Organizations and collaboratives in Nash, Edgecombe, Robeson, Columbus, and Bladen counties are working to address the impacts of toxic stress and Adverse Childhood Experiences. The problem is acute in this region that is prone to hurricanes, flooding, and economic dislocation. The communities in the northeastern and southeastern sections of the state are resource starved, which leads to provider shortages and too few services to meet the demand. Institutions do not always have the opportunity or resources for technical assistance or the funding to implement trauma informed approaches.

The Trust is interested in hearing from applicants who can assist with community-wide communications and awareness raising efforts that spotlight adverse childhood experiences, or the adverse community conditions such as poverty and systemic racism that drive disparate outcomes. We also are interested in initiatives that build the capacity of communities to address Adverse Childhood Experiences. The Trust also seeks proposals that aim to improve coordination within or between systems to improve care for people impacted by adverse experiences. Competitive applications will directly engage the communities that disproportionately suffer from toxic stress and trauma.