgia-based nonprofit focused on suicide prevention for individuals aged 9 to 24,  serving communities in South GA. Through initiatives such as distributing educational resources, collaborating with local organizations, and hosting their Annual Be The Light Night (In 2024, 200 people gathered to honor those affected by suicide, featuring recovery stories, a candlelight vigil, and vital community resources).  Key 2024 initiatives included funding for funerals, counseling sessions, and transportation to crisis centers. Looking ahead, the organization is planning events like Suicide Prevention Advocacy Day, the 9th Annual Be The Light Night, alongside the launch of grief support workshops and continued partnerships with   HOPE Squad to bring suicide prevention programs to schools.  If you would like to partner or learn more about their organization, please reach out to Alex English ( aenglish@resilientga.org ) for a connection.

Happy New Year and Welcome to the first Monday Memo of 2025—your trusted source for updates, highlights, and opportunities to promote resilience and well-being across our communities. We hope your holiday season was filled with joy, rest, reflection, and meaningful connection. This week’s edition features: Coalition Spotlights, Educational Resources, Funding Opportunities, Events, and Rural Resources. But first, here are some Resilient Georgia updates to kick off the new year! RG Highlights Professional Development Opportunity: Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) for Coalition Leaders    : We are thrilled to offer the Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART)   program, led by Tara Jones  from Resilient Coastal Georgia, at no cost to coalition leaders starting March 2025.  Tara is the only certified PART provider in Georgia, trained through the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. She recently represented her community on an international stage, speaking at Harvard Medical School’s Mind-Body Medicine Conference, where she highlighted the success of her PART pilot program with Gateway CSB’s Magnolia Clinic.   This 9-week program is designed to reduce stress, improve well-being, and promote resilience. Participants will learn techniques such as recognizing stress responses, practicing meditation, improving sleep and physical activity, and cultivating positivity. We know 1.5 hours for 9 weeks is a commitment, but we hope to encourage you to take this time to prioritize your own self-care and wellness. If you are interested in participating or would like more details on day/time,   please fill out the interest form here .  Participants will be capped at 20 and it is a first-come, first serve basis, but we encourage one leader/coalition if possible! Fall 2024 Regional Coalition Summary Report:   We are excited to share this summary report of the incredible work our 16 regional coalitions are doing to reduce mental health stigma, prevent and heal childhood adversity, emphasize trauma-informed awareness and care, and promote resilience in children and their families.  Coalition Spotlights Resilient Chattahoochee Valley:   Check out RCV’s  new podcast episode, Balance Beast , highlighting their work in fostering youth resilience through collaboration with Shaw High School students. These student-athletes share their experiences balancing academics and sports, navigating mental health challenges, and preparing for life beyond high school. Their candid reflections emphasize the importance of supportive environments and resilience in overcoming obstacles, showcasing the coalition’s commitment to empowering young voices and creating meaningful change. Resilient North Georgia : Wellroot is hosting the 2025 Reaching Teens Summit  on Thursday January 30th from 9am-4pm . Led by renowned teen expert Dr. Ken Ginsburg, attendees will explore trauma's impact on brain development, resilience-building techniques, and effective communication skills to foster independence and well-being in youth. Lunch will be provided! Register here. Education Resources The Best Kids’ Books on Mental Health of 2024: The Child Mind Institute's  list of the best kids' books on mental health offers a collection of literature aimed at educating and supporting children and families in managing emotional and mental health challenges. These resources are especially beneficial for educators, parents, and youth-serving professionals seeking to foster resilience and understanding in young people. The curated list covers themes such as anxiety, self-esteem, and coping strategies. GADOE’s Career Clusters and Pathways The Georgia Department of Education's Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) page outlines career clusters and pathways designed to help students explore various industries and careers. These pathways are part of Georgia's efforts to prepare students for college and career readiness by offering specialized programs in areas such as agriculture, business, health, and more. For detailed information on the pathways and their offerings, visit here . The CARES Impact Case Study on Literacy:  Prepared by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education , this report highlights how three Georgia school districts—Fulton, Grady, and Marietta—are addressing literacy gaps caused by the pandemic. These districts have implemented structured literacy programs with a focus on phonics, fluency, and comprehension, supported by intensive educator training. The study underscores the importance of leadership, funding, and data-driven strategies in achieving positive literacy outcomes. Check out the full report and share with your partners as you see fit! Funding  TRANSFORMATIVE TRUTH-TELLING FELLOWSHIP MICROGRANTS   The Truth + Transformation project at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is offering grants ($1,000–$2,500) for initiatives focused on forced labor, convict leasing, and criminal justice. They seek projects highlighting historical truth-telling, community-driven memorialization, and engagement efforts that inspire justice and reconciliation. Grantees will receive support and may have their work featured in a resource guide. Applications are due by January 15th.   Learn more and apply here. Kids to Parks Day: School Grants Program  This grant program supports under-resourced U.S. schools, helping students discover and explore parks, historic sites, public lands, and waters. All Title I, pre-K-12 classrooms in the U.S. are eligible to apply for grants of up to $1,000 to fund park experiences. The grant application is currently OPEN and will close on February 7, 2025.  To explore National Parks in Georgia,  visit this link.  Please share widely with your school partners! Moment of Sparks Grant Informational Webinar:  Join the Georgia Health Initiative's  webinar on January 15th at 1PM t o learn about the 2025 "Moment of Spark" Grants , designed to support community-driven health equity efforts across Georgia. This session will provide an overview of the grant's purpose, tips for crafting a compelling application, and guidance on navigating the application process. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session to clarify any questions. Don’t miss this chance to explore how these flexible, place-based funds can spark collaboration and systems change in your community. Register here! Happenings and Events Insights on Medicaid in Georgia Webinar:  This webinar hosted by the Georgia Health Initiative   January 10th at 1PM will explore key findings from their inaugural annual publication on Medicaid in Georgia. Topics will include eligibility, enrollment trends, covered services, managed care, Medicaid financing, and current state priorities. This resource aims to provide comprehensive data on Medicaid’s impact on children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and other key groups, offering valuable insights for stakeholders. Register here! GCAPP's Virtual INcluded Workshop : GCAPP is hosting a free, LGBTQ+ inclusive, comprehensive sex education workshop for youth (ages 14-24) and their supporters this  Wednesday, January 8th, from 5:30-8:30 PM. This workshop provides valuable information on protecting against STIs and unwanted pregnancies, along with tips for advocating for oneself in healthcare settings. All attendees will receive a $50 VISA gift card and registration is required. Participants can sign up here. Please share widely!  Health Care Unscrambled 2025 – Georgians for a Healthy Future:   Health Care Unscrambled was rescheduled to Tuesday, January 14th from 12:30-4PM.  It   provides an opportunity for health advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders to come together for bipartisan discussions about Georgia’s health care landscape. Attendees will hear from state leaders about their priorities for the year ahead, gain insights from experts, and learn more about the health experiences of Georgians. This year's event will feature   Hemi Tewarson, JD, MPH , Executive Director of the National Academy for State Health Policy , as the keynote speaker.  Rural Resources Rural Partners Network Virtual Forum:  Join the Rural Partners Network team on January 15th at 2PM for a virtual forum that celebrates successes, shares updates on federal resources and programs, and fosters connections among rural community leaders. This event provides a valuable opportunity to collaborate, learn, and engage with others working to advance rural initiatives. Register here! Housing and Urban Development 101: Rural Playbook Webinar: Join the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development   on  January 16th at 1PM  for the "HUD 101: Rural Playbook Webinar." This session will provide rural organizations with valuable materials and resources from the Office of Community Planning & Development, designed to support and address the unique needs of rural communities. Register here. Farmer Mental Health:  The   Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance   is a coalition dedicated to improving the health, safety, and well-being of farmers and farming communities across Georgia. Powered by the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center at Mercer University School of Medicine, GAWA addresses mental health challenges and promotes resilience in rural areas. Those interested in joining the Alliance can complete the form on their website.    Please share widely!  The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of farmers and agricultural communities. Through initiatives like farmer mental health programs, the foundation provides resources, education, and access to support services designed to address the unique challenges faced by those in agriculture. Their efforts aim to reduce stigma, promote resilience, and ensure the sustainability of Georgia’s farming families and communities.

