Happy Monday, partners! This week’s Monday Memo highlights a range of resources, including ACEs and PCEs and education resources, training for families, parents and professionals, and rural communities. Here are a few reminders and highlights from RG: New Resilient Futures Blog! The Heavy Backpack by Isabella Roach: In October’s Resilient Futures blog, one Georgia teen shared a powerful journey about balancing academic pressures with the hidden weight of family conflict, identity, and involvement in the juvenile justice system. Isabella's story offers a powerful reminder that our struggles, grades, and past experiences do not define our worth or our future. Check it out! November Resilient Georgia General Meeting this Thursday! Don't forget to join us this Thursday November 5th from 11AM-12:30PM for our General Meeting: Growing Georgia’s Trauma-Informed Workforce. This virtual session will explore innovative strategies for strengthening Georgia's mental and behavioral health workforce, from high school career pathways and paraprofessional training to graduate education and clinical licensure. Hear from leaders representing the Georgia Department of Education, Technical College System of Georgia, Emory University, Kennesaw State University, the University of Georgia, and Wellroot, as they share promising practices, workforce initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration. Download our Know Before You Go document for more about our speakers and pre-meeting resources. This event is open to the public, so please share with your networks! Check Out RG's Updated Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Webpage! Our updated CRM webpage now features a new introductory CRM video, beautifully illustrated by Inky Brittany, that helps bring CRM concepts and skills to life in an engaging, accessible way. You will also find a Help Now Skills Poster, also developed by Brittany, which provides a simple visual guide to practical CRM skills that can be used in moments of stress and overwhelm. Whether you're new to CRM or looking to deepen your practice, visit the updated resource hub to explore these new materials and share widely! Election Day is TOMORROW Tuesday, November 3rd! Polls across Georgia are open from 7AM to 7PM, and if you're in line by 7PM, you have the right to vote. Be sure to vote at your assigned polling location and bring an accepted photo ID(Accepted forms of ID: a Georgia driver's license (even if expired), a Georgia voter ID card, a U.S. passport, government employee photo ID, military photo ID, or tribal photo ID). Make a plan and consider carpooling to the polls with a friend or neighbor! Our partners at Cobb Collaborative created this nonpartisan 2026 Georgia statewide voter guide which walks through all 11 statewide races in plain language, so you can look things up before you vote instead of guessing in the booth. Remember, you do not have to vote on every single race on the ballot. Vote on the issues and candidates that matter most to you, show up, and make your voice heard! Coalition Highlights Resilient Northwest Metro: Join Cobb Collaborative at the Behavioral Health Coordination Meeting on Black Men’s Mental Health. Speakers will explore mental health awareness, shared experiences, and partnerships supporting well-being across Cobb County. This event will be Thursday November 5, from 6–8PM at the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Mableton Service Center. Register here! Resilient Coastal Georgia continues to make an impact locally and beyond. Congratulations to Vira Salzburn, Director of Impact at The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire, for being named to Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40, and Tara Jones for representing Georgia at the Benson-Henry Institute for MindBody Medicine and Harvard Medical School conference. Tara shared how Resilient Georgia supports coalition leaders through the Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) program, bringing the state’s resilience-building work to an international audience. For PART workshop inquiries, contact tara@flywheelresilience.com. South Georgia Wellbeing Alliance: Join the upcoming Connections Matter training on Sunday November 7th from 3-6pm hosted by the Valdosta State University Graduate Social Work Organization as part of VSU’s Mental Health Training Series. This professional development opportunity explores how positive relationships, supportive communities, and meaningful connections help build resilience and promote mental well-being. The training will be in Converse Hall Room 1204 at VSU and offers 3 CEUs. Social workers, helping professionals, and community partners are encouraged to attend. Learn more and register here! ACEs and PCEs ACEs & PCEs Resources from Veto Violence: Explore practical tools to strengthen ACEs prevention and promote positive childhood experiences, including the Data to Action Learning Hub for applying data, Beyond the Headlines for effective communication, Success Stories for highlighting impact, Making the Case for engaging businesses, and the ACE Resource Network for additional prevention resources. Education From Credentials to Careers: Aligning Education with Georgia’s Workforce Needs Join the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education and Ellucian for the upcoming Critical Issues Forum on Thursday, November 19th from 9:30AM-12PM. at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. This free event will explore how education and workforce development can align to meet Georgia’s evolving employment needs, highlighting the connection between educational credentials and career opportunities. Register Here! Free Your Feels has developed a comprehensive Bullying Prevention Toolkit to help youth, caregivers, educators, and community professionals recognize, address, and prevent bullying. The toolkit features practical strategies, conversation starters, and trusted resources addressing verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying. JEDI The Asian Mental Health Collective is hosting a free eight-week virtual support group for Asian and Asian American adults navigating grief, anxiety, and trauma related to ICE activity. Facilitated by licensed mental health professionals, sessions explore collective trauma, intergenerational experiences, cultural identity, and emotional resilience while helping participants build coping skills and connections. Sessions run Wednesdays, October 21–December 9, 2026, from 5–6:30PM. Register here! Parents and Couples UGA Extension: ELEVATE: Relationship Education for Couples The University of Georgia Extension’s ELEVATE program offers free, four-week online relationship education for couples across Georgia. Through 90-minute modules, partners practice skills to manage stress, strengthen communication, and build healthier relationships. Both partners must participate. Couples can earn up to $270 in e-gift cards by participating and completing research surveys. This is an educational program, not counseling. Learn More /Register here! Professional Development GEEARS: First Five Forum: Building Systems with Empathy Join GEEARS for its First Five Forum, Building Systems with Empathy for Georgia’s Youngest Children, on Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 11:30AM–1:30PM. at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta. Dr. Stan Sonu will deliver a keynote on the role of empathy in systems, followed by a panelwith Commissioner Christopher Nunn and Judge Christina Bridger. Their perspectives will highlight ways to better serve young children and families across sectors. Tickets cost $20 and include lunch and validated parking. Register here by November 20th! Seeds of Change 2026: Join Partners in Change for its annual celebration of growth, empowerment, and community! This special gathering will recognize PIC graduates, coaches, and community partners who have demonstrated commitment, resilience, and personal growth through life coaching. Attendees will celebrate meaningful achievements, supportive partnerships, and the power of positive change. Saturday, November 7, 2026 9AM–12:30PM in Atlanta. Free event; RSVP here. Rural Resources Rural Health Day Summit: Mental Health America: Join MHA on Thursday, November 19th from 12–3PM via Zoom to explore strategies to strengthen mental health and resilience in rural communities. The event will cover workplace well-being, suicide prevention, substance use, and mental health screenings. Experts and community leaders will share practical approaches to addressing mental health challenges and expanding support in rural areas. Register here! Preventing Suicide in Agricultural Communities Webinar Series: Join the Suicide Prevention Resource Center for a two-part webinar exploring practical strategies to prevent suicide in agricultural communities. Learn about the unique challenges facing farm owners and workers, ways to support those who may be struggling, and approaches to strengthen connection and belonging across the agricultural industry. Webinars will be held November 16 and 17 at 2:30PM. Learn more and register here for Webinar 1 and here for Webinar 2. THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!

Happy Monday, partners! This week we are highlighting a range of resources, including early childhood development, specific opportunities for faith-based organizations and healthcare professionals, and a variety of professional development and events.Before we dive in, here are a few reminders and highlights from the RG team: Thank you for attending the October Lunch & Learn! This was our last Lunch & Learn of 2026! Renee Johnson of MindWorks Georgia and the Georgia Health Policy Center shared valuable insights into Georgia’s System of Care, Local Interagency Planning Teams (LIPTs), and opportunities for stronger cross-sector collaboration. If you missed it, explore the recording and slides, and don’t forget to complete this brief survey to help shape future sessions. Thank you to everyone who joined our final Peer Connection Call of the year! We were honored to hear from Sarah Bishop of the Woodruff Arts Center’s NeuroArts Initiative, who shared how arts and creative experiences can support health and well-being through community partnerships. Registration is now open for the Arts + Health Laboratory Annual Convening on November 17th from 5-7:30PM bringing together leaders from across sectors to explore the growing field of NeuroArts and the role of the arts in strengthening health and community well-being 2027 Conference List: We're excited to share our growing list of 2027 conferences and learning opportunities with partners across Georgia. This resource is intended to help you plan ahead for professional development, networking, and resilience-building events throughout the year. We'll continue updating and expanding the list as new conferences are announced and registration details become available! Please share with your networks and let us know if there is something we should add. We Want to Hear From You! The 2026 RG Regional Coalition Partner Feedback Survey is now open! We invite coalitions leaders to provide feedback, which helps us understand what’s working well, identify areas where additional support may be needed, and strengthen the resources, learning opportunities, and connections we provide across our coalition network. Your voice matters, and we appreciate your partnership in helping us continue to strengthen our work together. The anonymous survey includes 20 questions and takes just under 10 minutes to complete. Please take the Survey by October 30th Coalition Highlights Resilient Northwest Metro: Join Cobb Collaborative for a discussion on father engagement in early childhood development at their upcoming Birth-5 Strategy Meeting featuring Chris White, Executive Director of Father Movement, Inc. the session will explore the role fathers play in supporting children’s early learning,development, and school readiness. Community partners can share resources, exchange best practices, and strengthen collaboration this Thursday, October 29th from 8:30–10AM at Marietta City Schools. Learn More / Register Here! Resilient Metro:The Confess Project of America: Our partners at The Confess Project of America, co-leads of Resilient Metro, are offering two trainings to strengthen community mental health awareness and advocacy. Beyond the Shop: Foundations introduces key mental health concepts, trauma awareness, and support, while Beyond the Shop: Community Mental Health Advocate Training builds skills in communication, stigma reduction, and advocacy. Explore to learn more! Early Childhood Early Childhood Resources: Strengthening Developmental and Behavioral Health Care: Supporting young children and families begins with accessible, coordinated, and developmentally appropriate care. Explore three resources designed to strengthen early childhood services: Georgia DBHDD’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)⁠, which expand access to comprehensive behavioral health care; ZERO TO THREE’s IECMH Integration Toolkit⁠, offering strategies to incorporate infant and early childhood mental health into CCBHC services; and the Early Childhood Developmental Health Systems Toolkit⁠, providing practical tools for pediatric teams to strengthen developmental screening, care coordination, workflows, and community referrals. Faith Based Organizations Bridging Faith & Mental Health: Supporting the Whole Person: CHRIS 180 is offering a free, three-hour training designed for ministry leaders to strengthen their ability to support mental and emotional well-being. Participants will explore the intersection of faith and behavioral healthcare, recognize signs of emotional distress, and learn compassionate approaches to connecting individuals with additional support. November 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM in Atlanta. Register Here! Go Soar: SoulShop Faith-Based Leader Training: Join Go Soar for a full-day training designed to equip faith-based leaders with mental health and suicide prevention skills. The session will help lead and youth pastors recognize mental health concerns, respond appropriately, incorporate mental health awareness into sermons, and provide compassionate support during suicide-related bereavement services. For information, contact info@gosoar.org or 404-933-0561. Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 9:30 AM–5:00 PM at AUC Woodruff Library.Register Here! Healthcare Health Care Unscrambled 2027: Join Georgians for a Healthy Future for its 17th annual Health Care Unscrambled forum, bringing together policymakers, healthcare leaders, advocates, researchers, and community organizations to discuss pressing health policy issues affecting Georgians. The event offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, explore emerging healthcare priorities, and build connections ahead of Georgia’s legislative session. January 14, 2027, from 12:30–4:00 PM at the Georgia Freight Depot, Atlanta, GA. Register Here! Professional Development 2026 Memory Walk: Go Team Kate’s Club! On Sunday, November 8th, join Kate’s Club at Blackburn Park in Brookhaven from 10:30AM to 2PM or Wire Park in Watkinsville from 2-5PM for a family-friendly event that unites grievers of all ages, giving them a safe space to honor and remember those who died while embraced by a team of compassionate, caring group of individuals! Registration includes food, an event t-shirt, and access to all walk activities. Register here for Watkinsville or here for Brookhaven. Behavioral Health Services Coalition (BHSC): Self-Defeating Eating CEU Workshop: Join BHSC for a virtual workshop exploring self-defeating eating (SDE) and its connection to mental health. Led by Grace Terry, MSW, the session will address eating behavior patterns, common misconceptions, and resources for awareness, assessment, and recovery. Open to mental health professionals, peer supporters, advocates, and community members. 1.0 CEU offered. Friday, November 13, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 PM. Learn More / Register Here Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP): Light Up Georgia Youth Advocacy Summit: Join GCAPP for an empowering summit bringing together youth, advocates, and community leaders. Featuring speakers in mental health, public health, and youth advocacy, the event will highlight youth leadership, amplify young voices, and inspire positive change across Georgia. Space is limited! Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at the Gateway Center. Learn More / Register Here! Substance Abuse Prevention Georgia Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Initiative (GPDAPI): Statewide Collaborative Meeting: Join prevention professionals, community leaders, and healthcare partners for the first statewide GPDAPI Collaborative Meeting hosted in Telfair County. The event will feature prevention education, safe medication storage, secure drug disposal, and community engagement strategies to address prescription drug misuse. Lunch provided; partners are encouraged to strengthen collaborative prevention efforts across Georgia. Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 9:30 AM–2:00 PM in Telfair County. Learn More / Register Here! THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!

