World Mental Health Day is October 10, the only global day for mental health awareness. As our understanding of mental health grows, we grow along with it. We encourage you to do an act of kindness on October in honor of World Mental Health Day. 

Spreading kindness not only helps others feel better about themselves — it can also boost the giver’s health and happiness! Here are a few ideas:

• Give a genuine compliment to a family member, friend or colleague.
• Do the same for your boss; it will be a pleasant surprise!
• Let go of a grudge.
• Be there for a friend having a tough time. Don’t try to fix it; just listen.
• Leave your mail carrier a thank-you note.
• Over tip your delivery person.
• Make a donation to a charity that supports mental health promotion.

Register now: Our General Meeting will focus on uniting Physical and Mental Well-Being. Join us to discover the groundbreaking collaborations happening right here in Georgia that nurture both physical and mental health and fortify our children's resilience

• Please REGISTER NOW for the Fall 2023 Resilient Georgia General Meeting in November. Join us virtually on Thursday, November 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET.

Thank you for connecting here, and please check out our donation page. We're on a mission to prevent and heal childhood trauma in Georgia. Join us!

Sincerely,

Emily Anne Vall, PhD

Executive Director

p.s. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more resources, events, and news.

This Issue: 4-Minute Read

What's new: As part of our ongoing “Be Vulnerable” blog series, we are highlighting this blog authored by Raquel Issenberg who tells the tale of Jonalyn Lavarias, a yoga teacher who has transformed a traumatic past into a force for healing and empowerment.

Why it matters: Lavarias, the voice of the month, found in yoga a transformative tool for addressing trauma-induced disconnection after surviving domestic violence. Now, she has emerged as a symbol of strength, dedicating part of her life to creating awareness and helping women who need support.

What's new: This blog post, authored by Jenn Graham, Founder and CEO of CEO of Inclusivv, is a heartfelt reflection on her journey of healing and growth...and learning to lead with openness and vulnerability.

Why it matters: Jenn Graham is the founder and CEO of Inclusivv (formerly known as Civic Dinners), a platform that brings people together for conversations that matter.

What's new: Resilient Georgia and Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics received a Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Community Transformation Grant to develop and launch a Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Infant and Early Childhood Professional Development Course and Guidebook. 

Why it matters: The course features the latest science on child development during the first five years and incorporates CRM as a practical, trauma-informed wellness intervention.

Coming soon: We are excited to provide an accessible professional development course that includes trauma-informed care and social and emotional learning to childcare and early educators across the state. This workforce is a critical part of Georgia’s early childhood care and education system.

• Visit the course landing page and request enrollment here.
• Early Childhood Educators and other Infant and Early Childhood Professionals can also sign up for free live CRM workshops
• Register for a free live CRM workshop Oct. 13 at 9:00 a.m. or Oct 19 11:30 a.m. 

Disclaimer: The project described is supported by the Community Transformation Grant (CTG), Grant Number 469-G23-921-RGAI-014, from Federal Funds awarded to the State of Georgia and to the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act. The contents of the course will solely be the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of DECAL, the Granting Federal Agency or the U.S. Government.

What's new: Resilient Georgia recently welcomed Dr. Andrea Meyer Stinson as Director of Workforce Strategy and Initiatives.

Why it matters: Dr. Stinson will lead Resilient Georgia’s Workforce Strategy and related initiatives, including the National Mental Health Workforce Acceleration Collaborative Program.

• She will identify and share statewide workforce best practices and innovation, including work currently ongoing throughout Resilient Georgia’s regional coalitions. 
• She is dedicated to growing and strengthening Georgia’s workforce of licensed mental health professionals, while simultaneously identifying barriers, facilitators and solutions related to Georgia licensure and workforce shortages.
• She will also engage with a range of key stakeholders, including Kaiser Permanente, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, academic, placement sites, and other partners and stakeholders. 

REGISTER NOW for the Fall 2023 Resilient Georgia General Meeting in November. Join us virtually on Thursday, November 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET.

What’s Exciting: Research has unveiled the profound connection between mental and physical health, spanning across age groups and communities. This event will shine a spotlight on this pivotal interdependence and the inspiring connections it promises to spark.

Why it Matters: Discover the groundbreaking collaborations happening right here in Georgia that nurture both physical and mental health and fortify our children's resilience. Learn how your organization can actively participate in these initiatives.