Welcome to the last Monday Memo of 2024 —your go-to source for updates, highlights, and opportunities to foster resilience and well-being in our communities. As we wrap up the year, please note that the memo will be on pause for the holiday season and resume in the New Year on Monday, January 6th.  On behalf of the Resilient Georgia team, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful and restful holiday season. May this time bring you moments of reflection, connection, and renewal with your loved ones. Additionally, we encourage you to explore and share the Free Your Feels Holiday Stress Toolkit . to support well-being during this season. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to strengthening our Georgia communities. This week’s edition includes: Coalition Spotlights, Funding Opportunities, Professional Development and Events, and Rural Mental Health Resources, but first some RG Updates: RG Highlights RG Coalition Event Webpage  : We would like to continue our Coalition Event Calendar  in 2025, but we are switching to an easier submission process via google form.   Coalitions, please feel free to submit any of your 2025 events here and we will update them on a weekly basis. We will send a monthly reminder about the submission form moving forward. Thank you!! 2025 Regional Coalition Meeting Calendar Here is the calendar for the 2025 meeting schedule where you can find update call, coalition connection, general meeting, and lunch and learn dates all in one place! All event invites will be sent out before the end of the week, so please keep an eye out for those if you haven’t seen them already. Please save for your records. Coalition Spotlight Resilient Coastal Georgia :   Thank you and congratulations to Lizann Roberts  as she retires this month from her role as Executive Director of the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition and Resilient Coastal Georgia Coalition. We would like to take a moment to honor her incredible contributions and lasting impact on our state. Lizann’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering collaboration, advancing community well-being, and championing resilience. Her dedication and vision have inspired countless individuals and organizations to work together for a stronger, healthier Coastal Georgia and beyond. While we will miss her presence in this role, we celebrate her legacy and wish her all the best in her next chapter! Thank you, Lizann, for your extraordinary service and leadership. Please check out this heartfelt video tribute  from her local colleagues and friends 😊   Cobb Collaborative   continues to make a remarkable impact through its initiatives promoting mental health and resilience. Their newest Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcas t  episode discusses programs aimed at raising mental health awareness and reducing stigma within the community. Additionally, the final issue of the Mind Your Mind Magazine   provides information on wellness during the holiday season, fostering safe communities, and a deeper look into the Connecting Cobb Veteran’s initiative. Their 2025 Resiliency Week  has been scheduled for February 3rd-7th. Looking forward to seeing where 2025 takes your coalition! Thank you for these efforts.   Health Equity What Do Georgians Think When They Hear “Health Equity”? - Georgia Health Initiative   The " Communicating About Health Equity in Georgia"  guide, developed by Spitfire Strategies for the Georgia Health Initiative , provides research-based messaging strategies to promote health equity statewide. It emphasizes starting with shared values like fairness, using accessible language, focusing on solutions, and sharing relatable local stories. Advocates are encouraged to address misconceptions with clear facts, tailor messages to audience priorities, and frame health equity as a shared responsibility that benefits everyone. By fostering inclusive dialogue and collective action, the guide aims to mobilize support for a healthier, more equitable Georgia.  Internships for Students PIN Summer Internship (PSI) This opportunity from  PIN Georgia  is o pen to all active technical college, undergraduate and graduate students from any accredited higher education institution, PSI offers students the opportunity to work in-person, full-time in intern pairs on innovative and impactful projects that are dedicated to creating a positive public impact across communities. Interns will gain valuable experience working with innovative organizations, leaders and projects while being paid $8,000 over the summer for the 12-week internship. Please share widely!  Students can apply here by Feb. 5, 2025!  Funding GEICO Philanthropic Foundation Funding Application:   For more than 40 years, The GEICO Philanthropic Foundation has supported organizations that provide programs and resources to help strengthen diverse communities across the country.  The foundation supports three categories including education, engaging the community, and promoting equity. Funding guidelines, eligibility requirements and the application can be accessed here .    Vanguard Charitable: Sustainable Disaster-Relief Fund:   The Sustainable Disaster-Relief Fund (SDRF) was established in 2006 to aid communities hit by natural disasters. This fund supports communities as they rebuild and establish necessary infrastructure to better handle the impact of a repeat disaster. When you submit an RFP, you will be asked to create a profile for your organization and complete a funding application for this year’s funding. Registration and profile creation is a one-time activity. Applications are due by January 15, 2025 . Please share with communities impacted by the recent hurricanes! 2025 Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program : The  Department of Justice's OVW  Grant Program supports projects that provide comprehensive legal services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, private and public higher education institutions, and publicly funded organizations not acting in a governmental capacity. Applications due by January 28, 2025 .  HURRICANE RELIEF FUND | Georgia Foundation for Agriculture:   Hurricane Helene devastated Georgia’s farming community, with an estimated $6.46 on estimated total economic impact and $3.2 billion in direct damages to farms, affecting nearly a third of the state's $9.6 billion agricultural industry. In response, over 40 of Georgia's leading agricultural partners, including the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture  and the Georgia Department of Agriculture , have launched a relief fund to support affected farmers. 100% of the funds raised will go toward farmers in need in Georgia. FARMERS can   apply for funds here by December 31st, 2024.  Please share! Professional Development and Events Building Cultural Competence in Professional Practice: GSU Child Welfare Training Collaborative:   This training on Wednesday December 18th 9AM-12:30PM focuses on developing skills to build trust, communicate across cultural differences, and adapt services to meet the needs of individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.  Through real-life examples and practice activities, participants will deepen their understanding of what operating as a culturally competent practitioner means.  SMARTS for Advocacy: Telling Your Story Learning how to talk with your legislators :   NAMI Georgia   is hosting three virtual workshops in January titled SMARTS for Advocacy: Telling Your Story .  These workshops will teach participants how to effectively share their personal stories to raise awareness, inspire others, and influence policymakers to improve the lives of those affected by mental health conditions. Attendees will learn how to craft impactful narratives tailored for advocacy and engagement with legislators. Register for any of the sessions:  January 9th from 1:00-2:30pm         January 14th from 6:30-8:00pm        January 21st from 6:30-8:00pm   Health Care Unscrambled 2025 – Georgians for a Healthy Future:   Health Care Unscrambled on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025, from 7:30 - 11:00 AM will provide a unique opportunity for health advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders to come together for bipartisan discussions about Georgia’s health care landscape. Attendees will hear from state leaders about their priorities for the year ahead, gain insights from experts, and learn more about the health experiences of Georgians. This year's event will feature   Hemi Tewarson, JD, MPH , Executive Director of the National Academy for State Health Policy , as the keynote speaker.  Mental Health Day at the Capitol:    The Behavioral Health Services Coalition is excited for this year's event to hear from great speakers and engage with sponsors and other advocates. Registration is Open!   Mental Health Day at the Capitol   will be held on January 22, 2025, at 8 AM .  You can sign up to meet with your legislators and ask them to vote for Mental Health legislation this season. Every individual who meets with their legislators will receive a FREE MHDC 2025 T-Shirt! Register here to Meet with Legislators. Rural Mental Health MHA Rural Mental Health Resource :   Mental Health America (MHA)  launched a comprehensive resource page addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by rural communities. It highlights issues such as higher suicide rates, limited access to care, and prevalent stigma that hinder individuals from seeking help. The page provides strategies to combat these challenges, including promoting open discussions to reduce stigma, leveraging telehealth services to improve access, and fostering community resilience. Additionally, MHA offers tools like mental health screenings and connections to local support services to assist rural residents in managing their mental health effectively.  CU Anschutz Department of Family Medicine Practice-Based Research Networks HPRN COMET:   COMET™ (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory)  training teaches people how to intervene when they encounter someone who is in a “vulnerable space” and help shift the person’s mental health trajectory   back to a place of wellness instead of proceeding towards a mental health crisis. This training helps reduce the suffering resulting from the high levels of stress in rural, agricultural communities.  Learn more about COMET virtual training dates   here .  Please share with your rural partners! Upcoming webinar dates: January 7th, Feb 14th