Happy Monday, partners! We hope you enjoyed a well-deserved holiday weekend. This week we are highlighting a range of resources, including early childhood development, rural resources, and professional development and funding opportunities. Before we dive in, here are a few reminders and highlights from the RG team: Save the Date! Our next Resilient Georgia General Meeting will be November 5th from 11AM-12:30PM via Zoom. The theme is “Growing Georgia’s Trauma-Informed Workforce: People, Pathways & Partnerships”. Explore how people, partnerships, and career pathways can strengthen Georgia’s trauma-informed behavioral health workforce. We’ll highlight the Mental Health Career Accelerator and share how partners are advancing workforce strategies across the state. Please share with your networks! The 2026 RG Regional Coalition Partner Feedback Survey is now open! We invite coalitions leaders to provide feedback, which helps us understand what’s working well, identify areas where additional support may be needed, and strengthen the resources, learning opportunities, and connections we provide across our coalition network. Your voice matters, and we appreciate your partnership in helping us continue to strengthen our work together. The anonymous survey includes 20 questions and takes just under 10 minutes to complete. Please take the Survey by October 30th. Help Bring SEE Learning® Play to Atlanta-Area Classrooms: Emory University is seeking 100 early childcare, Pre-K, and Kindergarten classrooms by November 1 for the Georgia Kids Ready to Flourish Study. Participating classrooms will receive FREE SEE Learning Play training and support, coaching, substitute coverage support, teacher honoraria, and programming designed to support children’s social-emotional development. SEE Learning Play aligns with GELDS standards. Please share this opportunity with Atlanta-area (less than a 2 hour radius from ATL) early childhood partners and networks that may be interested and email tfrazi2@emory.edu for more information. Behavioral Health Job Opportunities: Changing Lanes Intervention Human Services will host two upcoming Behavioral Health Hiring events. The events will accommodate job seekers both online and in-person in Fayetteville. The first event is this week, Friday Oct. 23, from 10AM-noon and a second event will be Nov. 6, from 11AM -1PM. Changing Lanes is seeking: RBTs, Master level clinicians, Associate/fully-licensed clinicians, psychiatrist, BCBA, BCaBA, and a Psychiatric NP. Early Voting is Open in Georgia through October 30th and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd. When every voice is heard, our communities are stronger. Visit Georgia’s My Voter Page to check your registration, find a polling location, and invite a friend or neighbor to join you! Additional Resources: Voting and Community Engagement | NCN • NCN Nonpartisian Voter Engagement Toolkit 2026 • What Americans Think About Nonprofits & Philanthropy 2026 • 2026 Georgia Nonpartisian Voter Guide on Early Childhood - GEEARS Coalition Highlights Resilient Northwest Metro: Join Cobb Collaborative’s Capacity Catalyst Training – Storytelling this Friday, October 23rd from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Led by Robert Carnes, the session explores storytelling for nonprofit growth and impact. Lunch provided; registration is $10. Learn more / Register Here! Resilient North Georgia: Save the Date for the 2027 Reaching Teens Summit on February 25–26th featuring Dr. Ken Ginsburg, pediatrician and author of Reaching Teens. This Summit brings together youth-serving professionals committed to building trust, improving communication, and supporting young people. They are also looking for youth to join the Reaching Teens Youth Advisory Panel and share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives to help shape programs, trainings, and resources that better support youth. Sponsors are needed! Help us expand access to trauma-informed training and youth-empowerment tools for professionals and communities across Georgia. Click here for more information and please share widely! Advocacy and Prevention Georgia Center for Child Advocacy is building the Leaps & Bounds Network, a statewide community of professionals and Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) committed to strengthening coordinated, evidence-informed responses for youth with problematic sexual behavior (YPSB) and their families across Georgia. While only CACs can be part of the therapy collaborative, all partners can join the network. We invite Resilient Georgia partners to join the Georgia YPSB Statewide Coalition to stay connected to training opportunities, resources, and network activities while supporting your local CAC's engagement in this important work. By signing up today, you can help shape how your community responds to YPSB and contribute to a more coordinated and effective system of care across Georgia. Feel free to share this widely with your local CACs. Attached is a Coalition Flyer to join the network, a 1-pager visual about the network, and a PowerPoint with information about CAC involvement and commitment for therapy services. Early Childhood Development Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL): 2026 Road Shows. Regional events offer agency updates, breakout sessions, resources, and opportunities to connect with DECAL staff. Upcoming events: Tuesday, October 20 in Cartersville; Thursday, October 22 in Morrow; and Thursday, October 29 in Statesboro,Georgia. Sessions begin at 9:00 AM; registration opens at 8:15 AM. Register Here! Funding Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN): Federal Funding and the New Landscape of Risk and Compliance. Free 45-minute virtual sessions on Monday, October 26, 2026, 7:00–7:45 PM; Wednesday, October 28, 12:00–12:45 PM; or Wednesday, November 4, 8:00–8:45 AM. Explore changing federal requirements, assess compliance risks, and learn strategies to protect funding. Participants receive a Compliance Risk Assessment Tool and Planning Guide. Register Here Maternal Healthcare Emory University Rollins School of Public Health: Health Wanted – Postpartum Psychosis: In this podcast episode public health experts explore postpartum psychosis, a rare but serious maternal mental health condition. The discussion raises awareness of postpartum mental health challenges and the importance of early recognition and support for new mothers. The episode features Dr. Toby Goldsmith of PEACE for Moms Georgia. Additionally, this article from TIME discusses increasing postpartum psychosis diagnoses and gaps in maternal mental healthcare. It calls for early mental health screening, clearer referral pathways, and better awareness among families and frontline professionals. Please share the following resources widely: The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for pregnant and postpartum individuals, with trained counselors available by call, text, or chat at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Postpartum Psychosis Discussion Tool: This resource helps mothers, families, and caregivers recognize warning signs of postpartum psychosis. The tool includes a symptoms checklist along with information about risk factors and emergency resources. Postpartum Psychosis: A Preventable Psychiatric Emergency | Focus: Examines postpartum psychosis, including risk factors, early warning signs, clinical assessment, treatment, and prevention strategies. Highlights the importance of early intervention, coordinated care, and family support. Resilient Georgia Prenatal Mental Health Learning Card: This resource helps build awareness of maternal mental health and well-being during pregnancy. Find it on our website here. Professional Development Silence the Shame & City of South Fulton: Hear. Heal. Thrive.Join a community conversation on youth mental health and family well-being Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Southwest Arts Center in South Fulton. Parents and caregivers can share experiences, explore family support, and enjoy refreshments and giveaways. Learn more / Register Here! Parent to Parent of Georgia: Now Hiring Regional Coordinators. Hiring two part-time Regional Coordinators to support families, lead trainings and workshops, and represent the organization at community events. Pay is $17/hour; bilingual candidates and applicants in Metro Atlanta or Gainesville/Hall County preferred. Background check required. Applications accepted until filled. To apply, email CV and cover letter to p2pjobapps@p2pga.org. Learn more / Register Here! Harvard Business School Upswell Forum: Harvard Business School is accepting interest forms for its free 2027 Upswell Forum, supporting nonprofit and social enterprise leaders in growing their organizations through leadership training, mentorship, and networking. The program includes in-person sessions January 11–14, 2027, followed by virtual learning opportunities. Atlanta-area organizations are encouraged to apply. Learn More & Submit Interest Form by November 20th! THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!

