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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.

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. Our recent Coalition Peer-to-Peer Network discussions have emphasized the need for support, reflection, and connection, which will shape the focus of our upcoming November meeting. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a new LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resource Webpage, offering vital support for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies. 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 Coalition Peer-to-Peer Network As a reminder, if you missed the September Peer-to-Peer Network Call on Evaluation,  you can access the recording here. SAVE THE DATE: Our next Peer-to-Peer meeting will be November 5th at 2pm .  After reflecting on the challenges and crises across our state and the heaviness of recent conversations across coalitions, we decided to shift this month’s focus to create a safe and unstructured space to support each other and foster connection. Instead of diving into PSE change, which we’ll move to January, we’ll focus on support and self-care. This will be a space to support one another through both personal and professional challenges. Join us next month to debrief, reflect, and recharge! NEW LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resource Webpage ! We are excited to announce our newest resource page dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. This page provides a collection of mental health and resilience resources tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies. It includes information on affirming care, mental health support, and ways to build inclusive environments. October Coalition Connections: As a reminder, our final round of the 2024 Coalition Connections will be this week and next:  Rounds 2 and 3: Tomorrow Tuesday October 15th from 2-3pm Rounds 1 and 4:  Tuesday October 22nd from 2-3PM Hurricane Resources : In response to Hurricane Helene, FEMA has designated 43 counties in Georgia as Disaster Areas, enabling Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. Resources include food, shelter, and financial support through GEMA, SNAP benefits, and the Red Cross. The USDA offers recovery resources for farmers, and the Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans. For detailed information on available assistance, visit the resource linked above and share widely. Regional Coalition Spotlights Resilient Northeast Georgia   hosted their Rise and Lead Summit in partnership with Region 5 Georgia Family Connection Partnership last month. It was a fantastic day of collaboration and learning. Attendees engaged with a dynamic lineup of speakers and presentations from county partners, culminating in a regional planning session. The focus was on increasing sustainability, enhancing the impact of systems change work, and developing practical skills to address secondary trauma in helping professionals and first responders. Check out the photos here! Resilient North Georgia:  Christina Lennon is hosting this month’s   Knowledge to Action Conversation on Reaching Teens   this Thursday, October 17th at 10am . This session will explore strategies for engaging teens using strength-based approaches, focusing on Positive Youth Development, Trauma-Sensitive Practices, and more. The event will provide practical tools for youth-serving professionals to build trust and improve communication with adolescents. Caregivers & Parents Stress & Anxiety Relief Through Healthy Relationships | AAP  :   Focusing on what’s right with a child or teenager’s mental health can go a long way to combating stress and anxiety. By building strong, healthy relationships, parents and other caregivers can help make sure children and teens grow up resilient and minimize the effects of toxic stress. In this video by the American Academy of Pediatrics , Dr. Heather Forkey describes the idea of relational health and how it can combat toxic stress – things like trauma, child abuse or even the long-term effects of racism. Please share with your networks! Support for Stressed Parents: Child Mind : This week Child Mind  shared resources to support parents who are under stress, including those who are caring for kids with mental health challenges. They offer expert advice on how to manage anxiety about school shootings — in parents and children — and how to avoid passing anxiety on to your kids.  Community Events CompassionCon – An Initiative of Compassionate Atlanta   The 3rd CompassionCon festival will take place on October 27th from 1-5 PM  at Historic Legacy Park in Decatur. This intergenerational event fosters community connections and highlights organizations centered on compassion. This year, GPB's Be My Neighbor Day will join, bringing family-friendly activities that typically attract over 1000 guests. With 50+ vendors and an expected attendance of 1200 people, it's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate kindness.  