It’s hard to believe 2024 is winding down, and December is already here! Welcome to another edition of the Monday Memo, your trusted resource for updates, highlights, and opportunities to foster resilience and well-being in our communities. A special thank you to everyone who joined us—either in person or virtually—last month to celebrate Resilient Georgia's 5-year anniversary. Your presence and support mean so much to us. This week, we’re starting with partner spotlights, followed by a wealth of child and youth resources, funding opportunities, and professional development insights. Let’s finish the year strong together! RG Highlights New Blog Post: Parenting-Take Time to Connect : Our partner, Sally Miller at the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center , shared an insightful blog about the video Parenting – Take Time to Connect, created in collaboration with Marietta City School District , Brownieland Pictures , Cobb Collaborative ,  and   GEEARS . The video emphasizes the importance of spending a few quality minutes each day connecting with your child to build their self-esteem and sense of security. The blog offers practical ways for organizations, schools, and early learning centers to use the video, including holiday-themed newsletter text and social media sharing ideas. Check it out to help spread this vital message in your community! Partner Spotlight Congratulations to our partners Jennifer Wilds  and Bonnie Hardage  for receiving the 2024 Flame of Hope Award from DBHDD , recognizing their exceptional contributions to mental health and well-being in Georgia. Jennifer, Executive Director of the Newton Rockdale Suicide Prevention Coalition, was honored for initiatives like Kick the Habit and Sounds of Support that empower communities and inspire hope. Bonnie, leader of the Georgia Mental Health Funders Collaborative and RG Co-founder and board member, was celebrated for fostering systemic change and improving mental health care access through innovative collaboration. Their impactful work continues to uplift and transform lives across the state. Big congratulations to Bonnie and Jennifer! ARCHI :  Last month, ARCHI hosted the inaugural State of Metro Atlanta Health Symposium at the Decatur Conference Center, bringing together over  300 leaders  and community members to address pressing health disparities across the region. The sold-out event featured keynote speakers Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford and Dr. Bryan Buckley, as well as a panel of experts discussing topics like care coordination, mental health, housing, and legal advocacy. Breakout sessions explored solutions around income and health, access to care, housing stability, and policy advocacy. The symposium fostered collaboration and innovative approaches to shaping a healthier, more equitable future for Metro Atlanta. Thank you, ARCHI! Child & Youth Development The Brain Architects Podcast: Building Resilience Through Play:   This podcast sponsored by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University  highlights the resilience building benefits of play. Far from frivolous, play contributes to sturdy brain architecture, the foundations of lifelong health, and the building blocks of resilience, yet its importance is often overlooked. In this podcast, Dr. Jack Shonkoff explains the role of play in supporting resilience and five experts share their ideas and personal stories about applying the science of play in homes, communities, and crisis environments around the world. Check it out and share! Help Your Young Children Name and Manage Their Emotions:   Teaching young children to identify and manage their emotions is an important step in helping them to develop emotional intelligence and resilience, which are indicators that they are more likely to have better relationships with others as they mature and do better in school. This resource from the Quality Care for Children  includes information and resources to support parents and caregivers in supporting children in learning about their emotions, including a wonderful list of board books! Youth Mental Health Tracker   The Youth Mental Health Tracker (YMHT) is a comprehensive data platform poised to transform our understanding and approach to youth mental health and wellbeing. Its mission is to empower equitable, youth-centered solutions that improve outcomes and foster meaningful change for the future of our young people. Launching December 2024, the Youth Mental Health Tracker will provide an unprecedented, integrated understanding of youth mental health drivers to inform scalable solutions. This tracker is made possible by a partnership between Surgo Health ,  Pivotal Ventures, Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios.  Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens in Schools:   Whether you’re a teacher, counselor, instructional aide, administrator, or anyone working with teens, this book by Dr. Karen Bluth is your go-to Social Emotional Learning guide with 16-sessions for middle and high school youth. Please share with your youth-serving professionals! Featuring ready-to-use lesson plans, teaching tips, mini-sessions, and handouts, this guide aims to help students: Be kinder and more supportive to themselves Quiet their minds and re-center themselves Work through difficult emotions like anger, sadness, and anxiety Break free from the social media comparison trap Rein in impulsivity or distractibility to focus on the task at hand Overcome perfectionistic tendencies, rumination, and “over-analysis paralysis” Cultivating Connections Recipes for Connection:   This holiday season, let’s embrace Recipes for Connection by using food to nourish both our bodies and our relationships. This booklet, developed by the  Office of the U.S. Surgeon General,  offers creative ideas to foster social connections through shared food experiences. Recognizing that social connections are vital for health and well-being—protecting against issues like heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression—the booklet provides inspiration for diverse and engaging gatherings centered around food. It encourages individuals to share their own "recipes for connection" using the hashtag #recipesforconnection, promoting a collective effort to strengthen relationships and community bonds. Funding The Community Corps – Community. Sustainability. Change.  The Community Corps offers scholarships and grants to support under-served ideas and educational concepts that provide a future benefit to a community. The Community Corps background includes 40 years of success providing non-traditional education. They now seek to invest in the development of people and projects providing alternative solutions to needs in their community. Our projects will emphasize change, education, and related sustainability. Apply by December 31, 2024! JUSTICE SQUARED:  This funding provides up to 12 teams of five core healthcare and community leaders with $300,000 ($400,000 for safety-net institutions) in funding over two years. Teams will engage in a guided process focused on learning and action, supported by experts in systemic change and organizational transformation. The program helps healthcare organizations address structural, racial inequities by either (1) improving how they measure and account for systemic factors affecting health or (2) refining clinical, operational, and administrative processes to ensure equitable outcomes. Justice Squared   makes navigating these complex challenges more manageable, equipping teams with the tools to create meaningful and sustainable change.   Apply here by December 15, 2024! For Professionals Nonprofit Capacity-Building Session 5: Advocacy Strategies for Nonprofit Engagement:  As part of the Cobb Collaborative ’s on-going efforts to bring high quality, relevant capacity-building information to their members, they have added an additional session to the Virtual Nonprofit Capacity-Building training series. Your community work is important, and policy makers need to know about the people you serve and the complex systems that you work within. Casey Tanner, Vice President of External Affairs for KSU, will share best practices for nonprofit leaders on how to be an effective advocate December 12 from 3-4PM.  Casey will cover many aspects of advocacy – the people, the policies and the process. Join for an informative session just a few weeks before the start of the 2025 Georgia General Session!   Registration  here. 2025 Health Care Champion Awards Nominations - Atlanta Business Chronicle :  The  Health Care Champion Awards  will honor frontline healthcare heroes alongside the industry’s most innovative and influential leaders, paying tribute to the nurses, physicians, and community outreach professionals plus the preeminent leaders in health equity, women’s health, pediatric care, rural health and more. Winners will be honored during a special awards program on March 20, 2025, and are featured in that week’s Atlanta Business Chronicle. We encourage you to nominate someone in your region! Applications are due Friday, December 27, 2024.