Happy Tuesday, partners! In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we paused our regular Monday Memo distribution to recognize the contributions of Indigenous communities. Today we’re sharing a variety of resources to support communities across Georgia, including child abuse prevention resources, healthcare initiatives, and professional development trainings. Before we dive in, here are a few reminders and highlights from the RG team: RG Highlights We Want to Hear From You! The 2026 RG Regional Coalition Partner Feedback Survey is now open! We invite coalitions leaders to provide feedback, which helps us understand what’s working well, identify areas where additional support may be needed, and strengthen the resources, learning opportunities, and connections we provide across our coalition network. Your voice matters, and we appreciate your partnership in helping us continue to strengthen our work together. The anonymous survey includes 20 questions and takes just under 10 minutes to complete. Please take the Survey by October 30th Resilient West Central Georgia is Hiring an independent contractor to serve as its new Program Coordinator. This hybrid role supports coalition engagement, training and event logistics, community partnerships, and trauma-informed initiatives across West Central Georgia. Interested applicants should submit a resume and brief introduction outlining their background, experience, and interest in the role to info@resilientwcg.org with the subject line “RWCG Contractor Position – [Name].” Flywheel Resilience Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART): Our wonderful partner Tara Jones from RCG is offering Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART), an evidence-based program designed to help participants manage stress, build resilience, and improve overall well-being. Participants will learn skills to reduce burnout and create sustainable self-care routines. The 9-week workshop is available for $495 and includes weekly 90-minute virtual sessions, a follow-up session, and participant materials. Sessions will be conducted weekday evenings or weekends. To learn more, contact Tara at tara@flywheelresilience.com. Please share widely! October Peer Connection Call: All Rounds! Instead of our regularly scheduled round calls this month, we will host our final Peer Connection of 2026 for all coalition rounds next Tuesday October 20th at 2pm. We are excited to welcome Neuro Arts, who will lead a conversation on the connection between art, mental health, and well-being. We ask that at least one representative from each coalition attend this statewide peer learning opportunity. Coalition Highlights Resilient Southwest Georgia: Mental Health professionals and community partners are invited to the Mental Health Collaborative: Building Stronger Communities on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Phoebe Northwest Conference Room in Albany. This action-focused gathering will feature community action planning, a mental health panel discussion, partner spotlights, and networking opportunities across Dougherty, Lee, Mitchell, and Terrell Counties. Register here! Resilient Gwinnett: GUIDE, Inc. is hosting a couple upcoming QPR Suicide Prevention Trainings on October 21st and November 18th from 1:00–3:00 PM virtually. This Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training introduces three practical steps for recognizing suicide warning signs, offering hope, and connecting people in crisis with appropriate support. Registration link needs confirmation Register here! Child Abuse Prevention The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy is offering two upcoming training opportunities focused on preventing child sexual abuse and exploitation. Human Trafficking: Preventing the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM (virtual), exploring warning signs, vulnerabilities, the impact of trauma, and community-based prevention and response strategies. Courage to care training will be held on Thursday October 22 2026 from 8:30 AM–4:00 PM in Atlanta, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to deliver child sexual abuse and exploitation prevention education. Prior participation in Courage to Care is required for the trainer course, and the registration fee is $300. Register here! for Human Trafficking Training Register here! for Courage to Care Training. Roar Body Safety Education Program. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children offers age-appropriate body safety education for children, families, and early learning settings. The program is currently offered at no cost to schools within its 28-county Metro Atlanta service area. Explore ROAR here! Healthcare The Medical College of Georgia: Team-Based Behavioral Health in Primary Care Symposium is hosting a symposium focused on team-based behavioral health in primary care. The event is an opportunity for professionals and teams to strengthen integrated behavioral health knowledge and may be useful for participants seeking continuing education. The symposium will be held November 13, 2026 in Greensboro, Georgia. View the symposium flyer and registration information. Professional Development Knowledge to Action Conversation on Raising Resilience: Supporting Grandfamilies for Positive Outcomes Thursday, October 22, 2026 10:00–11:30 AM | Virtual. Join Benasha Shine-Berry of Georgia State University’s Project Healthy Grandparents for a discussion of ways to strengthen grandfamilies and promote positive outcomes for children and kinship caregivers. Topics include building stability for grandparents and children, navigating changing family systems, and connecting families with community resources. This is a conversation rather than a CEU-eligible training; a certificate of completion is available to qualifying attendees.Register here! Partnership for Innovation Summer Internship Program 2027 Georgia Tech’s Partnership for Innovation is preparing for its 2027 Summer Internship Program and opportunities for organizations interested in serving as Partner Organizations and hosting interns. The program connects college students with organizations to gain hands-on professional experience while contributing to real-world projects. Apply by November 1,2026 Organizations interested in hosting can explore the program or contact pin@innovate.gatech.edu. Positive Childhood Alliance Georgia introduces the Strengthening Families framework and its protective-factor approach to promoting family and community well-being. Designed for family-serving professionals, schools, agencies, and early care providers. This event will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Virtually. Register here! Rural Resources Harlow Nonprofit Consulting is hosting a free four-day summit for rural nonprofit leaders featuring practical strategies for sustainable funding, stronger community partnerships, leadership development, and burnout prevention. Sessions feature more than 30 presenters, with free access to each day’s presentations for 48 hours. Free Virtual Event. October 20–23, 2026 | Virtual; kickoff October 19.Register here! Examining Child Care in the Rural South: Perspectives for Policy and Practice. The Southern Education Foundation’s September 2026 report examines the experiences of families, early childhood educators, and program leaders in 12 rural communities across Georgia, Mississippi, and Missouri. It explores barriers to affordable, high-quality child care, including limited availability, workforce challenges, and financial strain, while highlighting community strengths and policy recommendations. Coalition partners can use the findings to inform local conversations, advocacy, partnerships, and strategies for improving access to early childhood services. Read the report here! THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!

Happy Monday, partners! This week we're highlighting funding opportunities, professional development and training events, workforce resources, and supports for families and parents. Before we dive in, here are a few reminders and updates from the Resilient Georgia team. Please note: The Monday Memo will be on pause for the next two weeks and will resume after Columbus Day. We look forward to reconnecting with you then! RG Highlights New Resilient Futures Blog! Choosing to Swim by Joanna Ramon-Beltran In the September post of Resilient Georgia’s monthly blog series, Resilient Futures, we're honored to feature 17-year-old Joanna’s journey through mental health challenges, healing, and hope. She shares the small mindset shifts that helped her move forward, the support she wishes she had along the way, and the lessons she learned about resilience, self-compassion, and choosing to not give up. Upcoming October Dates: October 8th from 12-12:45PM Mindworks Lunch and Learn October 16th from 10AM-12PM: Office Hours for Rounds 1 and 4 Oct 20th at 2PM: Peer Connection Call Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! This month, we celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities while recognizing the importance of equitable access to mental health support. Resilient Georgia's Hispanic & Latinx Mental Health Resource Page offers culturally responsive and Spanish-language resources to support mental health, resilience, and family well-being. Explore tools for individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals and help connect your community to the support they need. Please share widely! Duke Leaders Share Stories of Things They Got Wrong | Duke Today: This article highlights a panel of Duke leaders who openly reflected on major mistakes and how those experiences shaped their leadership. Through stories of poor decisions, difficult apologies, and changed perspectives, the speakers emphasized that humility, accountability, empathy, and a willingness to learn from being wrong are essential for personal growth and effective leadership. Check out the full article! Coalition Highlights Resilient Communities of East GA: Resilient Communities of East Georgia is hosting a Handle With Care Implementation Workday on Thursday October 15th from 8:30AM-3:30PM. The workday gives local partners a focused opportunity to strengthen coordination and implementation around trauma-informed support for children and families. Check out the RG webpage to learn more about Handle With Care. Register here! Resilient West Central Georgia: RWCG is Hiring! RWCG is seeking an independent contractor to serve as its new Program Coordinator. This hybrid role supports coalition engagement, training and event logistics, community partnerships, and trauma-informed initiatives across West Central Georgia. Interested applicants should submit a resume and brief introduction outlining their background, experience, and interest in the role to info@resilientwcg.org with the subject line “RWCG Contractor Position – [Name].” Please share widely! The Waycross RG Partnership, Resilient Southeast Georgia is partnering with the Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health for the IECMH Awareness Tour to increase awareness of infant and early childhood mental health and strengthen connections among local providers. The first stop will be at the Waycross Family Justice Center on September 29th from 10AM–1PM. Child and family serving providers in the surrounding communities are invited to connect, share resources, learn from one another, and build stronger partnerships. Questions may be sent to aimh@gsu.edu. Register here! Families and Parents Silence the Shame: 2026 Parent Café Series The Parent Café Series is a welcoming virtual space for parents, caregivers, and adult allies of Georgia’s transition-age youth ages 16–24, especially families impacted by juvenile justice, court involvement, or foster care. Sessions focus on practical tools, shared experiences, resilience, and caregiver well-being. Upcoming sessions include Family Resilience: Strengthening Emotional Wellness Together on October 10, 2026 from 12:00–1:00 PM, Gratitude Practices for a Healthier Family on November 18, 2026 from 7:00–8:00 PM, and Holiday Wellness & Intentional New Beginnings on December 5, 2026 from 12:00–1:00 PM.Register for the virtual Parent Cafés.. Brazelton Touchpoints Center: Somos Familias Latinas Virtual Conversation Series: This free virtual conversation series creates a supportive space for Latino families to connect around parenting, culture, faith, solidarity, community care, and family well-being. Presented with The Children’s Partnership, the four-part series explores the experiences and resilience of Latino families raising children while navigating today’s challenges. Sessions will be held on September 28, October 19, November 9, and November 30, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 PM ET. Register for the virtual conversations here. Funding Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Seeding Research, Networking, and Capacity Building at Minority-Serving Institutions This call for proposals supports health equity research centers at Minority-Serving Institutions in strengthening research infrastructure, staffing, skills, mentoring, professional development, and collaboration. RWJF expects to fund up to eight awards of up to $350,000 each for 24 months. Letters of Intent are due October 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET. Apply here! Georgia Health Initiative: 2027 Building the Field of Health Advocacy Grant This funding opportunity supports advocacy projects designed to improve health in Georgia through approaches such as coalition building, strategic communications, policy research, community education, and engagement with decision-makers. Applications close October 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET. Applicants can review the RFA and application guidance through the Initiative’s Partner With Us page. Professional Development and Events National Family Support Network: Together for Families Conference 2026 Together for Families 2026 is a national virtual conference connecting Family Resource Centers, parent and family leaders, practitioners, researchers, funders, and public partners. The conference will feature practical strategies, emerging evidence, family and community leadership, and approaches to strengthening family support systems. It will be held October 20–22, 2026. Woodruff Arts Center: Arts + Health Laboratory Second-Annual Convening The Arts + Health Laboratory’s second annual convening The Arts+ Health Laboratory second annual convening brings together partners working at the intersection of arts, health, and community well-being for connection and shared learning. The convening is scheduled for November 17, 2026 from 5:00–7:30 PM. View event details and tickets.. Georgia Appleseed: Georgia Education Climate Coalition Meeting The Georgia Education Climate Coalition brings together education, community, and legal partners working to strengthen positive school climates and support evidence-based practices across Georgia. The next coalition meeting is October 8, 2026. RSVP for the meeting. Workforce Georgia APSE: 2026 GAPSE Conference: Georgia Moving Forward! This statewide conference brings together self-advocates, professionals, educators, family members, researchers, service providers, and students to advance Employment First and inclusive employment across Georgia. The conference will be held at 310 Cherry St. in Macon from October 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM through October 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET. Scholarship requests are available through September 30, 2026 and are limited and first-come, first-served. Register and view scholarship options. Georgia Mental Health Parity: Resources for Employers The employer resource library provides practical tools to help organizations better understand mental health and substance use parity, strengthen behavioral health benefits communication, and improve employees’ access to covered care. Employers can use the resources to build awareness of parity protections and share clear guidance with their workforce. Explore the employer resources. THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!