Free Your Feels Teen Summit :  The 2024 Free Your Feels  Teen Summit is on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 12PM- 3PM in Athens . This fun-filled event will feature peer-to-peer interaction, mental health resources, food, fun, and more. Please share this event that celebrates youth mental health and self-expression or register here . Free food, free fun, free fellowship! Moving Upstream: Centering Economic Security Programs in Child Maltreatment Prevention : Join this important conversation on October 15th, from 10AM-12PM hosted by Callan Wells of the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students . The event, held at   CHRIS 180’s  offices in East Atlanta, will explore how economic security programs can serve as a preventive measure to reduce child maltreatment and family involvement with the child welfare system and there is a Zoom option listed at the link above.   Faith-Based Resources Interfaith Social Media Contest — 988 GA This contest, sponsored by the Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta  and Georgia DBHDD, is designed to engage faith communities to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  through creative social media posts, flyers, or bulletins. Please share with your faith-based communities!  Funding Opportunities Call for Applications for Collective Leadership Advancing Racial Equity (CLARE) Program : The Collective Impact Forum , a partnership between FSG  and the Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions ,  is launching the Collective Leadership Advancing Racial Equity (CLARE) Program January 2025 – October 2025. This 10-month leadership accelerator is designed to invest in the capacity and wellbeing of 20 individuals leading collaborative work. FSG will be hosting a webinar on CLARE October 17, 2024 at 1:00 PM.  Workforce Resources What is Kind30? — Join The KIND30 Movement!    KIND30 is a movement that encourages individuals and communities to engage in daily acts of kindness. It is open to all places of faith, workplaces large and small, colleges, schools, families, individuals, community organizations, and clubs. There are KIND ideas for all ages and the goal is to inspire a nationwide movement that unifies a diverse array of people of all backgrounds and ideologies to choose to be more kind every single day. They offer various   kindness calendars   to suggest daily acts of kindness and can be downloaded or customized using a blank template or dynamic calendar. Stress Less: NPR Series :  This series from NPR is aimed at helping individuals cope with life’s challenges. Participants will learn a wide array of science-based strategies that can help improve positive feelings, reduce feelings of anxiety, and empower them to better deal with life’s stressors.   Workplace Mental Health: Mindshare :  Mind Share Partners is an organization focused on creating mentally healthy workplace cultures through mental health training, strategy, and implementation services. The organization partners with companies to develop strategies that prioritize mental health, reduce stigma, and foster psychological safety. They offer on-demand mental health courses , with discounts available for nonprofits. Additionally, they provide free toolkits  to support workplace mental health initiatives, including the Healthy Work Practices, Communications Kit, and 5 Fundamentals, which are excellent starting points for fostering a mentally healthy work environment. Youth Resources Demystifying Youth-Engaged Research - Hopelab   These case studies illustrate that youth-engaged research is not just possible; it is incredibly rewarding, and with the right support systems, those new to this way of working can meaningfully include young people as research collaborators. They describe how two research teams realized the power of collaborating with young people at strategic points in the research process and came away with insights that would not have emerged without the critical input of their youth collaborators.  ACEs and Health Conditions and Risk Behaviors Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, CDC This report presents the first national data on self-reported Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among U.S. high school students under 18, using the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. It examines the associations between ACEs and 16 health conditions and risk behaviors, estimating the population impact of ACEs on these outcomes. The findings help policymakers and public health professionals understand how ACEs prevention could reduce adolescent risks like suicidal behavior, substance use, and sexual risk behaviors, emphasizing the current public health effects of ACEs in this population.

