This opportunity aims to support community organizations serving vulnerable populations to help build resilience and mitigate the impact of adverse childhood experiences during a public health crisis. The COVID pandemic continues to take a terrible toll on our community and state. We know that communities of color are disproportionately impacted by the virus. We also see residents rallying in this time of need to create safe education spaces,  care for children and the elderly,  feed one another, and  address social isolation. We want to maintain this momentum and not lose ground in efforts to improve education and build resilience in Forsyth County.

The Trust is particularly concerned about ensuring that vulnerable populations get timely information on public health measures and that local officials understand the barriers that marginalized communities face in protecting themselves and accessing treatment. Many groups in Forsyth are also working to mitigate the incidence and impact of adverse childhood experiences on youth. We know that children, and especially youth of color, are at increased risk of experiencing mental and behavioral health crises during COVID. If we do not extend mental health resources and educational opportunities, we risk losing ground on resilience efforts. To address these concerns the Trust is interested in supporting:

1. Trusted community organizations poised to share messages with the most vulnerable populations to provide unbiased information related to COVID-19 and vaccinations and to advocate for increased resources for marginalized communities; or,
2. Organizations providing services to address the social and emotional and behavioral health needs of children and families in underserved communities.