Happy Monday, partners! This week we’re sharing a variety of resources and opportunities to support communities across Georgia, including funding opportunities, gun violence and suicide prevention resources, and professional development and trainings. Before we dive in, here are a few reminders and highlights from the RG team: RG Highlights Thank you to everyone who joined our September Lunch & Learn focused on expanding trauma-informed and evidence-based training opportunities across Georgia. We were grateful to welcome Tiffany Sawyer from the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy (GCCA) and Dr. Jyll Walsh from the Positive Childhood Alliance of Georgia (PCA GA), who shared valuable insights on building local training capacity and creating sustainable pathways for communities to embed these trainings long-term. Explore training and capacity-building opportunities through PCA Georgia, GCCA, and the GCCA Technical Assistance Resource Guide (TARG) to support trauma-informed and prevention-focused efforts in communities across Georgia. Please take the evaluation survey if you attended or check out the recording to learn more! SAVE THE DATE! Our final Lunch and Learn of 2026 will be October 8th at noon featuring Renee Johnson from Mindworks Georgia. Hope to see you there! Change Makers Leadership Institute: Strengthening Georgia’s Resilience Infrastructure: "Leadership behavior is rarely spontaneous." It's the visible output of your internal operating system. Join Gabrielle Stewart to map your mission, isolate your blind spots, and master trauma-wise leadership. The G.R.O.W. Leadership Series is a 3-part virtual training for purpose-driven leaders who want to close the gap between their mission and their daily leadership behavior. Early Bird Registration before 9/26 is $125 and after it will be $150 + Eventbrite fees. Use promo code RG2026 to get a $25 discount! October 16: Part I: Understanding Your Leadership Operating System October 30: Part II: Understanding Your Leadership Style & Fostering Felt Safety November 6: Part III: The Power of Reflection, Assessment & Feedback September Round Calls are scheduled this week as follows: Round 5: Monday, Sept 21st 2pm Round 2: Tuesday, Sept 22nd 11am Round 4: Tuesday, Sept 22nd 2pm Round 3: Thursday, Sept 24th 1pm Round 1: Friday, Sept 25th 10am Coalition Highlights Resilient Gwinnett: Partners at Resilient Gwinnett are offering upcoming opportunities to connect. Join their quarterly coalition meeting featuring Dr. Alexandra Estrella on October 6th from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM focused on nonprofit partnerships, collaboration, and informed decision-making. Community members are also invited to a virtual QPR Suicide Prevention Training with GUIDE, Inc. on October 21st from 1-3PM, providing practical skills to recognize, respond to, and refer individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Resilient Northwest Metro: Cobb Collaborative Podcast Spotlight Tune in to recent episodes of Mind Your Mind Speaks from Cobb Collaborative. In S6EP16, Lesleigh Sanders and Chelsea Piatt discuss suicide prevention, mental well-being, reducing stigma, and the work of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention across Georgia during September’s Suicide Prevention Month. In S6EP15, Irene Barton and Jacob Rogers explore civic engagement opportunities, voter preparedness, and what's ahead for the upcoming election season. Important voting dates include October 5 (voter registration deadline), October 13-30 (advance voting), and October 23 (absentee ballot request deadline). Remember to VOTE YOUR VOICE! Funding J.W. Couch Foundation - 2026 Q3 Grant Cycle Supports nonprofit work in areas including education, wellness, mental health, early childhood education, mentorship, and community well-being. The Letter of Intent period for this round has closed; the full application deadline applies to invited organizations. APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 25, 2026. BMO Gives - Community Giving Grant Applications Supports eligible nonprofit and charitable organizations whose work aligns with BMO's community-giving priorities.The program focuses on strengthening communities by supporting organizations working to create meaningful social and economic impact. APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 30, 2026. Brady Education Foundation - Letter of Intent Supports education-focused research and evaluation intended to improve educational outcomes and inform practice and policy. The foundation is especially interested in projects that can contribute useful evidence to the education field. LOI DEADLINE: September 30, 2026 Gun Violence Prevention Upcoming Webinars for New ERPO Resource: Join the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions for upcoming webinars introducing new resources on Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), also known as “red flag” laws. The Center’s new implementation guides are designed to help clinicians and faith leaders recognize warning signs and understand practical steps that may help remove firearms from dangerous situations. ERPOs in Practice: A Guide for Clinicians will be held September 23 at 1:30PM, and A Guide for Clergy on September 29 at 1:30 PM. Register here!. Professional Development and Events 2027 Embark Georgia Leadership Conference: Join UGA’s Fanning Institute for Leadership Development for the 2027 Embark Georgia Leadership Conference, bringing together professionals and partners committed to improving college access and success for students who have experienced foster care or homelessness the conference provides an opportunity for participants from higher education, K–12 education, child welfare, and community organizations to share resources and strengthen partnerships across Georgia. Attendees can build relationships with professionals from across sectors while learning strategies and resources that support students as they pursue and complete postsecondary education. Partnership for Innovation Summer Internship Program 2027 Georgia Tech’s Partnership for Innovation is preparing for its 2027 Summer Internship Program and opportunities for organizations interested in serving as Partner Organizations and hosting interns. The program connects college students with organizations to gain hands-on professional experience while contributing to real-world projects. Partner Organizations can host interns to support work in areas such as research, technology, data, economic development, and community engagement. END OF SUMMER CEU TRAININGS. Changing Lanes Intervention Human Services, LLC is offering engaging ABA and behavioral health trainings covering trauma-informed ABA, depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, nonverbal clients, receptive skills, supervision, parent support, school-based ABA, IEPs, safety planning, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and so much more! Individual topics range from approximately 1–1.5 hours, with an 8-hour Behavior Coaching training available for mental health and autism needs. Trainings start at $20 for individuals, and group options are available for up to 15 participants at $35 per person. For information and registration visit their website here. Fall Into Wellness: A 2-Part Community Resiliency Model Training Series Join Unison Behavioral Health for a two-part virtual Community Resiliency Model (CRM) training series focused on practical skills for managing stress and strengthening resilience. These one-hour trainings introduce the fundamentals of CRM and six wellness skills participants can use to help reset and regulate the nervous system, support their own well-being, and assist others experiencing stress. Part 1: September 22, 2026, 1:00–2:00 PM | Part 2: October 1, 2026, 4:00–5:00 PM | Virtual. Participants must attend Part 1 to register for Part 2; the Part 2 registration link will be provided after the first training. Suicide Prevention Explore How to Explain Suicide to a Child or Teen: Strong4Life designed this resource to help parents and caregivers navigate difficult conversations about suicide with young people. The resource provides age-appropriate guidance for explaining suicide clearly and honestly while creating a safe, supportive space for children and teens to ask questions and express their emotions. Caregivers can learn practical ways to validate feelings, offer reassurance, recognize when additional support may be needed, and remind young people that they do not have to manage difficult emotions alone. THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!