Welcome to another edition of the Monday Memo, your go-to resource for updates, highlights, and opportunities to support resilience and well-being in our communities. Per usual, we are kicking it off with spotlights from Regional Coalitions around the state, followed by professional development opportunities and Georgia happenings. Please note: We will not be sending out a Monday Memo the Monday after Thanksgiving (December 2nd). We will resume on December 9th. On behalf of the Resilient Georgia team, we wish those who celebrate a Happy Thanksgiving. We hope you all take a moment to recharge, reflect, and connect with what brings you joy with your loved ones. Thank you for the incredible work you do to strengthen our communities—we’re grateful for each and every one of you. Regional Coalition Spotlights Resilient Chattahoochee Valley’s Newsletter  highlights the amazing work the coalition is doing to build community resilience including the Views and Visions Podcast at Shaw Highschool, the RCV Book Club featuring discussions about the powerful life story of Winfred Rembert, a Poverty Simulation implemented in partnership with Goodwill, Inc.,  and Speaking of the Basics: The Power Early Childhood Connections video. Check out their progress and all of the ways they are engaging in the community.   The very first Reaching Teens Summit  will be Thursday, January 30, 2025 , from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for the Reaching Teens Summit , a free, one-day training for professionals working with youth. This event hosted by Resilient North Georgia and Wellroot Family Services will provide strength-based strategies and practical tools for addressing trauma, mental health challenges, and behavioral risks. Led by renowned expert Dr. Ken Ginsburg, this summit provides strength-based strategies to address behavioral risks and mental health challenges in youth, providing practical tools to be the resilient, supportive adults our youth need. Lunch is included, but space is limited, so be sure to invite your network of youth-serving professionals to this impactful event!  Conferences SAVE THE DATE! On February 18-20, 2025, DBHDD will host the   2025 Georgia Suicide Prevention Conference   in Peachtree City, GA. This event focused on statewide learning and networking will bring together suicide prevention, mental health, and behavioral health stakeholders to examine emerging suicide data, learn about innovation prevention programs, and provide opportunities to engage with peers and subject-matter experts on practices and methods in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. Best Start Georgia is seeking applications for presentations at their 2025 Georgia Child Health Conference . Applications are to be submitted via their online submission form by  5:00 PM, February 1, 2025 . The conference will be hosted in Atlanta July 12 – 15, 2025 . Presentations should align with Autism, Babies Can’t Wait, Caregivers, Children’s Medical Services, Children 1st, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, Therapeutic Providers and Home Visiting audiences.     Internships for Students PIN Summer Internship (PSI) This opportunity from  PIN Georgia  is o pen to all active technical college, undergraduate and graduate students from any accredited higher education institution, PSI offers students the opportunity to work in-person, full-time in intern pairs on innovative and impactful projects that are dedicated to creating a positive public impact across communities. Interns will gain valuable experience working with innovative organizations, leaders and projects while being paid $8,000 over the summer for the 12-week internship. Please share widely!  Students can apply here by Feb. 5, 2025!  Georgia Happenings The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6)   A national study conducted by Americans for the Arts and facilitated by   Georgia Council for the Arts , reinforces how arts and culture deliver meaningful direct economic and societal benefits. Georgia’s nonprofit arts and culture sector delivers a minimum economic impact of at least $1.27 billion and supports nearly 20,000 jobs. A new tool will allow local organizations and communities to determine their unique impacts within the sector. The   “ Impact Analysis for Planning ,”   known as IMPLAN, platform was created to serve the needs of the U.S. Forest Service and widely used by business, industry, and government to determine economic impact for over 40 years.   Insurance companies are bleeding rural hospitals and communities dry :  Research was conducted with rural hospitals in Georgia concerning the impact of Medicare Advantage plans and other insurance industry practices. Since 2000, a dozen rural hospitals have closed.  Medicare Advantage programs leverage federal funds to pay private insurance corporations, which reimburse hospitals for patient treatments. WriteOff Warrior  found that insurance companies are requiring cumbersome approvals for standard treatments, while denying payments or delaying them for several weeks. Find out more in this AJC article .   Mindworks Georgia - Georgia Health Policy Center:  As a reminder, Georgia DBHDD initially created Mindworks Georgia in order to implement an integrated approach to achieve collective impact in the child and adolescent system of care; the collaborative has since grown in membership, scope, and impact. Mindworks Georgia  is a multiagency, public-private collaborative (formerly known as the Interagency Directors Team) that works to promote better child and adolescent behavioral health in the state. The Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health  at the Georgia Health Policy Center provides backbone and organizational support services  to Mindworks Georgia. Meet their team and learn more about their collective impact initiative on their website .   Trainings & Events College affordability remains a critical issue for Georgia students and families. That's why the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education  and the newly-formed coalition, Georgians for College Affordability , are hosting a Critical Issues Forum entitled, “ A Formula for the Future: The Case for Ensuring Affordable Postsecondary Education ." Participants will examine the current structure of funding for Georgia's colleges and universities and explore the challenges students face in paying for higher education and discuss the broader implications for our state's economy and future workforce. Topics will include potential solutions, including policy changes, funding reform, and innovative models aimed at reducing financial barriers for Georgia students.  Join SAMHSA on Monday, December 2, from 1–2:30 p.m . for the webinar " Grief: A Simultaneously Unique, Yet Universal Experience "  in honor of National Grief Awareness Week.  This session will explore social, cultural, and community perspectives on grief, highlighting its universal and individual aspects. Panelists include experts from Renaissance Funeral Home, SAMHSA, Evermore, Sesame Workshop, and Kiva Centers. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of bereavement. Please share widely!  There are a variety of free Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) certification  courses sponsored by Amerigroup . Virtual participants will receive CEUs for virtual or in-person attendance, approved by the American Psychological Association . For dates and registration information, click here .  For questions, contact Andrea Elam at andrea.elam@amerigroup.com . Please share with your networks! Consulting Services - Andrew Young School of Policy Studies : As 2024 wraps up, consider jumpstarting a stalled project by partnering with graduate students from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies . These students, guided by experienced faculty, offer low-cost, 10-week research services tailored to the needs of public and nonprofit organizations. Projects can include program evaluation, policy analysis, strategic planning, and more. Proposals are due December 1st.

