A Stronger Tomorrow: Newly Formed Resilient Communities of Marshland Georgia Receives $100,000 Grant to Support Trauma Informed Care

October 2025

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Brunswick, Ga. A new regional effort is underway to strengthen trauma informed care and build resilient communities across Southeast Georgia. The Resilient Communities of Marshland Georgia coalition, representing Camden, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Bulloch counties, has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Resilient Georgia to expand mental health support, training, and collaboration for children, youth, and families. 

The initiative will create a comprehensive network of professionals, community leaders, and youth dedicated to reducing the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences and improving access to behavioral health services in rural and underserved areas. Research shows that trauma and untreated mental health concerns can have lifelong impacts on emotional, academic, and social development. The coalition will respond to these challenges through prevention education, early detection strategies, and coordinated intervention at the community level. 

“This is about ensuring every child and family has access to the tools and support they need to thrive,” said Ashley Jackson, Executive Director of Family Connection Glynn and Regional Coalition Lead. “Family Connection collaboratives are rooted in strengthening families. Partnering in this work made sense because resiliency is often where healthy families begin. When communities understand trauma and build protective factors, we create environments where children can truly flourish.” 

Over the next two years, the coalition will host a series of training opportunities including: the Community Resiliency Model, Connections Matter, Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Question Persuade Refer suicide prevention instruction. The region will also utilize Trust Based Relational Intervention to support children who have experienced neglect, exploitation, or abuse. To amplify the voices of young people, a regional youth advisory board will be formed to guide program decisions, share lived experiences, and support peer to peer prevention strategies. 

Each of the six counties will host an annual Building a Resilient Community Summit to bring schools, nonprofit organizations, health care professionals, law enforcement agencies, and faith based leaders together for shared learning and community planning. Quarterly evaluation reports and shared data dashboards will be used to measure participation outcomes and identify areas for continued improvement. 

Many of the counties served by this initiative report elevated childhood poverty, mental health risks, and child welfare involvement compared to statewide averages. These disparities highlight the need for increased access to trauma responsive support systems. The new initiative also builds upon previous collaborative work overseen by United Way of Coastal Georgia. As United Way transitions away from its former role, Family Connection collaboratives have assumed leadership to ensure continuity and sustainability in community based prevention. 

The coalition’s backbone leadership team includes Safe Harbor Center as fiscal agent along with Family Connection coordinators representing each participating county. Regional evaluation will be supported by Dr. Sherzine McKenzie who will guide data collection and reporting efforts. 

“At Resilient Georgia, our goal is to build a statewide network of trauma informed communities,” said Emily Anne Vall, Executive Director, Resilient Georgia. “Strengthening protective factors and expanding access to care helps ensure brighter futures for Georgia’s children.” 

As training expands across the region, coalition leaders anticipate increased early intervention, reduced stigma, strengthened community systems, and measurable improvements in mental health outcomes. 

“Through shared commitment and coordinated care, the Resilient Communities of Marshland Georgia initiative is helping Southeast Georgia build a stronger tomorrow,” said Audrey Idaikkadar, Director of Regional Programs, Resilient Georgia. “Their collaborative efforts will help ensure families across this region have expanded access to the support, education, and resources they need to thrive.”

For more information, please contact: 

Ashley Jackson 

Executive Director, Family Connection Glynn 

Regional Coalition Lead 

Ashley.jackson@glynncounty.ga.gov 

912 279 3817