Happy Monday, partners! This week includes child and family well-being support, along with training and professional development opportunities, and juvenile justice and self-compassion resources. Additionally, September is Suicide Prevention Month, so we’ve highlighted a variety of resources below. Before we dive in, here are a few highlights from the Resilient Georgia team: RG Highlights NEW Blog! Bringing County-Level Data to the Communities It Reflects by Jordan Ricketts Learn how Resilient Georgia and regional partners are using county-level PACEs (Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences) data to help communities identify strengths, address challenges, and drive local action. Check out the blog to explore how data is being translated into meaningful conversations and solutions across Southwest Georgia. Handle-With-Care In-Person Training: Join partners from across Georgia for an in-person Handle With Care (HWC) Implementation Training on September 24th in Clayton County. This session is designed for first responders, law enforcement, educators, school staff, mental health providers, community leaders, and other partners interested in implementing or strengthening the HWC model. Participants can earn 3 hours of CEU and POST credit by attending in person. Space is limited, register here! Faith-Based Mental Health Training Offerings: Dr. Ca Trice Glenn, LPC, is a pastoral counselor and the founder of Church Mental Health Training. She equips faith-leaders, congregations, and nonprofits to recognize mental health concerns, respond with care, and refer well, integrating trauma-informed practice with the theological frameworks faith communities already trust. Her doctoral research centered on childhood trauma, resilience, and a spiritually focused approach to healing. She offers customizable trainings on mental health literacy and response, pastoral care triage, clergy wellness, trauma-informed ministry, grief, and crisis response. Please connect your faith-based partners by contacting info@churchmentalhealthtraining.com. September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote help-seeking. Explore the following resources that offer practical tools and wellness strategies, safety planning, crisis support, and ways to start meaningful conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7, while SAMHSA and NAMI offer educational materials, outreach tools, and guidance for communities, families, and individuals. You can also check out the Free Your Feels Suicide Prevention Toolkit or attend a free Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) October 15-16th in Fairburn, Georgia. This workshop provides practical skills to recognize suicide risk, intervene confidently, and connect individuals to support and resources. The training is open to community members, educators, first responders, faith leaders, mental health professionals, veterans, and anyone interested in strengthening suicide prevention efforts in their community. Register here! Coalition Highlights Resilient West Central: Bloom University, a co-lead of Resilient West Central, has partnered with Amerigroup to offer free trauma-informed training opportunities for foster, adoptive, and kinship parents, biological parents, educators, volunteers, and professionals who serve children and families. Upcoming sessions include Bullying Prevention on October 7th and Compassion Fatigue on November 11th at 10AM via Zoom. Resilient Communities of East Georgia is offering a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) training on September 23rd from 8:30-3:30, at CSRA RESA in Dearing, GA, providing participants with practical strategies for supporting children and families impacted by adversity. In addition, registration is now open for the free Resilient Teens program, a nine-week virtual series for students in grades 6-12 that helps youth build resilience, manage emotions, strengthen relationships, and develop healthy coping skills. Participation incentives are available for students who complete the program. Family and Child Wellbeing The At a Glance: Developmental Environments resource from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard highlights how the conditions and environments where children grow, learn, and live can influence their development and lifelong health. This resource provides practical, actionable strategies for communities to create environments that reduce hazards and provide children with safe, supportive, and enriching opportunities to promote healthy development and well-being. The Healthy Relationships Toolkit (HeaRT), developed by the CDC, is an evidence-based model designed to help 11–14-year-olds build healthy relationship skills and prevent dating violence and other risk behaviors before they begin. The toolkit includes seven prevention components that address individual, peer, family, school, and community factors, along with implementation guidance, training, and program materials. Complementing this resource, How Educators Play a Role in Preventing ACEs is a five-lesson series that provides educators with an overview of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), their impact, how ACEs can affect the school environment, strategies for prevention and reducing their effects, and ways to raise awareness and educate others. The Caregivers: Safety Starts With Connection resource provides practical guidance to help caregivers protect children and youth from human trafficking and exploitation. It explains how traffickers may build trust with young people who are seeking connection or support before using manipulation, pressure, or threats to gain control. The resource emphasizes that strong, supportive relationships can reduce vulnerability and encourages caregivers to maintain open communication, model healthy relationships and boundaries, conduct regular check-ins, promote positive peer and community connections, and support children’s confidence and self-image. It also highlights the importance of responding calmly and supportively if a child discloses an experience of abuse or exploitation and reminds caregivers that trafficking and abuse are never the fault of the child or caregiver. Juvenile Justice Adapting Practices in the Justice System for Emerging Adults: Annie E. Casey Foundation: This resource explores how probation officers and defense attorneys can adapt their practices to better support the healthy development of young adults ages 18–25. Based on lessons from emerging adult justice pilot sites, the resource highlights practical strategies such as supporting executive functioning through reminders and assistance with deadlines, using plain language instead of legal terminology to improve understanding and participation, and building rapport and trust by taking time to learn about young people’s interests and goals. These developmentally appropriate approaches can help emerging adults better navigate the justice system and may contribute to more positive outcomes. Professional Development and Events The Knowledge to Action Conversation on Building Resilience Through Father Engagement will take place on September 24, from 10:00–11:30 AM. The session will explore how father engagement can strengthen families, build resilience, and improve outcomes for children. Participants will learn about common challenges and misconceptions surrounding Georgia’s legitimation process, resources available to help birth fathers establish their legal rights, and ways child welfare professionals can strengthen collaboration and support fathers in remaining actively involved in their children’s lives. GA-AIMH 2026 Conference: The Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health will host its 5th Annual Conference on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Georgia State University’s Student Center East in Atlanta. Centered on the theme “Listening In,” the conference will encourage participants to practice presence, humility, and curiosity while deepening their understanding of the families they serve and the field of infant and early childhood mental health. Register now! The “A Conversation with Chelsea Handler: Making Mental Health a Higher Priority” will be October 2nd from 1–2PM at The Carter Center in Atlanta, GA. The conversation will focus on elevating the importance of mental health and promoting greater awareness and discussion around mental well-being. The event is in person only, with no virtual attendance option. Register here! Partnership for Innovation Summer Internship Program 2027: The Partnership for Innovation (PIN) is preparing for the 2027 Summer Internship Program and will soon open applications for organizations interested in becoming Partner Organizations and hosting summer interns. Organizations interested in learning more about partnership opportunities or the application process, which launched September 7, are encouraged to connect with Cody Cocchi at cody.cocchi@innovate.gatech.edu to discuss participation. Self-Compassion Can Self-Compassion Change the Way You See Society? A new study suggests that self-compassion may influence how we relate to others and view society. Researchers found that people with higher levels of self-compassion tended to show greater empathy and were more likely to hold egalitarian views, while lower levels of self-compassion and empathy were associated with more authoritarian attitudes. Read Can Self-Compassion Change the Way You See Society? to explore how practices that foster kindness toward ourselves may also help build more compassionate communities. For those interested in building self-compassion skills, the Mindful Self-Compassion for Busy People program from the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion offers a practical opportunity to learn and practice these tools. The program will run every Thursday from September 17 - October 22nd and it $325 to register. THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!

Happy Monday, partners! This week includes resources for child and family well-being, along with upcoming trainings, events, and professional development opportunities. Please Note: There will be no memo next week due to Labor Day. We'll resume on September 14. Before we dive in, here are a few updates and highlights from the Resilient Georgia team: RG Highlights Resilient Georgia Lunch and Learns August Lunch & Learn Recap: Thank you to everyone who joined our August Lunch & Learn featuring Dr. Stephen Patrick from the Emory Center for Child Health Policy. Participants explored key findings from the 2026 State of Child Health and Well-Being in Georgia Survey and discussed how communities can use data to better understand local needs, inform advocacy efforts, and strengthen partnerships. For folks who missed, you can access the slides and recording here. We appreciate your engagement and encourage you to complete the session feedback survey to help inform future Lunch & Learn topics. September Lunch & Learn: Expanding Access to Evidence-Informed Trainings Across Georgia: Join us again September 10th at noon for a virtual Lunch & Learn featuring Tiffany Sawyer of the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy and Dr. Jyll Walsh of the Positive Childhood Alliance of Georgia. The session will highlight training opportunities, including Connections Matter, Strengthening Families, Triple P, HOPE, Mandated Reporter Training, and child sexual abuse prevention programs. Participants will also learn strategies for building local training capacity through Train-the-Trainer models, partnerships, and other sustainable approaches that strengthen communities long-term. To request an invite, contact Alex at aenglish@resilientga.org. Rural Health Community Inventory Project Seeking Participants: Amanda Juarez, Coalition Lead for Resilient Middle Georgia and MPH student completing her practicum with UC Berkeley, is seeking participants 18+ for a Rural Health Community Inventory Project. This Community Inventory Project seeks to understand how people in rural areas access healthcare and social services and make decisions about the resources they use. Eligible participants will complete a brief screening form and, if selected, participate in a 30 to 60 minute virtual interview. Participants who complete the interview will receive a $25 digital gift card. Amanda hopes to gather perspectives from rural communities across Georgia to help inform this important work. To learn more or participate, contact Amanda Juarez at amanda@resilientmiddlegeorgia.org. Handle-With-Care In-Person Training: Join partners from across Georgia for an in-person Handle With Care (HWC) Implementation Training on September 24th in Clayton County. This session is designed for first responders, law enforcement, educators, school staff, mental health providers, community leaders, and other partners interested in implementing or strengthening the HWC model. Participants can earn 3 hours of CEU and POST credit by attending in person. Space is limited, register here! Coalition Highlights Resilient Chattahoochee Valley: The Mill District has launched “Parent University,” a new initiative designed to connect families with practical tools, resources, and trusted partners from cradle to career. As part of the initiative, parents participate in sessions on topics such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), positive childhood experiences, and strategies for supporting children’s development and learning. The program emphasizes a whole-family approach, recognizing the role of education, healthcare, financial stability, and community partnerships in helping children and families thrive. Resilient Metro: On Friday, November 6th from 8:30 AM – 1 PM ARCHI will convene more than 250 leaders, including healthcare providers, public health professionals, funders, practitioners, and community advocates, to examine the State of Metro-Atlanta Health. The event will feature the latest health data and community perspectives while exploring cross-sector strategies to address health inequities and their root causes, including housing, workforce development, care coordination, and advocacy. Participants will have opportunities to collaborate and identify strategies and investments to advance health equity across metro Atlanta. This free event is expected to sell-out, save your seat today! Family and Child Wellbeing Why Kids Need Safe, Stable, Nurturing Relationships | Strong4Life: This resource from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life highlights the importance of safe, stable, nurturing relationships in building resilience and supporting children’s emotional and developmental wellbeing. It explains how trusted adults—including parents, teachers, coaches, and other caregivers—can provide consistent support by listening, showing up, avoiding shame, and responding to children’s needs. The resource also emphasizes that these relationships do not have to be perfect; repairing mistakes and maintaining dependable support can help children develop a sense of safety, belonging, and self-worth. Finding Balance Through Purpose and Connection: For many families, balancing work, caregiving, school activities, and everyday responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Two resources from the Greater Good Science Center offer a helpful reminder that balance doesn't come from doing everything perfectly. Instead, it begins with identifying what matters most. The Life Crafting practice encourages individuals to reflect on their values, envision the life they want for themselves and their lives, and take small, intentional steps toward those goals. The article Are You Struggling With Work-Family Balance? suggests that focusing on purpose, rather than striving for a perfect work-family balance, can reduce stress and help families make decisions that align with their priorities. Together, these resources offer practical strategies for creating a more meaningful, connected, and balanced daily life. Silence the Same 2026 Parent Cafe Series: The virtual 2026 Parent Café Series offers parents, caregivers, and adult allies of Georgia’s transition-age youth (ages 16–24) an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and strengthen family well-being. Sessions will be offered throughout the year and will provide a supportive space to learn practical tools and strategies for supporting youth as they transition into adulthood. New Resource: Home Visiting Works- Georgia Essentials: Georgia Essentials for Childhood recently released Home Visiting Works, an infographic highlighting how evidence-based home visiting programs support expecting parents and families with young children. These free services connect families with trained professionals who provide parenting support, child development guidance, and links to community resources. The infographic also shares Georgia outcomes demonstrating improvements in child health, school readiness, family well-being, and child maltreatment prevention, reinforcing the value of early support for families and communities. Systems Change Third Sector Develops Systems Change Evaluation Approach: This article from Stanford Social Innovation Review explores how organizations can evaluate systems change, particularly when outcomes are complex and cannot be attributed to a single organization or intervention. Drawing on Third Sector’s evaluation of government systems-change projects, the authors recommend using a systems lens to examine structural, relational, transformative, and community-level changes; embedding culturally responsive and equitable evaluation practices that center lived experience and community voices; focusing on an organization’s contribution rather than claiming direct attribution; and beginning evaluation from stakeholders’ perspectives and experiences. The article emphasizes that systems change is long-term work and that combining storytelling, stakeholder perspectives, and systems-level analysis can provide a more meaningful understanding of how change occurs and is sustained. Professional Development and Events Family Crisis Center Conference 2026: The Family Crisis Center will host its “Empowered to Protect, Educate and Heal” Conference on Tuesday, September 29, from 9 AM –5 PM at The Colonnade in Ringgold, GA. The conference will bring together victim advocates, law enforcement professionals, healthcare providers, educators, social workers, and community leaders to raise awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and explore prevention, intervention, advocacy, and collaborative approaches to supporting survivors. Featured speaker includes Elizabeth Smart and seating is limited. Register here! Middle Georgia Regional School-Based Behavioral Health Forum: This event on September 11th from 9AM-3:30PM in Macon will bring together educators, school staff, mental health professionals, families, students, and community leaders to explore practical strategies for supporting student mental health. The event will feature presentations from Dr. Katherine Pickard of the Marcus Autism Center at Emory on supporting neurodivergent youth and Dr. Oatanisha Dawson of Next Level Lead on school community wellness and engagement. Attendees will also participate in the inaugural SBBH Innovation Lab focused on strengthening school-based behavioral health planning and increasing access to services. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Register here! Training of the Trainer- Connections Matter Workshop: The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy will host a full-day Training of the Trainer course on September 29, from 8:30 AM –4 PM in Atlanta. The training prepares participants to become certified Connections Matter Georgia facilitators. Participants must complete the Connections Matter training before attending the Training of the Trainer. Register Now! The Endorsement® for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health is an internationally recognized credential for professionals who support pregnant people, young children, and families. Offered by GA-AIMH, it helps strengthen skills in mental health, early childhood education, healthcare, home visiting, and child welfare. The Endorsement recognizes specialized knowledge and experience, enhances professional credibility, and demonstrates a commitment to high-quality, relationship-focused practice. Those interested can learn more during the upcoming Endorsement 101 virtual information session September 16th at 10 AM. Additionally, don’t forget to register for the 2026 GA-AIMH Conference on November 12-13th. The $75 early registration fee ends TODAY. Register now! THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!