Welcome to our 2nd edition of the new and improved Monday Memo ! I wanted to take a moment to give credit where credit is due and acknowledge the incredible work of Gabrielle Stewart   who we are lucky to have on our team while she works to finish her MSW internship requirements with us. She has been such an asset in creating the beautiful Monday Memo template and helping us co-create it each week.  As we continue to recover after Hurricane Helene, we wanted to continue to share resources available to help those impacted. FEMA is providing disaster assistance to designated areas; you can find more information and determine eligibility here: FEMA Disaster Assistance . Additionally, SNAP recipients affected by the hurricane may be eligible for replacement benefits to cover food lost during the disaster. Details on how to request these benefits can be found here: SNAP Replacement Benefits . 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 Power of Healing 2025 Blog Series  We are launching a new blog campaign in 2025 similar to the 2023 Be Vulnerable Collection ! This will be another year-long blog series showcasing stories of personal resilience, healing, and recovery, but we need authors! Contributors are invited to share their experiences overcoming adversity or life’s challenges, along with the tools and strategies that helped them rebuild their lives. These stories aim to inspire and empower others facing similar hardships. If you’d like to share your story of resilience, contact nwarner@resilientga.org  to inquire about submitting a blog post! Please share widely with your partners.   Upcoming Regional Coalition Touchpoints: Coalition Office Hours Our monthly RG office hours are this week! These are optional spaces for questions, concerns, or brainstorming.  Wednesday October 9th 4-5pm Thursday October 10th 8-9pam October Coalition Connections As a reminder, our final round of the 2024 Coalition Connections will be this month.  Rounds 2 and 3: Tuesday October 15th from 2-3pm Rounds 1 and 4: Tuesday October 22nd from 2-3PM Trauma-Informed Sector-Specific Resources to Share! Here are a couple sector-specific resources that have come through our inboxes that you can share with your networks as you see fit. RG is also working to create sector-specific one-pagers based on the Training Roadmap, so stay tuned for that! Please share as appropriate! Trauma- Informed Law:  Provides resources for legal practitioners on trauma-informed services, including a book, articles, and a free guide on trauma's impact on legal practice.  Trauma-Informed Dentistry:  Presentation slides offering an overview and practical strategies for implementing trauma-informed care in dentistry, including core principles and assessment tools.  Regional Coalition Spotlights Resilient Coastal Georgia:   Gateway CSB is hosting their innovative Brake the Stigma Mental Health Awareness Car Show   on  Saturday, November 16th from 9– 11 AM  at the Tanger Outlets in Pooler. The event will honor first responders and  veterans, showcasing  impressive vehicles,  food trucks, raffles, and  vendors, while promoting mental health advocacy.  Resilient Chattahoochee Valley :  RCV has added I-SPY Jars, to their Social Emotional Learning Libraries.   I-SPY Jars are bottles filled with mini-objects and a filler that can be leveraged for self-regulation and a range of speech and language goals. They engaged over 25 volunteers  in creating 41 I-SPY Jars.  Engaging volunteers allowed Resilient Chattahoochee Valley to educate the community on the coalition’s shared efforts and  create a sufficient number of jars for distribution by schools and organizations across the region. Thank you RCV! Education Resources Apalachee High School students return to counselors, therapy dogs and hugs from friends, teachers | GPB :   Apalachee High School students have begun returning to the school — which has been preparing for by seeking expert help in how to support children who have experienced what should be unimaginable trauma.  Racial Inequality in Education: The Annie E. Casey Foundation  presents data from the U.S.  edu­ca­tion land­scape related to unequal treat­ment, access and  out­comes based on a student’s race or ethnicity. It presents historical and current information and an interpretation of how these data indicate differential access to educational opportunities.  Funding JustFund   has a   common grant application allowing applicants to apply for multiple funding opportunities with one application, on one platform, for free. Powered by The JustFund Common Application™, JustFund supports equitable grantmaking practices for funders, connects them to new giving opportunities, and tracks where money is moving. JustFund is equity centered, saves time, promotes collaboration, builds trust, and promotes transformative impact.  T-Mobile Hometown Grants | Main Street America:   The T‑Mobile Hometown Grant program is investing big in small towns by awarding up to  100 towns/year with project funding — up to $50,000 each. T‑Mobile is focusing on revitalizing community spaces in towns with 50,000 people or less , and Main Street programs are encouraged to apply. Submit a proposal for a town project of your choice, and if selected, use the funds to get started.  