Welcome to another edition of the Monday Memo , your go-to resource for updates, highlights, and opportunities to support resilience and well-being in our communities. This week, we’re kicking things off with many exciting spotlights from the Regional Coalitions around the state, followed by professional development events, and workforce insights. Let’s dive in and continue fostering collaboration, innovation, and impact together to help Georgia’s children and families!  Regional Coalition Spotlights Resilient and United Communities of South Georgia:   Mental Health Support After Hurricane Helene   United Way is dedicated to supporting the community through direct disaster relief, but now its focus is expanding to address mental health. Recognizing the emotional strain many families are experiencing, the team has taken steps to make mental health resources more accessible, particularly to children and frontline workers who are on the front lines of each recovery effort.  Thank you RUCSG for your tireless efforts! Resilient Gwinnett:   GCAPP and the Gwinnett Coalition are hosting a free virtual sexual health education workshop   for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies (ages 14-24) on Wednesday, December 4th, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm  via Zoom. The workshop will cover essential information on preventing STIs and pregnancies, as well as tips for self-advocacy in healthcare settings. Participants who complete the workshop will receive a $50 VISA gift card . Registration is required   here .  Resilient Coastal Georgia : Vira Salzburn will be facilitating two VIRTUAL Community Resiliency Model (CRM) workshops  which provide trauma-informed and resiliency-informed training, focusing on the effects of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system and how to build resilience using practical skills. These would be beneficial for anyone, but especially for helping professionals to learn how to take care of their own health and wellbeing. Virtual sessions are scheduled for Monday, December 2nd,  and Monday, January 6th , from 11:30 am to 1 pm . Participants will learn about trauma's impact, the autonomic nervous system, resilience zones, and CRM skills. Please share widely! Register here!   Please share widely. Building a Region of Resilience NWGA : Check out this month’s relational values video, “Approval.” These monthly videos are part of the coalition’s effort to foster the use of a common language for resilience. The video includes definitions and an example of the word in action to promote resilience. You can see past videos on their YouTube Channel -   Be Your Own Lifesaver . Justice, Equity, Diversion, and Inclusion The Southern Education Foundation's  report, " Miles To Go: The State of Education for Black Students in America ," highlights ongoing disparities in educational opportunities for Black students, despite the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. The report identifies persistent inequities across early childhood, K-12, and higher education, including limited access to quality early education, unequal school funding, less experienced teachers, fewer advanced course opportunities, discriminatory discipline practices, and challenges in college affordability and access. The foundation emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to address these systemic issues and promote equitable education for all students.  Professional Development and Events Inclusivv Workshop: Managing Emotions with Empathy Join Inclusivv for an online workshop on Tuesday, November 19th, from 2-3PM,  focused on how empathetic leaders create supportive and trusting workplace cultures. This session will explore the role of emotional intelligence in fostering belonging, providing strategies to understand emotions, practice empathy, and validate others' feelings. Learn how prioritizing mental and emotional well-being helps teams thrive. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and workplace impact! Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools | Trauma Conference (ATN):  Join the Attachment Trauma Network’s largest gathering of Trauma-Informed Educators dedicated to building Trauma-Responsive schools gathering in Atlanta, GA February 16th-18th, 2025 . Registration   for in-person and online options is now open. Early-bird expires Dec 15th! Check out the conference agenda   here .   10th Annual Savannah Traffick Jam   – this event will celebrate a decade of awareness, advocacy, and action by the Savannah Interagency Diversity Council.   This event includes a training for law enforcement and job fair. The event is open to the public and lunch will be served. Participants are urged to register in advance here . January 24-25, 2025 .  Workforce Inclusivv Launches Workplace Civility Solutions Amid Heightened Need for Civil Discourse :  This initiative is designed to equip organizations with the tools and strategies needed to foster more civility in the workplace that help build cultures of trust, respect and inclusion. Together, Inclusivv and the Society for Human Resource Management ( SHRM ) have developed an array of   self-guided resources and videos  focusing on empathetic leadership, de-escalation techniques, and practical strategies for candid conversations.   I nvesting in emotional intelligence in the age of AI :   As AI transforms our work lives by automating mundane tasks, we gain valuable time to focus on what matters most: our people. This shift calls for a renewed emphasis on emotional intelligence in leadership, which can boost workplace relationships and team performance. Leaders can move forward EQ through strategic conversations, paired with training, which has been proven to be 10 times more effective at creating behavior change than traditional training and equips leaders with the essential skills to recognize and manage emotions, both their own and those of their team members.   Mind the Workplace 2024 :  Findings show that workplace cultures built on trust and support improve employees' experiences of belonging, psychological safety, and empowerment at work. This report from Mental Health America  explores how business leaders can integrate mental health into their workplace's infrastructure and culture, from building trust through transparent communication to cultivating supportive people managers.  Spotlight Correction from Monday Memo 11/11:  The Gwinnett Coalition has long held 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Recently, they launched a Nonprofit Capacity Building Association to provide resources, memberships, and networking opportunities designed to support and strengthen nonprofits in the Gwinnett community. This association focuses on enhancing the impact of local organizations through collaboration, professional development, and resource sharing. We apologize for any confusion from the last memo 😊

Happy November, partners! Please read the following reminders: Ou r final 2024 Round update calls will be this month , with no meetings in December. We also will be hosting another Resilient Georgia office hour this Wednesday at 4-5pm via Zoom . You should all have the calendar invite, but we will resend the Zoom link prior to the session. These are optional drop-ins to discuss any concerns or receive any coalition technical support from our amazingly experienced coalition consultant,   Gabrielle Stewart.   Regional Coalition Spotlight Resilient Gwinnett : In October, Gwinnett County officials marked the expansion of OneStop Centerville , a major community resource center, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This 33,000-square-foot facility enhances service access by housing vital partner organizations, including View Point Health . View Point Health will play a pivotal role through the introduction of its first Play Therapy and Resilience Training Program, aimed at providing specialized education, training, and clinical supervision for clinicians focused on supporting children and families. This initiative emphasizes culturally, linguistically, and developmentally appropriate practices to foster resilience and healing through play and family therapy. Additionally, The Gwinnett Coalition  has recently become a 501c3 . They now offer valuable resources, memberships, and networking opportunities to strengthen nonprofits in the Gwinnett community. They focus on enhancing the impact of local organizations through collaboration, professional development, and resource sharing. Congratulations to the Gwinnett Coalition on achieving nonprofit status, which will further empower their mission to support and unite the nonprofit community in their region!   Caregivers and Parents National Family Caregivers Month : November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to celebrate the dedication of family members who provide care for loved ones managing health challenges, including mental health conditions. This month, Mental Health America  wants to help ease the journey for caregivers by offering resources that promote both caregiver and care recipient well-being. MHA’s Caregiver Resource Center  is a one-stop-shop for information on essential caregiving topics, from recognizing burnout to building resilience.  Mental Health Resources for Caregivers:   Supporting caregivers with information and resources can help them maintain their mental health and better serve loved ones with mental illness. This resource page includes a guide for caregivers, resources for coping with stress, crisis planning, treatment and recovery, and more.   Domestic Violence Prevention The   Confess Project of America ,  known for training barbers as mental health advocates to reduce stigma and support mental health in the Black community, has partnered with the City of Atlanta. This partnership emphasizes a mutual commitment to addressing domestic violence and enhancing mental health services, aligning with findings from the Confess Project’s Harvard research study that underscore the importance of such initiatives. The collaboration reflects the organization’s dedication to community-focused mental health advocacy. Please check out this video with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens  for more details and feel free to share it with your networks to extend its reach!   Justice, Equity, Diversion, and Inclusion They're Not Too Young:  Young children notice and think about race. Adults often worry that talking about race will encourage racial bias in children, but the opposite is true. Silence about race reinforces racism by letting children draw their own conclusions based on what they see. This resource provides guidance on conducting age-appropriate race-based conversations. Feel free to share as you feel appropriate in your communities!  Making Space :  This article on the Learning for Justice  website outlines the roles of affinity groups in providing a platform that lifts the voices of marginalized individuals within their community to create change. The article provides tips on identifying a champion, launching a successful affinity group, and addressing challenges.  Please share as you feel appropriate! Professional Development and Events A Formula for the Future: The Case for Ensuring Affordable Postsecondary Ed   : During this event on December 5, 2024, at 9:30 AM , the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education  and Georgians for College Affordability  will host this Critical Issues Forum to examine the current structure of funding for Georgia's colleges and universities and explore the challenges students face in paying for higher education and discuss the broader implications for our state's economy and future workforce. We will also dive into potential solutions, including policy changes, funding reform, and innovative models aimed at reducing financial barriers for Georgia students. Registration is free.   Adolescent Health Alliance of Georgia Meeting:   GCAPP’s Adolescent Health Alliance of Georgia (AHA-GA)  announced a state-wide initiative supporting youth ages 13-17, spearheaded by our wonderful partners at GCAPP. This collaborative effort unites public and private stakeholders to align strategies that enhance the overall health and well-being of youth across Georgia. By sharing resources, raising awareness, and advocating for policies that promote health equity, AHA-GA aims to address social, emotional, physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health disparities. This introductory virtual call will be December 3rd at 11AM .   Register Here!   Youth Grief Awareness Toolkit   : This toolkit, cocreated by   Free Your Feels  and Kate’s Club  is designed to encourage individuals to feel empowered to share their feelings and seek the support they need. By recognizing expressions of grief, youth can process their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms, while adults can more effectively support young people through their healing journey. Community Interventions to Prevent Substance Use Among Youth : This report of findings from a systematic revue of coalition interventions to prevent substance use among youth found that collaborative efforts, specifically coalitions and partnerships, that address the use of cannabis, tobacco, alcohol, including binge drinking, and illegal substances were effective. These two approaches must have both a community-based organization and two or more interventions selected and implemented to reduce substance use demand, underage access, or both in the community. Read the full report's findings   here .   Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens Registration : In this 8-session live-online course, teens are invited to participate in activities, practices and meditations designed to help them learn how to navigate the emotional ups and downs of life with greater ease. This class is taught by Jamie Lynn Tatera and Karen Bluth, experienced Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens instructors and teacher trainers. Please share the registration widely with your youth and families!