Happy Monday, partners! This week we are highlighting a range of resources, including funding and nonprofit news, and training, events, and professional development opportunities. Before we dive in, here are a few reminders and highlights from the RG team: RG Highlights New CRM Video Resource Now Available: We’re excited to share a new Community Resiliency Model (CRM) video resource developed by Inky Brittany, now available on the Resilient Georgia website. This short video introduces the Community Resiliency Model and highlights practical resilience-building skills that can support emotional well-being for individuals, families, and communities. Whether you are new to CRM or looking for a quick refresher, this resource is a great tool to share with partners, community members, and anyone interested in building resilience. Please share widely! New Prevention & Resilience Resources from PCA Georgia and Georgia Essentials for Childhood: The following practical tools and learning opportunities help individuals and organizations integrate mindfulness and resilience-building practices into everyday life. The HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Initiative highlights the power of positive childhood experiences in promoting lifelong health, resilience, and well-being. For those looking to strengthen data-informed prevention efforts, the Essentials for Childhood Data Hub provides easy access to Georgia data on child and family well-being, helping communities identify needs, track progress, and guide strategies that prevent adversity and support thriving children and families. Additionally, PCA Georgia’s Institute for Motivational Interviewing offers training that strengthens communication skills, builds trust, and supports meaningful behavior change. Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based approach that helps professionals engage families more effectively, navigate resistance, and foster family-driven goals. PBPA’s Legal Bootcamp for Emerging Nonprofit Leaders: Applications are still open through August 31st for ProBono Partnerhsip of Atlanta’s Legal Bootcamp, an interactive training program designed for new executive directors of emerging Georgia nonprofits serving low-income or disadvantaged communities. The four-session program, held in Atlanta from September-November 2026, provides practical guidance on nonprofit governance, legal compliance, fundraising, risk management, board development, and organizational capacity building. Participants will also have opportunities to network with peers and develop an action plan to strengthen their organizations. Apply Now! Coalition Highlights Resilient Gwinnett: Congratulations to Dr. Shannon Hervey of the Gwinnett Coalition for receiving the Greater Good Award at the 2026 Moxie Awards presented by the Gwinnett Chamber, this award recognizes women whose leadership and service make a meaningful difference in their communities. We are proud to celebrate Shannon's commitment to strengthening outcomes for children, families, and communities across Gwinnett and beyond! Resilient Communities of East Georgia: The 2026 Resilient Teens Summit is this Saturday August 29th from 10 AM – 4 PM at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown, GA, with check-in beginning at 9:30 a.m. The summit will bring teens together for a day focused on connection, resilience, and personal development. Registration is $15 per person and includes lunch, snacks, drinks, a T-shirt, and promotional items. Financial assistance is available for those who need support with the registration fee. Register Now! Resilient NW Metro: Cobb Collaborative will host two upcoming virtual and in-person learning opportunities. On September 10th from 6–7 PM, the virtual Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Training will be offered in recognition of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Led by Mental Health Program Coordinator Lesleigh Sanders, the interactive session will introduce practical wellness skills for managing stress, building resilience, and supporting others. The following day, September 11th, from 11:30 AM – 1 PM, the Capacity Catalyst Training: AI for Nonprofits will be held at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta. This training will explore how nonprofits can use AI to reduce repetitive, time-consuming tasks, with real-world examples and practical strategies for incorporating AI into organizational work. Funding 2027 Building the Field of Health Advocacy Grant: The Georgia Health Initiative is accepting applications for its 2027 Building the Field of Health Advocacy Grant, which supports nonprofit organizations working to advance health equity and address systems-level health issues across Georgia. Funded projects may focus on statewide or community-specific issues and use strategies such as coalition building, policy research, community education, strategic communications, and engagement with decision-makers. Priority will be given to projects that elevate community voices, build partnerships, use an equity-focused approach, and strengthen organizations’ capacity for effective advocacy. There is an Informational Webinar on September 9th at 2pm for organizations interested in learning more about the opportunity. USDA Housing Preservation Grants in Georgia: The Housing Preservation Grant Program is open until September 8th, providing funding to organizations that repair or rehabilitate housing for low- and very-low-income residents in eligible rural areas. Funds may support repairs such as roofing, electrical systems, foundations, heating, water and waste systems, and accessibility improvements, as well as labor, materials, and administrative costs. Eligible properties must generally be located in rural areas or towns with populations of 20,000 or fewer people or on federally recognized Tribal lands. OVW FY2026 Consolidated Youth Grant Program: The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is offering funding to support community-based efforts addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. The program supports the development or expansion of prevention, intervention, treatment, and response strategies for children and youth ages 0–24 affected by violence, as well as initiatives that engage men and youth in preventing these forms of violence. Individual awards will range from $350,000 to $500,000, and no cost sharing or matching is required. Applications are due September 8, 2026. Nonprofit News Federal Contracts, Grants, and the New Landscape of Risk and Compliance: The Georgia Center for Nonprofits is offering a free 90-minute virtual trainings to help nonprofit organizations navigate changing federal funding compliance requirements and manage associated risks. Upcoming sessions are available tomorrow August 25 and September 1 from 10:30 AM –12 PM. The training will cover key federal compliance requirements, common risk areas and red flags, strategies for identifying compliance gaps, and practical tools for managing and mitigating risk. The training is designed for nonprofit leaders, program and grants staff, finance and compliance teams, and board members overseeing funded programs. After cancer diagnosis, lawyer shifts careers and now leads Atlanta nonprofit: After a breast cancer diagnosis at age 35, attorney Cati Diamond Stone reevaluated her career path and found a new calling in nonprofit leadership. Now CEO of CHRIS 180, an Atlanta-based organization providing mental health services, foster care and adoption support, and housing for youth experiencing homelessness, Stone is focused on expanding access to trauma-informed care across Georgia. In an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she highlights the importance of viewing mental health as preventive care, reducing stigma, and supporting young people before they reach a crisis point. Stone's story is a powerful reminder that resilience, healing, and purpose can emerge from life's most difficult challenges. Faith Communities 26th Annual Interfaith Prayer Celebration and FUNdraiser for Children: The Interfaith Children’s Movement will host its 26th Annual Prayer Celebration on August 30th, from 2–5:30 PM in Atlanta. The event will bring together faith and community leaders, advocates, families, and young people in support of Georgia’s children and families, featuring interfaith prayers, live music, youth speakers, and awards recognizing individuals and organizations making a difference in the lives of children. Reserve your seat today! Professional Development and Events Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows – 2027–2028: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is accepting applications for its Health Policy Fellows program, a full-time, midcareer fellowship that provides an intensive learning and leadership experience at the intersection of health, science, and federal policy in Washington, D.C. Fellows participate in a three-and-a-half-month orientation with national health and policy leaders before securing a placement in a federal government office, where they gain firsthand experience in the federal policymaking process. Fellows must commit to at least 12 months in Washington, D.C. Applications are due November 3, at 3 PM. The Georgia Conference on Child Abuse Prevention on September 16th hosted by PCA Georgia, the Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children at CHoA, and the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, will explore how communities can work together to promote resilience, healing, and hope for children and families with workshops focused on preventing, intervening in, and treating child maltreatment. Register now! 31st Annual Cheer for Children Gala: The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy will host its 31st Annual Cheer for Children Gala on Saturday, September 26, from 7–10 PM. at The Sinclair in Atlanta. Themed “Soft Lights, Jazz + Nights: An Evening in New Orleans,” the event will bring together supporters and community partners to celebrate and support the Center’s work advocating for children and promoting child safety. Please consider supporting and sharing with others! THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!