E ARLY LITERACY ALIGNMENT MINI GRANT : GA Foundation for Early Learning   is offering up to $5,000 to rural public elementary schools. The goal is to align literacy practices between elementary schools and childcare programs through collaborative professional development, ensuring a smooth transition for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. Eligible applicants must be principals or assistant principals in rural counties ( population less than 35,000 )  and must partner with a Quality Rated childcare provider.  Check out the informational webinar   here .   Applications are due October 18th.   Mental Health in Georgia Resurrecting Hope in Mental Health in Georgia :   Read this article in Georgia Trend to find out how Georgia is making strides in passing and implementing mental health legislation and what additional work is still left to be done.   The Carter Center Journalism Resource Guide on Mental Health Reporting  - Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter established the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program to continue the visionary work she began in the White House to combat discrimination against people with mental illnesses and advocate for improved mental health care in the United States and abroad. Mrs. Carter understood that journalists play a crucial role in contributing to a more informed and engaged society. She knew that journalists could help people better understand mental health issues through accurate, empathetic, and in-depth storytelling. This guide is designed to give journalists the information and resources they need to responsibly report on topics related to mental health and substance use disorders.  How to find a mental health care provider in your network: NPR  - This article outlines the impact of “ghost networks” in which providers who no longer practice, or take specific insurances are still listed as providers in the network. This impacts the effectiveness and accuracy of policy making within those organizations and makes it incredibly difficult for individuals to navigate the system. ProPublica spoke with experts, clinicians and advocates to understand the challenges posed by provider directory errors. They all suggested specific ways for policyholders to navigate a ghost network.  GA AAP Mental Health Resources :  The Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of mental health resources and tools that can provide you with additional information and guidance to address mental health needs. Resource categories include parenting, patient care, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Autism, Suicide and Substance Use. This section includes videos from pediatricians re early relational health.  Professional Development & Events The School-Based Health Alliance   is calling abstracts for their National School-Based Health Care Conference. They are looking for subject matter expertise in the following categories: Clinical Practice, Business Operations, Sustainability, and Quality Improvement, Policy & Partnerships, Innovations, and ‘Be the Change’ Youth Training Program (for youth participants only). They are also accepting poster and workshop proposals exclusively in Spanish. More details on how to submit an abstract or poster idea can be found   here . Abstracts are due November 8th. GA-AIMH Conference : Registration is now open for the 2024 GA-AIMH Conference! The conference will take place on November 13th  at the Loudermilk Conference Center in Atlanta, GA. This year’s theme is “Consilience in Action: Bridging Disciplines to Advance IECMH in Georgia,” emphasizing cross-discipline collaboration to ignite innovation in supporting the mental health of young children and families. Discover how interconnected ideas can drive meaningful change. Register here .  Access pre-recorded webinars here .  October Family Webinar Series from the Marcus Autism Center: This caregiver lunch-and-learn series will be implemented in partnership with the Department of Public Health and Babies Can't Wait. The series is open and relevant to all caregivers of young children who want to learn strategies to help their children with a variety of skills, including communication, behavior, and toileting ( see attached flyer ). Webinars will also be hosted in Spanish for Spanish-speaking caregivers in late October and early November.   International Day of the Girl Event: DdM3 Consulting  is hosting an event on October 14th from 9 AM-3 PM  in Douglasville, Georgia, for the International Day of the Girl. It will feature inspiring workshops, interactive activities, and a keynote celebrating the power and potential of every girl. Sponsored by The City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation and DdM3 Consulting, this day will promote empowerment and amplify the voices of girls. For more information, email DdM3Consulting@gmail.com .