Happy November, partners! As 2024 winds down,   a quick reminder: our final 2024 Round update calls will be this month , with no meetings throughout the holiday season in December. We're finalizing the 2025 calendar and will send invites before the new year. Also, as the election season concludes this week, we know it can be a time of heightened stress. Practicing self-care   during this time is essential to maintain balance and resilience. Prioritizing activities that promote relaxation, connecting with friends and family, setting healthy boundaries with news and social media, practicing gratitude, and engaging in physical activity can help manage stress. Now, let’s move into this week’s resources and reminders, starting with Partner Spotlights:    Regional Coalition Spotlights Resilient Communities of East GA:   Welcome, Rebecca Best, New Executive Director!  We're excited to welcome Rebecca Best as the new Executive Director for the East Georgia coalition which is working to pursue 501c3 status! With 25 years of experience leading strategic projects in fast-paced environments and previous coalition involvement, Rebecca brings a strong background and proactive leadership to the team. She’s known for her sharp  business sense and great  leadership skills, and we’re looking forward to the positive  impact she'll have in the community.  Welcome, Rebecca!   Dr. John Constantino ,  Chief of Behavioral and Mental Health at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta , has been awarded the prestigious Ruane Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric  Research. This award recognizes his groundbreaking work on autism and early-life adversity, highlighted in his recent publication, "An Architecture for Transformation in Child Mental Health , " featured in JAMA Psychiatry . This visionary roadmap outlines plans for systems change in behavioral and mental health currently being implemented at Children’s. Join us in  congratulating Dr. Constantino for this  remarkable achievement and please  share his publication widely!  Higher Education Developing Best Practices for Trauma-Informed Teaching and Learning : The Duke Bass Connections   project on trauma-informed teaching focuses on creating best practices to support folks who have experienced trauma in academic settings. Two key strategies are Naming Current Events , where meetings start with participants sharing both positive and challenging life events to foster open discussion and emotional connection, and Trauma Stewardship , which includes grounding exercises like breathing or meditation to help participants remain present and ready for learning. These practices aim to build a psychologically safe and inclusive environment, improving teaching practices and university policies for trauma-affected individuals and can be tailored and used across all educational levels.  Justice, Equity, Diversion, and Inclusion The Blackfoot Wisdom that Inspired Maslow’s Hierarchy:   The article explores how Abraham Maslow’s famous Hierarchy of Needs was influenced by his time spent with the Blackfoot Nation in 1938. Maslow observed the tribe’s communal values, self-actualization, and generosity-based wealth, which shaped his thinking. Unlike Maslow's individualistic model, Blackfoot culture emphasized community actualization  and the interdependence  of individuals. The article discusses how these Indigenous perspectives on well-being challenge Western ideals and offer valuable lessons on community and resilience. Thank you to Julie Miller from Resilient Communities of East GA for sharing this with us!  Funding Opportunity Funding for Infant-Toddler Courts : This funding opportunity is searching for applicants to implement the Georgia Thrive   program in their local community. One site will work with families whose children are already in the foster care system, while the other will focus on prevention, helping both at-risk families and those currently in foster care. If you want to apply as a prevention site, be sure to indicate that in your application. The application is open now and closes at midnight on November 8, 2024 .   Professional Development and Events GSU Child Welfare Collaborative Knowledge to Action Conversation on Becoming a Trauma-Informed Organization :  On Thursday, November 14 from 10-11:30 AM , join Jennifer Hossler from the Georgia   Center for Child Advocac y for a conversation on becoming a trauma-informed organization. Learn about the Trauma-Informed Organizational Assessment (TIOA) and how it can help transform your organization by integrating trauma-informed practices. Jennifer will share insights from a child advocacy center's journey, addressing secondary traumatic stress, building stronger teams, and fostering psychologically safe spaces.  Georgia Appleseed 2024 Justice Conversations: Housing, the Law, and Child Well-being    This panel discussion hosted by Georgia Appleseed   will discuss how Georgia’s three branches of government address the opportunities and challenges created by Georgia’s Housing crisis. The in-person event will be Tuesday, December 3rd from 8– 10 AM  in Atlanta. The event is free but   RSVP is required.  Social Isolation & Loneliness Employers Prioritizing Connection as a Vital Component of Whole-Person Health :  This LinkedIn article highlights the importance of employers adopting a "whole-person health" approach, which prioritizes physical, mental, and social well-being. Key strategies include fostering workplace connections, offering expanded health benefits, and implementing wellness programs that address loneliness and social isolation. Research shows that addressing these issues can boost employee health, productivity, and retention. Employers can also engage with local communities through volunteer programs and shared spaces. Leadership plays a crucial role in modeling healthy behaviors and creating a culture of connection.  As we reflect on the October Lunch and Learn  with the  Foundation for Social Connection , we wanted to share a few books that may serve as valuable resources. While the team hasn’t read all of them yet, they come highly recommended and explore key themes around loneliness, friendship, and human connection. These could be great options for coalition book clubs or personal exploration:  Let’s Talk About Loneliness by Simone Heng   Un-Lonely Planet by Jillian Richardson  We Should Get Together by Kat Vellos  Platonic by Dr. Marisa D. Franco  The Friendship Formula by Kyler Shumway   Together by Dr. Vivek Murthy  Census Household Pulse Survey : In the latest Household Pulse Survey from the Census Bureau, 40.3% of Americans reported feeling lonely  at least some of the time, highlighting the ongoing challenge of social disconnection. As US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy noted, loneliness isn't just a bad feeling—it's a public health concern linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression, heart disease, dementia, stroke, and even premature death. This analysis underscores the need for communities to prioritize social connectedness. A big thanks to our friends at Art Pharmacy for flagging this important information in their newsletter. For those newer to our coalition, Art Pharmacy's   work on fostering connection through art was shared at a past Lunch & Learn.  Youth Youth Resource: VOX ATLVOX ATL  offers teens a platform to share insights on mental health   and provides  free downloadable lesson plans   and activity guides for social-emotional learning for educators statewide. The Teen Survey  and mental health self-expression   are statewide initiatives, supported by DBHDD, promoting engagement and creativity among Georgia’s youth.  VOX also cocreates the Free Your Feels  campaign which plays a crucial role in  promoting mental health awareness and encouraging open conversations among Georgia's youth. By partnering with VOX ATL, Georgia DBHDD ,   Georgia Voices , Silence the Shame and Ser Familia , it supports initiatives providing educational resources, creative self-expression opportunities, and access to mental health services. Together, they help ensure that young people across the state feel empowered to share their feelings and seek the support they need.

