Children from low-income and Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) families face heightened exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which negatively impact brain development, emotional regulation, and long-term health. Economic stress is one of the most common ACEs, contributing to toxic stress in young children that leads to mental health challenges, social-emotional delays, and poor physical health outcomes.

At Olive Tree Early Learning Academy, where 56% of children come from low-income and ALICE families, they see firsthand how economic insecurity exacerbates trauma. While their trauma-responsive early education model supports children’s development, families need additional support to break free from intergenerational poverty and its associated health risks.

This initiative expands Olive Tree’s commitment to a two-generational approach, integrating Economic Mobility Mentoring (EMPath Model) into early education to reduce family financial stress and improve child resilience.