We are deeply saddened by the tragic school shooting in Barrow County at Apalachee High School. This devastating event highlights the urgent need for community action to address gun violence. We encourage everyone to explore the Surgeon General’s priorities on firearm violence, which outline a public health approach to prevention, available here, and ARCHI Collaborative’s article on tackling gun violence through community collaboration here . The American Academy of Pediatrics, Georgia Chapter has posted a press release  in response to the shooting you can access here .  In such a heart-wrenching tragedy too close to home, we are reminded yet again to come together in creating safer environments for our children and communities. Thank you for all your work to address and prevent violence in your communities and create better lives for Georgia children and families. Here is another weekly list of carefully curated resources and reminders, but first, here are some highlights from the RG Team :   RG Highlights Cell Phone & Social Media Newly created Cell Phone and Social Media resources designed to support teens and parents, caregivers and providers working with them.  Building a Resilient Georgia (Podcast )  This podcast from Community Evaluation Solutions features our very own Emily Anne and Audrey. In the conversation, Dr. Ann Price leads a discussion of the transformative power of shared language in trauma care and the significance of building resilience through positive childhood experiences. Emily Anne and Audrey stress the importance of community partnerships, accessible resources, and the role of social connections and play in trauma work.  Workforce | Workforce ( resilientga.org )  new website, add workforce overview update doc as PDF  Regional Coalition Spotlights Resilient Coastal Georgia’s  partner, Gateway CSB is hosting their innovative Brake the Stigma Mental Health Awareness Car Show  on Saturday, November 16th from 9– 11 AM at the Tanger Outlets in Pooler. The event will honor first responders and veterans, showcasing impressive vehicles, food trucks, raffles, and vendors, while promoting mental health advocacy.   The Vashti Center,  lead for Resilient Communities of Southwest Georgia, is co-sponsoring the Shine On! Music and Arts Festival  during National Recovery Month. This event is a family-friendly resource fair and festival on September 27th from 1-9 PM in Thomasville, GA. Organizations are invited to facilitate resource tables  and are encouraged to bring their own table, chairs and activities for children. The event will feature live performances, free food, and various music and art festivities throughout the day. Organizations can sign up for a resource table here .  Suicide Prevention Month Suicide Prevention Month Resource Toolkit ( freeyourfeels.org ) :    This Suicide Prevention Month resource toolkit provides data, factsheets, 9-8-8 tools, and resources specific to youth, parents/caregivers, and educators and professionals. The bonus resource content includes access to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACP) Facts for Families webpages with information on suicide in children and teens, depression, teen brain development, bullying, and more.   Answering the Call: Empowering Communities to Prevent Suicide Among Black Youth:   In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Branch is hosting a fireside chat on Black youth suicide prevention, featuring speakers from SAMHSA, young adults with lived experience, and experts in suicide prevention among Black youth. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain valuable insights from experts and young people about addressing Black youth suicide and learn how to embed equity in suicide prevention efforts. This is a virtual event, September 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM, registration  is required to receive the login details.   Mental Health Equity: Building Strategic Partnerships to Improve Access to Mental Health Care and Reduce Suicide Risk in Black/African Ancestry Communities :    This Virtual Town Hall will explore how strategic partnerships and community-based solutions can help reduce rising suicide rates among Black/African Ancestry men and improve access to care. This includes the importance of spreading the word about 988 and building equity into crisis response services and support, along with other policy solutions to address this national public health crisis. Our presenters will share practical ways in which we can all make a positive difference in our communities. This virtual event will take place on September 26, 2024, at 3:00 PM, please register  for login details.   Suicide-Focused Assessment and Treatment 2024 - Stanford Center for Continuing Medical Education:   This 6-hour live webinar ensures that participating learners can identify ways to improve the assessment of suicide risk and incorporate them into practice, discuss psychopharmacological, interventional, and psychotherapeutic approaches to treatment and safety planning, and outline special considerations to assessment and treatment including cultural and linguistic diversity, SUD and LGBTQ populations. CEUs are available for this training.   When: Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM (EDT) - this is hosted from CA  Where: virtual  Registration: Free for live/On-Demand Learners, $60 for Credit Learners, click here  to register.  