Initiative 2
Youth Health Initiative - Mental Health / Addiction / ACEs
“Childhood trauma does not come in one single package.” – Asa Don Brown
“Behavior is the language of trauma. Children will show you before they tell you that they are in distress.” – Micere Keels
Trinity Health Foundation of East Tennessee sows seeds to extend the healing ministry of Jesus by improving the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of our community.
Envisioned Goal
Trinity seeks projects to address a broad range of youth health issues in the community. “Youth” is defined as our school-aged population.Based on the community’s feedback, the following key areas of concern require focused action (we do not expect proposals to address all areas but to focus efforts on a subset of these needs):
1. Prevention and mitigation of ACEs, including evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches
2. Increasing social and emotional learning (SEL) skills
3. Addressing food insecurity and family support
4. Violence intervention and support
5. Addiction intervention and support
6. Addressing the negative academic and social impacts of COVID
7. Increasing access to mental health support and services – especially school and site-based
Background
In 2023, the CDC states that 39.7% of children aged 12-17 in 2021-2023 reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 28.5% experienced poor mental health, and 20.4% had seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9.5% had attempted suicide.
Trinity encourages applicants to reference community values from the Greater Knoxville Report Card to identify target populations, define measurable outcomes, and demonstrate alignment with regional youth health priorities, if applicable.
To access the Greater Knoxville Report Card, click here: https://trinityfound.org/2025-greater-knoxville-report-card/