Happy Monday, partners! This week we are highlighting a range of resources, including child abuse prevention resources, information on Georgia’s healthcare and mental health landscape, and professional development and event opportunities. Before we dive in, here are a few reminders and highlights from the RG team: RG Highlights New Blog! Social Connection and Youth Voice as an Antidote to the Youth Mental Health Crisis: In the first post of Resilient Georgia’s monthly blog series, Resilient Futures, Nikki Tobeck explores how elevating youth voices and creating meaningful opportunities for connection can help build resilience and improve well-being amidst the growing mental health crisis in youth and young adults. Resilient Georgia is also seeking guest blog authors ages 14-26 to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas related to mental health and resilience. Check out the blog and email ntobeck@resilientga.org if you’d like to share your perspective! Help Us Strengthen Child and Family Well-Being Across Georgia! Georgia Essentials is seeking input from professionals across sectors, including education, healthcare, early childhood, child welfare, philanthropy, and family support. Take their brief 3-5 minute survey to help us better understand awareness of Georgia Essentials and Georgia's Child and Family Well-Being Plan. You can also explore the Georgia Essentials Family Well-Being Messaging Library, a collection of ready-to-use resources, toolkits, and practical tools designed to support child and family well-being. Please share widely! If you're attending the Georgia CASA Conference on August 22, be sure to check out a presentation featuring Resilient Georgia's own Audrey Idaikkadar alongside Gabrielle Stewart and Laura Beth Newsom. Their session, "Meeting Families Where They Are: A Trauma- and Poverty-Informed Approach," will explore strategies for supporting children and families through practices that recognize the impacts of trauma and poverty while fostering resilience and connection. Upcoming Dates! August Round Calls are scheduled this month as follows: Round 5: Monday, August 24th 2pm Round 3: Thursday, August 27th 1pm Round 2: Tuesday, August 25th 11am Round 1: Friday, August 28th 10am Round 4: Tuesday, August 25th 2pm Coalition Highlights Resilient Metro Meets with North Fulton Mayors: Resilient Metro recently joined the North Fulton Municipal Association meeting to share its work advancing trauma-informed systems and strengthening supports for children, youth, families, and communities across Fulton and DeKalb counties. Led by partners including ARCHI, the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, and CHRIS 180, the coalition looks forward to continued collaboration with local leaders to build a more resilient metro Atlanta region. Resilient Gwinnett Coalition: Join Gwinnett Coalition on August 25 for the Peace Index for Nonprofits, an interactive professional development workshop designed to help nonprofit professionals prioritize their own well-being while continuing to serve their communities. Participants will explore the Peace Index, a five-part framework for assessing personal wellness, identifying barriers to fulfillment, and creating a practical path toward greater balance and resilience. Through guided reflection, wellness activities, and connection over breakfast, attendees will gain actionable strategies to prevent burnout, strengthen personal well-being, and support sustainable growth both professionally and personally. The workshop will be held from 8:30-11:30 AM on Tuesday, August 25, at the Lawrenceville Arts Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia. CSA Prevention Saprea's What is COCSA? resource provides families, caregivers, educators, and youth-serving professionals with guidance on understanding child-on-child sexual abuse (COCSA), including risk factors, warning signs, prevention strategies, healthy boundary- setting, and how to respond when abuse is disclosed or suspected. At the same time, the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy's Courage to Care training equips adults with practical tools to recognize warning signs, create safe environments, foster healthy relationships, engage in proactive communication, and take action to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation. Those interested in expanding prevention efforts within their organizations can also participate in GCCA’s Courage to Care Training of Trainers workshop on October 22. Specialized training helps Columbus investigators identify human trafficking victims: A This report highlights how specialized human trafficking training is helping Columbus-area investigators better recognize and identify trafficking victims who might previously have been overlooked. Funded by a $15,000 investment from the Columbus Rotary Club, the training encourages a victim-centered approach, helping law enforcement connect individuals with support services while strengthening investigations and increasing awareness of trafficking in the community. Healthcare GHI: What does navigating our health care system look and feel like for real people living in Georgia?: A new statewide poll commissioned by Georgia Health Initiative and conducted by the University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs Survey Research Center found that health care remains a top priority for Georgia voters across party lines. Among more than 1,000 likely voters surveyed, 62% say health care costs are too high, and 37% reported delaying or skipping care because of cost. Strong majorities identified expanded access to behavioral health care, maternal health services, and health insurance coverage as key priorities, while 77% said a candidate’s position on health care will influence their vote. The findings highlight widespread concern about affordability and access, as well as strong public support for improving Georgia’s health care system. Explore the Issue Brief here. Best & Worst States for Healthcare: This report evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 44 metrics measuring healthcare cost, access, and outcomes. Alaska, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, and West Virginia were the five lowest-ranked states, with Georgia ranking 49th overall. The report also highlights significant disparities across states, including Texas having the lowest health insurance coverage rates for adults and children, Mississippi having the highest infant mortality rate, and differences in healthcare workforce and hospital capacity. Overall, the findings demonstrate substantial variation in the affordability, availability, and quality of healthcare across the country. Professional Development and Events The 2026 Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support (GAPBS) Conference will be Friday, December 4th in Duluth, GA, with the theme “Strengthening Safety and Supports.” The conference will bring together educators, interventionists, family members, clinicians, and community partners to share research, resources, and practical strategies related to positive behavior supports across homes, schools, and communities. Participants will have opportunities for networking, continuing education credits (CEUs), expert learning, and exploring positive behavior support practices across the lifespan. Register here and share widely! Now Enrolling: Soar with Wings: Wings for Kids, a nonprofit with 30 years of experience in social-emotional learning (SEL), is now enrolling participants for the 2026-27 Soar with Wings leadership training program. Designed for schools and youth-serving organizations, this no-cost program equips educators and staff with practical, evidence-based tools to strengthen SEL skills in the young people they serve. Participants gain hands-on strategies they can immediately apply, earn Certified Soar Leader credentials, and learn proven approaches backed by research and decades of positive outcomes. Organizations interested in learning more are invited to join a free 30-minute informational webinar on August 24 at 1:00 PM. Trauma Resource Institute 20th Anniversary Conference and Gala: The Trauma Resource Institute (TRI) will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a conference October 2–4, 2026, offered both in person in California and virtually. Under the theme “Rooted in Well-Being, Planted in Community, Cultivated by Hope,” the conference will bring together educators, practitioners, researchers, and community partners to explore real-world applications of the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), emerging research, innovative programs, and practical tools for strengthening well-being across communities. Reserve your spot now! Workforce and Mental Health Supporting the People Behind Georgia’s Economy: As Georgia continues to lead the nation in business growth, recent reports highlight the urgent need to strengthen mental health support for workers across industries. A SaportaReport article notes that Georgia’s booming construction industry—one of the state’s fastest-growing sectors—is prioritizing suicide prevention, mental health training, and workplace wellness initiatives to address the unique stressors faced by workers, including long hours, labor shortages, and job-site risks. At the same time, the 2026 Mental Health Vulnerability Index ranked Georgia as the most vulnerable state for access to mental health support, citing challenges such as provider shortages, affordability, and access to care. Together, these findings underscore the importance of investing in workforce mental health, reducing stigma, and creating supportive workplace cultures that help employees thrive both on and off the job. While Georgia continues to be recognized as a top state for business, mental health advocates warn that the state still faces significant challenges in mental health access, workforce well-being, and behavioral health system capacity, reinforcing the need for continued investment in prevention, support services, and workplace mental health initiatives. THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!

Happy Monday, partners! This week we are highlighting a range of resources, including education and child wellbeing resources, professional development and training opportunities and rural health initiatives. Before we dive in, here are a few reminders and highlights from the RG team: RG Highlights Call for Authors: Resilient Futures Blog Series: Resilient Georgia is seeking authors for its 2026–2027 Resilient Futures blog campaign, a statewide series focused on youth mental health and well-being. Youth ages 14–26, parents, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, advocates, researchers, and community leaders are invited to share personal stories, professional insights, and evidence-based approaches that help young people build resilience and thrive. For more information, contact ntobeck@resilientga.org. Thank you to the Coalition Leaders who shared their input for our 2027 Lunch & Learn Calendar! We received 31 responses, and the top five topics were: Supporting Youth in Under-Resourced Communities, School-Based Mental Health Supports, Understanding Policy and Legislation, Suicide Prevention and Mental Wellness Resources. We will use these results to develop and plan the 2027 Lunch & Learn Series. Thank you for helping us ensure that the topics reflect the interests and needs of our coalition network! Reminder: Help Us Build Georgia’s Trainer Directory! There is still time to participate in the Resilient Georgia Trainer Information Survey. We have received 35 responses so far and would love to hear from even more training organizations across the state. If your organization provides trainings related to resilience, trauma-informed practices, behavioral health, prevention, recovery, or related topics, please take a few minutes to complete the survey by August 17, 2026. Survey responses will help us better understand Georgia’s training landscape and strengthen connections between organizations, trainers, and communities seeking these valuable services. As a thank you, participants who complete the survey will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. Complete the survey here. Alex English and Andrea Meyer Stinson had the opportunity to present at the Georgia THRIVe 3rd Annual Conference. This year provided a meaningful opportunity to explore the foundations of trauma and discuss how we can build trauma-informed systems into everything we do. We are grateful to the Georgia THRIVe team and all participants for creating such an inspiring event. Together, we continue to learn, grow, and strengthen support for children and families across Georgia. Coalition Highlights Cobb Collaborative offers a collection of youth-focused resources designed to support mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. Resources include mental health toolkits, wellness apps, Resilient Georgia Learning Cards, and materials for parents, caregivers, and diverse communities. These tools can help you connect young people with valuable supports and strengthen protective factors that promote healthy development. Additionally, they launched a Substack where subscribers can receive updates, event announcements, resources, and insights related to the organization's work in mental health, literacy, civic engagement, and collective impact. Child and Family Wellbeing The Overview of Mental Health Screening Tools for Infants & Toddlers: Compiled by the Georgia Health Policy Center/Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health & Wellbeing and the IECMH Task Force, this reference guide helps pediatricians, early childhood professionals, and behavioral health providers identify and select appropriate evidence-based screening tools for infants and toddlers. The resource compares assessments based on age range, screening domains, administration methods, and time requirements, supporting the early identification of developmental, social-emotional, and mental health concerns and helping professionals connect young children and families with appropriate services. Georgia HOPE Resources for Families offers a range of services designed to support children, youth, and families across Georgia. Their Foster Care Services provide wraparound support for children in the foster care system while equipping foster families with training, guidance, referral services, and 24-hour access to mental health professionals. In addition, Georgia HOPE’s Family Centered Treatment (FCT) is an evidence-based, trauma-informed, in-home therapy program that helps stabilize families, prevent out-of-home placement, and support reunification. Through individualized support focused on strengthening relationships, resilience, and healthy family functioning, FCT addresses the impacts of trauma, behavioral health challenges, and family instability while providing around-the-clock practitioner support for participating families. Education The Georgia Education Policy Fellowship Cohort Announcement GPEE has selected 28 leaders for the 19th cohort of the Georgia Education Policy Fellowship. Participants will engage in a 10-month learning experience focused on Georgia’s education policy landscape, beginning in August 2026 and concluding in May 2027. The fellowship brings together leaders from across the state to deepen their understanding of education policy and strengthen their capacity to support positive outcomes for Georgia’s students and communities. Check out the list and connect with folks representing your communities! Back-to-School Mental Health Resource Toolkit: This new Free Your Feels toolkit brings together trusted resources, data, and practical tools to support young people, caregivers, and professionals as they navigate the transition to a new school year. It provides guidance for addressing stress, uncertainty, and emotional well-being while helping school communities foster connection, support, and mental health throughout the year. Professional Development and Events Emerging Leaders for Community Change 2026-2027 Cohort: Applications are open for the 2026–2027 ELCC cohort for young adult leaders of faith ages 18–30 who are interested in civic engagement, bridging divides, and creating positive change in their communities. The program provides training from experts, mentorship and funding support, opportunities to build a network of young leaders, and support to design and implement local initiatives that address community divisions. No specific work or educational experience is required, and all people are encouraged to apply. Apply here by August 18, 2026. Passing the Pencil - A Case Study of Art as a Mental Health Intervention: This virtual session on August 18 at 7:00 PM will explore the use of art as a mental health intervention for youth. The session is hosted by Improving the Wellness of All Youth (IWAY2), a SAMHSA-funded initiative serving youth ages 12–18 which focuses on increasing access to trauma-informed mental health services and creating safe spaces for youth to explore their mental health and identity. Housing Justice in Georgia: Advancing Safe, Stable Homes for Every Child: Explore how safe, stable housing supports children’s health, education, and opportunities during this virtual session on August 20th from 10–11:30 AM with the Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, will discuss legal advocacy and partnerships working to improve housing conditions, strengthen tenant protections, and advance equity for families across Georgia. Email essentials@gsu.edu with any questions! Knowledge to Action Conversation: Understanding Neurodiversity: Nurturing Every Child's Potential: This virtual conversation hosted by GSU Child Welfare Training Collaborative on August 20th from 10–11:30 AM will explore neurodiversity through a child-centered lens. Educators from Jacob’s Ladder will discuss how understanding brain development, connection, and emotional regulation can help families and professionals create supportive environments where neurodivergent children can build relationships, learn, and thrive. Participants will leave with practical strategies and insights to apply in their daily work. GA-AIMH: Birth to Five 5th Annual Conference – Call for Presentations: The Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health is seeking presentation proposals for its 5th Annual Conference, themed “Listening In,” which will explore infant and early childhood mental health through connection, reflection, and shared learning. Proposals are welcomed from content experts and those highlighting innovative programs, partnerships, initiatives, and systems-level work supporting young children, families, and the early childhood workforce. Submit a proposal here by September 5th! Rural Health Georgia Issues $30 Million in Phase 2 GREAT Health Awards to Advance Rural Healthcare Transformation: The Georgia Department of Community Health announced $30.6 million in Phase 2 GREAT Health awards to 26 organizations, bringing total funding committed through the program to $43.3 million. The investments will support rural hospitals, healthcare workforce development, care coordination, school-based health infrastructure, behavioral health services, and technology-driven healthcare innovation. Funding includes $6.5 million for expanding access to care, $12.5 million for developing the rural healthcare workforce, $7 million for technology and healthcare innovation, and $4.6 million for strengthening coordination across healthcare, behavioral health, public health, and education systems. THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!