As always, here is another weekly list of carefully curated resources and reminders, but first, here are some highlights from the RG Team:    RG Highlights Coalition Peer-to-Peer Network: Our next Peer-to-Peer meeting will be next Tuesday November 5th at 2pm . This month’s peer call will offer a safe, unstructured space for mutual support, fostering connection, and discussing self-care and workplace wellness.  We are aware it falls on Election Day , so we wanted to remind you that these calls are always optional. We're also sharing the Georgia My Voter Page  for folks who might want more information on early voting (through Nov 1) and election day poll locations.  Lily Testifies in Court! A Book for Children in Criminal Court : We are excited to offer the book Lily Testifies in Court: What Children Should Know About the Criminal Court Process to our coalition partners working in juvenile justice, courts, District Attorneys' offices, or CASAs. This children’s book is designed to help children better understand the criminal court process and can be a valuable tool for those supporting youth through legal challenges.   If you would like to order books for your partners, please reach out to Nikki Warner ( nwarner@resilientga.org)  and let her know how many you would like and where to send them.  Regional Coalition Spotlights Resilient Coastal Georgia:  Last month Vira Salzburn  and Molly Lieberman  were both awarded impact awards at the Night for Resilient A.C.T.S Fundraising event. Front Porch A.C.T.S.  (Adolescents & Children Transforming Savannah) engages youth in play, improv, and theatrical skits to promote self-expression and conflict resolution using the Trauma Drama curriculum which Vira first introduced to the Front Porch Improv Team in 2020. Thank you, Vira and Molly, for being advocates of youth mental and emotional health in Savannah! ARCHI Collaborative : ARCHI is hosting the State of Metro Atlanta Health Symposium   on November 15th, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM  focused on addressing health disparities and finding solutions for marginalized communities. The event will feature insights from national and local leaders and attendees will explore the latest health data and collaborate on actionable strategies to promote health equity. Cobb Collaborative: The Cobb Collaborative has received funding to assist Georgia  veterans impacted by Hurricane Helene with emergency shelter.  If you know of any veterans in need, or can share this information with others, please contact our Connecting Cobb Veterans program at 470-479-1551 or veteranhelp.ccv@cobbcollaborative.org . Agriculture & Disaster Relief Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Resources   USDA Rural Development developed this guide as a resource for rural communities seeking disaster resiliency and recovery assistance. USDA RD offers programs and servicing options that can help rural residents, businesses, and communities impacted by disaster and support long-term planning and recovery efforts.  Ag News: Helene wreaks havoc on Georgia crops and timber:   A newly released article from the Farm Bureau’s Ag News describes the impact of three named storms impacting Georgia’s agriculture infrastructure. Preliminary estimates put the cost of Hurricane Helene at an estimated $6.46 billion. The article includes information on Gov. Brian Kemp and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper’s attempts to address the issue. Details on sector-specific impacts are included for timber, poultry, pecans, horticulture/plant nurseries, cotton, blueberries, beef cattle, vegetables, dairy, peanuts, and other products.   Foster Care Include Kin When Designing Solutions for Children in Care : Kin­ship Pol­i­cy Improvements Toward Child Wel­fare Sys­tem Trans­for­ma­tions, the final brief in the Fam­i­ly Ties series, sum­ma­rizes how kin­ship poli­cies have dra­mat­i­cal­ly changed since 2007. As child wel­fare agen­cies increas­ing­ly pri­or­i­tize kin when chil­dren must be removed from their homes, more states are explor­ing oppor­tu­ni­ties to reduce bar­ri­ers to fos­ter home licen­sure for kin, — noti­fy­ing kin soon­er, col­lect­ing data around kin­ship care and con­sult­ing with kin to inform decisions.  Preventive Legal Advocacy: Family-Focused Advocacy to Reduce Child Welfare Involvement   This presentation from Emilie T. Cook of the Barton Child Law & Policy Center is designed to increase understanding of the tenants of preventive legal advocacy (PLA) and its ability to reduce the traumatic stress associated with CPS involvement and improve outcomes for vulnerable children and their families. PLAs are “services that support families and promote the social determinants of health by addressing upstream civil legal issues that, if left unresolved, can result in unnecessary child welfare system involvement.” The presentation includes overviews of 5 common models, typical legal issues addressed, and ways to organize efforts.  Funding Opportunities Rigorous Evaluation of Community- and Societal-Level Primary Prevention Approaches to Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)  :  HHS and the CDC are seeking applications for grant funding to support research that rigorously evaluates existing primary prevention approaches. The intention is to expand the evidence base for ACEs prevention in one or more of the following areas identified in the CDC’s ACEs Prevention Resource for Action: Ensure A Strong Start for Children, Promote Social Norms That Protect Against Violence and Adversity, and Strengthen Economic Supports to Families. This funding announcement outlines the details, including eligibility requirements, for the application due via Grants.gov by December 2, 2024.   Applications for Collective Leadership Advancing Racial Equity (CLARE) Program:   As a reminder, the Collective Impact Forum  is launching the Collective Leadership Advancing Racial Equity (CLARE) Program in January 2025. This 10-month leadership accelerator is designed to invest in 20 individuals working to advance racial equity within their communities through collaborative, collective impact efforts. Participants will gain access to peer learning, coaching, and resources to strengthen their leadership in advancing racial equity. A webinar recording is available on the website and further questions can be directed to courtney.robertson@collectiveimpactforum.org . Mental Health America Resources Mental Health America 's 2024 Supporting Young Minds Guides   have been created to empower parents, caregivers, teachers, and others to provide support by fostering nonjudgmental environments where young people feel safe expressing themselves. In them, you will find information about facilitating conversations and validating feelings, creating safe spaces and supportive culture in the classroom, and ways to promote peer support. Guides and resources are available in English and Spanish.    Professional Development GA Association for Infant Mental Health 2024 Conference : The theme of this year’s conference is Consilience in Action: Bridging Disciplines to Advance IECMH in Georgia. It will be a day of brave thinking, intentional conversation and meaningful connections. Register  now to attend the conference on  Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 8 AM – 5 PM at the Loudermilk Conference Center in Atlanta. Please note there is a fee for registration – regular registration is $50 and ends on October 31, late registration is $75 and ends on November 10.  Overcoming Barriers to Empowering Trafficked Survivors Summit : This daylong event hosted by CareSource and Rescuing Hope  is designed to promote the voices of those impacted by human trafficking including those with lived experience, law enforcement, frontline workers and healthcare professionals. The event will take place  November 14, 2024, from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM  in Kennesaw, Ga. Registration  is free.  2025 System of Care Academy Call for Workshop Proposals: The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities  and the Georgia Interagency Directors Team have announced a Call for Workshop Proposals for the 2025 Georgia System of Care Academy (SOCA). The 18th Annual Georgia SOCA conference is scheduled for June 25-27, 2025  in Stone Mountain, Georgia. They are seeking workshops for three tracks aligned with this year’s theme: Empower – Clinical Development Track; Engage – System Principles; and Elevate – Professional Development. Interested parties can see the details for submissions and submit proposals prior to October 31, 2024.