Resources for Parents | Zero Suicide:     This video resource is designed for parents/caregivers after a child has attempted suicide and was created by EDC’s Zero Suicide Institute and Parents to Parents. This non-profit offers resources to caregivers with a child struggling with mental health challenges. The resource was created to support caregivers with information on what they can expect in the days and weeks following the child’s suicide-related crisis, how to access effective treatment, the best strategies for supporting their child and family, validate the feelings that can arise from the crisis, and to connect caregivers with additional supportive resources.  Justice, Equity, Diversion, and Inclusion AAPI Mental Health Webinar: "Introduction & Invitation to Healing" :  Join Catalyst Wellness Alliance for their Asian American Mental Health seminar Wed., September 18, 2024, at 9 PM. This introductory session will explore the formation of healing groups, their purpose, available resources and typical session formats. Registration  is free.  .   Understanding AAPI Mental Health Issues with Stan Sonu - Georgia Asian Times:   Stan Sonu, a second-generation Korean American from Atlanta, Georgia, is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. He also serves as the Medical Director for Child Advocacy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. GAT recently sat down with Sonu for an exclusive discussion on mental health challenges affecting AAPIs.    Reshare our resource that was updated in June 2024:   Resources/AAPI Mental Health | Resilient Georgia ( resilientga.org )  : visit our collection of resources to promote the resilience of Asian American Pacific Islanders through connection and advocacy.   Job Opportunities The Carter Center: Sr. Program Associate, Public Policy - Mental Health Program in Atlanta : The Carter Center at Emory University is searching for a Senior Program Associate responsible for managing domestic behavioral health policy initiatives, activities of the Mental Health Program, and collaboration across programs within the Mental Health Program and other Carter Center programs. The position will be based in Atlanta under the direction of the Associate Director of Mental Health.     The Carter Center: Program Associate, Public Policy - Mental Health Program in Atlanta :  The Carter Center at Emory University is also searching for a Program Associate responsible for research on the design of projects, implementing, and coordinating Mental Health Program activities and conferences/meetings, developing budgets and proposals, and managing grants, project materials, and information.   Professional Development & Events Georgia Staff Well-Being Community of Practice hosted by Healthier Generation     Join the Georgia Staff Well-Being Community of Practice for both District & Community Leaders  AND Teachers & School Staff  to enhance resilience, reduce anxiety, and promote well-being in educational environments. Leaders' sessions  are on the third Tuesday of each month from 12:30-1:30pm, starting September 17, and educators' sessions  are on the first Tuesday of each month from 12:30-1:30pm, starting October 1. Connect with peers across Georgia to promote healthy stress responses and positive health outcomes. For details, contact Lila Givens at lila.givens@healthiergeneration.org . Registration info is linked above.  4th Annual School-Based Health Care State Conference  – Hosted by the PARTNERS for Equity in Child and Adolescent Health & Emory University Department of Pediatrics, this daylong conference’s theme is “Every Child Succeeds: Utilizing SBHCs to Fulfill the Promise.” This in-person event is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the school health field to come together, share best practices, and learn from one another.  When: Friday, September 20, 2024, from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM  Where: Emory Conference Center Hotel, 1615 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30307  Registration: fee of $150, get tickets   Parents & Youth Connecting Conversations | CDC  : This page of the CDC website for Adolescent School Health provides tips for supporting communication between parents/caregivers and their children and teens. It includes key concepts and conversation starters on mental health and statements that can be used to keep conversations going.   Parental Mental Health & Well-Being | HHS : The Advisory emphasizes the need for significant cultural changes to support sustainable parenting and enable parents and caregivers to thrive. It calls for valuing parenting on the same level as paid work, recognizing its vital role in society. The responsibility of raising children, while primarily on parents, should be a collective effort, benefiting all of society. The Advisory urges open discussions about the challenges of parenting, including financial stress, evolving technology, and mental health issues. It also highlights the importance of fostering community connections among parents to combat loneliness and isolation, which many parents experience.  Camp Lean on Me  : Hospice of South Georgia is offering a free grief camp called "Lean on Me" for children ages 6 to 17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The camp provides a supportive environment where children can process their grief, connect with peers, and learn coping skills. This camp could be an invaluable resource for children and families in need, and sharing this opportunity with those who might benefit is encouraged.