Happy August, partners! It’s hard to believe summer is coming to an end. This week we are highlighting a range of resources, including resources for child and family wellbeing and a variety of upcoming professional development and training opportunities. Before we dive in, here are a few reminders and highlights from the RG team: RG Highlights Change Makers Leadership Institute: Strengthening Georgia’s Resilience Infrastructure: The Change Makers Leadership Institute (CMLI), founded by Gabrielle Stewart, provides trauma-informed, equity-centered consulting to help coalitions strengthen leadership, collaboration, strategic planning, and community engagement. Grounded in the belief that lasting systems change begins with leadership that models the values it promotes, CMLI helps leaders build cultures rooted in transparency, accountability, emotional safety, belonging, and resilience. Reach out to GabrielleCMLI@pm.me to learn about consulting services, rates, and opportunities. Call for Authors: Resilient Futures Blog Series: Resilient Georgia is seeking authors for its 2026–2027 Resilient Futures blog campaign, a statewide series focused on youth mental health and well-being. Youth ages 14–26, parents, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, advocates, researchers, and community leaders are invited to share personal stories, professional insights, and evidence-based approaches that help young people build resilience and thrive. For more information, contact ntobeck@resilientga.org. The Handle With Care (HWC) model helps schools provide trauma-sensitive support to students who have experienced potentially traumatic events while protecting student confidentiality. This brief introductory training video from Savannah-Chatham Public Schools explains how HWC enables schools to respond with empathy, promote resilience, and support academic success. For communities interested in implementing the model, the free Handle With Care Action Pack from Salud America! offers guidance, tools, training resources, and TA to help build partnerships among schools, law enforcement, and mental health providers. Check out this slide deck from last month’s HWC National call to learn more about the model. National HWC meetings will be held on August 20, 2026 and September 17 via Zoom. The next Georgia taskforce meeting will take place on August 21st at 10am. Email ntobeck@resilientga.org to request an invite. Job Opportunity: The University of Georgia is hiring an Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator for Elevate Couples Georgia, a statewide initiative supporting couples and families. This role focuses on community partnerships, outreach, recruitment, and engagement. Ideal candidates have experience in community engagement, education, social work, nonprofit programs, or partnership development. Apply here! Coalition Highlights Resilient Metro: Join ARCHI for a virtual Policy Pulse webinar on August 24th from 1–2PM, exploring Georgia's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and its impact on rural health care. Expert panelists from the Georgia Health Policy Center, Georgia Hospital Association, Dodge County Hospital, and Augusta University will discuss the program's policy framework, implementation, and implications for hospitals, providers, and communities. The webinar is designed for health care, public health, government, philanthropic, and community leaders seeking practical insights into one of Georgia's most significant recent health policy initiatives. Resilient North Georgia: Reaching Teens has officially been added to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Course Catalog, making it easier for schools to access this evidence-informed training focused on positive youth development, resilience-building, strength-based communication, and trauma-sensitive practices. Reaching Teens equips educators and youth-serving professionals with practical strategies to strengthen connections with students, foster resilience, support mental health, and enhance school climate. This opportunity is especially relevant for school counselors, social workers, psychologists, administrators, nurses, student support teams, and other youth-serving organizations. Trainings can be requested through the GaDOE MHAT Request Page and are now more accessible than ever to schools seeking to support the whole child. Child and Family Wellbeing PCA Georgia Family Well-Being Messaging Library: Developed by Positive Childhood Alliance Georgia (PCA Georgia) as part of Georgia Essentials for Childhood, this curated collection of resources is designed to help organizations and professionals promote the safety, health, and resilience of children and families. Organized around the Strengthening Families Five Protective Factors framework, the library features messaging toolkits, social media content, infographics, podcasts, webinars, policy briefs, assessment templates, and other practical tools to support families and advance protective factors across. Explore to find ready-to-use resources that can enhance your work with children and families. AAP Trauma-Informed Care Impact Report: The AAP's National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care is helping pediatricians integrate trauma-informed care into everyday practice. Recognizing that childhood trauma can have lifelong effects on physical, mental, and emotional health, the Center provides education, training, implementation support, and resources to help healthcare professionals recognize trauma, promote healing, strengthen family relationships, and build resilience. In its first year, the Center expanded into a nationwide resource, supporting clinicians, healthcare systems, and community organizations in advancing trauma-informed, relationship-based care for children and families. Check out their report! Building Resilience at Home: The Greater Good Science Center recently shared two insightful resources for parents and caregivers. How to Raise Kids Who Feel Capable in the World explores how resilience and confidence are built through problem-solving, perseverance, and learning from life's challenges. How Kids Might Be Learning Bullying at Home highlights how children often model adult behavior, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating empathy, respectful communication, and healthy conflict resolution. Together, these articles offer practical guidance for fostering resilience, positive relationships, and emotional well-being in children. Professional Development and Events The Violence Intervention Wellness Experience Session: Hosted by the Emory Urban Health Initiative on August 6th from 12:30 - 1:30PM, this virtual session, "The Art of Thriving During Uncertainty Part II: Sustaining Your Well-Being During Change," focuses on supporting the well-being of individuals involved in violence intervention work. Participants will explore strategies for maintaining resilience, managing stress, and sustaining personal wellness while navigating uncertainty and change. 2026 Holistic Therapist Conference: The 2nd Annual Holistic Therapist Conference will take place October 1–4, in Boone, NC. This immersive four-day retreat brings together therapists, mental health professionals, and healers for trauma-informed education, holistic and somatic practices, and opportunities for professional connection. The conference also explores self-care, nervous system regulation, integrative healing approaches, and strategies for expanding holistic mental health practice. Learn more and register here. Child Care Innovation Expo: The Georgia Child Care Association (GCCA) will host the Child Care Innovation Expo on September 12, at Chattahoochee Technical College in Acworth, Georgia. This statewide event brings together child care professionals, educators, advocates, policymakers, and community partners for an interactive experience focused on innovation in early learning. Attendees can explore an Innovation Expo Hall featuring exhibitors, demonstrations, and resources, participate in learning sessions, network with industry leaders, and discover new tools and partnerships to support the future of child care in Georgia. PBPA’s Legal Bootcamp for Emerging Nonprofit Leaders: Applications are open through August 31 for ProBono Partnerhsip of Atlanta’s Legal Bootcamp, an interactive training program designed for new executive directors of emerging Georgia nonprofits serving low-income or disadvantaged communities. The four-session program, held in Atlanta from September-November 2026, provides practical guidance on nonprofit governance, legal compliance, fundraising, risk management, board development, and organizational capacity building. Participants will also have opportunities to network with peers and develop an action plan to strengthen their organizations. Apply Now! The Georgia Home Visiting Institute Conference: This conference on August 18 from 8:30 AM-4PM in Athens will bring together home visiting professionals, program leaders, state agency staff, and community partners to explore best practices, emerging trends, and innovative strategies for supporting children and families. This year's program features sessions on workforce resilience, AI in home visiting, father engagement, early childhood emotional regulation, autism supports, and other evidence-based approaches to strengthening family services. Conference: Prescription for Prevention: Opioid Misuse in Rural Georgia: This free conference will be held on September 18, at Mercer University’s Macon Campus and is designed for physicians, healthcare professionals, counselors, social workers, and advocates. Hosted in partnership with CWC Alliance, Mercer University School of Medicine, and the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center, the event will feature expert presentations on opioid misuse prevention, youth substance use disorder treatment, the physiology of addiction, stigma and family impacts, and youth prevention initiatives. Continuing education credits will be available for eligible healthcare and behavioral health professionals. Register here! THANK YOU FROM THE RESILIENT GEORGIA TEAM!