Resilient WEST is a five-county coalition that seeks to address adverse childhood experiences, mental health stigma, prevent and heal childhood adversity, emphasize trauma-informed awareness and care, and promote resilience in children and their families. It is the 17th coalition partner of Resilient Georgia. The University of West Georgia, in collaboration with Judge Michael Key and the Troup County Trauma Responsive Community Collaborative, serves as the lead partners for Resilient WEST. This initiative serves five counties: Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Meriwether, and Troup. Strategic and implementing partners include staff and board members of the Family Connection Collaboratives in each of the five member counties.
Goals for Resilient WEST include:
1.Increase community awareness and understanding of ACE’s
2.Implement Handle with Care across all five counties
3.Develop a workforce development pipeline focused on trauma-informed care
4. Build a community of certified Mental Health First Aiders
5.Evaluate and strengthen Coalition leadership and impact
To accomplish these goals, we will offer the following trainings and initiatives across the region:
- Connections Matter
- Becoming a More Resilient Parent
- Mental Health First Aid
- Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
- Handle with Care
So, why the focus on resilience? Resilience refers to the ability to successfully adapt to stressors, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity. Resilience is possible at any age, but it’s easiest to build resilience in early childhood. That’s why we’re reaching out to educators, community leaders, parents and caregivers to share the wealth of resources made available through Resilient WEST. See the graphic for contact information.