Hello partners! As always, we’re excited to bring you another weekly round of resources and reminders! Before diving into our carefully curated list, we want to share some  key highlights  from the Resilient Georgia team. Read on for updates, upcoming events, and resources to help you continue making an impact in your communities! Thank you so much for all you do across the state.  RG Highlights Stock Market Game    Georgia Council on Economic Education (GCEE) : The fall Stock Market Game launched on September 30th, and rural participation has surged with 15 new districts, including many counties from Resilient Georgia Regional coalitions. This growth stems from expanded workshops. In addition to the Stock Market Game, GCEE offers outstanding workshops and materials at no charge, and we hope more rural counties take advantage! Thank you for helping spread the word and supporting teachers across Georgia!   RG County districts that have partnered with GCEE:  Chickamauga City Schools (BRRNWGA)  Commerce City Schools  (Resilient NEGA)  Crisp County (Resilient SWGA Albany)  Dodge County (Resilient SWGA Albany)  Elbert County (Resilient NEGA)  Glascock County (Resilient Communities East GA)  Randolph County (Resilient SWGA Albany)  Stephens County (Resilient North GA)  Sumter County (Resilient SWGA Albany)  Union County (Resilient North GA)  Final Lunch and Learn of 2024:  Thank you for attending our final 2024 Lunch and Learn this month! Morgan Marler from the Foundation for Social Connection (F4SC) , provided an insightful overview of F4SC’s work in advancing social connection. They focus on translating research into practice, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing social connection. Morgan also shared promising strategies to address Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Social Connection (SILC). For those who missed it, here are the presentation slides   and the Action Guide for Socially Connected Communities .  Regional Coalition Spotlights BRRNWGA Encouragement Family Table Talks  – these conversation starter graphics provide prompts for families to discuss and provide encouragement with one another. Additional relational values content and resources can be found   here .    Cobb Collaborative    is making resources available to the community in the following categories: mindfulness, grounding, providing support, and promoting 988. These resources are available in Spanish as well. The Collaborative also has posted a Q&A blog  with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that details the work AFSP is doing in Georgia.   Adverse Childhood Experiences Childhood Trauma and the Brain - UK Trauma Council:   This video from the UK Trauma Council  is designed to help youth-serving professionals and caregivers understand the latest neuroscience research on childhood abuse and neglect, with insights and advice from clinicians, teachers, and social workers on how to put your learning into practice. The webpage includes videos, articles and tools. Check it out and share widely!  Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences & Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences Webinar   Public health, child welfare, and other child- and youth-serving professionals play a critical role in preventing adverse childhood experiences and promoting positive ones. Check out the webinar to learn more about how you can incorporate effective methods and tools in your work to promote the well-being of children and youth in your communities.  The Administration for Children and Families  hosted a   webinar  featuring expert from the CDC and Massachusetts DPH focused on preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and promoting Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Key resources highlighted include the CDC’s ACEs Prevention Guide,   VetoViolence website  for training and prevention and   the CDC parent resource website,   including Learn the Signs . Massachusetts also offers a   data dashboard   on ACEs and PCEs and guidance for   creating positive childhood experiences .  Adverse Childhood Experiences, Protective Factors, and Childhood Obesity: Comparing the Effectiveness of Three Resilience Frameworks :    This article discusses a study that found that the strongest protective factors against childhood obesity were strong self-regulation, mastery/after-school activities, and living in a supportive neighborhood. Given the relationship between these protective factors and several covariates in the study with childhood obesity, future ACEs interventions should potentially target these protective factors and other social determinants of health to reduce the negative impact of ACEs on childhood obesity.  Addiction & Recovery Stigma to Strength, Georgia and the Certified Peer Specialist Movement   premiered last week at The Carter Center,   followed by a panel discussion about the movement. This new documentary underscores Georgia's leadership in pioneering the certified peer specialist movement and emphasizes the state's commitment to mental health and addiction recovery.  How one student is fighting opioid overdose deaths    This article outlines a student’s efforts to put Narcan in every classroom at her high school. Cohen contacted Narcan and created a business proposal for her principal to implement the new Georgia law mandating all high schools to stock Narcan. She is working on addressing the vagueness of the guidelines. The article talks about plans to expand the bill and other activities that supplement those efforts. There is so much power in youth voice! LGBTQ+ Resources Parasocial Relationships, AI Chatbots, and Joyful Online Interactions    A study from Hopelab, in collaboration with media psychology expert Dr. Bradley Bond, provides a nuanced understanding of how unique online connections with media figures, such as social media content creators, contribute to the positive experiences, community connection, and identity development for Queer young people. Download the full report here .  AAAI LGBTQ+ Youth Webinar Recap —   This webinar from the   Lotus Project   will focus on the unique experiences and struggles among AAAI LGBTQ+ adolescents/young adults and their access to and experience in trauma-informed care and mental health services. Participants will be able to: Understand the complexity and intersectionality of AAAI LGBTQ+ experience; Describe mental health disparities or access barriers to mental health care among AAAI LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults; and dentify strategies on providing affirmative care and supporting the healing of AAAI LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults.   Nonprofit Resources Created by the NPSS Hub, District Engagement Best Practices for Nonprofits  is a tool that child and family serving organizations can use to build and manage relationships with schools and school districts. The best practices and strategies shared will support community organizations in helping schools understand their value and the value add of partnerships and allowing them access to students and their families. The tool also includes additional resources and tools for nonprofits to use in relationship building.  Community Evaluation Solutions (CES)   partners with nonprofits, community coalitions, and foundations to design and evaluate strategies to create thriving and equitable communities. CES uses a participatory, utilization-focused evaluation approach that keeps you engaged throughout every step of the change process. Dr. Ann Price also hosts a podcast called   Community Possibilities  featuring community leaders doing the hard work of community change. A new online course, Powerful Evidence: Evaluation for Non-Evaluators ,  helps smaller organizations on a budget learn practical insights and strategies for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and sharing evidence in ways that demonstrate your organization’s impact and inform strategic decision-making. You can learn more about CES and their work and engage   Ann Price   and her team to support your evaluation efforts.  Building Evidence to Strengthen Nonprofit Programming   This strat­e­gy helps com­mu­ni­ty-based pro­grams around the coun­try improve their col­lec­tion and use of data to bet­ter serve their com­mu­ni­ties. It is the sub­ject of a recent report from the Annie E. Casey Foun­da­tion: Build­ing Evi­dence to Advance Equi­ty . Since the strategy’s incep­tion, 16 grantee orga­ni­za­tions have par­tic­i­pat­ed as a net­work.   It high­lights how four of the orga­ni­za­tions used the approach to mea­sure results, refine their work and bring effec­tive prac­tices or pro­grams to scale.