HIF Invests in Identity to Lead MCPS Eco-System Pilot to Provide Trauma-focused Training with Two School Communities
In July 2022, the Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF) awarded Identity, Inc., a $150,000 grant to implement a two-year Trauma Informed Ecosystem pilot at two schools selected by the Montgomery County Public School system, Magruder High School (Rockville) and Seneca Valley High School (Germantown) starting this fall.
This pilot will encompass working with the entire school eco-system – students, faculty, administrators, families, and community over the next two school years to garner a better understanding of the impact of trauma exposure on students and the school community and develop with the school community practical skills, trainings, and supports to build a more positive school climate.
Phase I will engage the community to develop the workplan for the pilot so that efforts are being planned with and not for the community, as well as provide training on trauma for school personnel, students, and parents/guardians to introduce concepts of ‘trauma’ and how it influences actions and behaviors. During Phase II, each school will begin implementing strategies defined in the workplan and utilize a rapid cycle evaluation to adapt to the real-time needs and desires of the eco-system and share lessons learned with the community.
The University of Maryland School of Public Health and College of Education are the evaluation partners, studying how a trauma responsive community could encourage parent and student engagement; attendance of both students and staff; graduation rates; and reduce suspension and other disciplinary actions. Based on lessons learned, the team expects to share a model that can be adapted to other school communities and their unique eco-systems.
HIF is thrilled to invest in this cutting-edge work. “Identity is an important community partner and we know they will be able to hit the ground running with this Trauma-Informed Eco-system pilot. The team at Identity is already on-the-ground in the schools and a trusted member of our community. HIF looks forward to being among the partners on this journey with Identity, MCPS, and the University of Maryland evaluation team. We believe it will be a great success,” said Crystal Carr Townsend, President and CEO of Healthcare Initiative Foundation.
“Investing in the well-being of young people and the community that helps them reach their highest potential is an investment in Montgomery County. Especially at a time when school communities are particularly stressed, we are privileged to begin this journey with students, parents, educators, evaluators and investors to create a trauma-responsive school community that is unique to Seneca Valley and Magruder High Schools,” said Carolyn Camacho, Identity Program Director
To learn more about Identity and their existing Community Mental Health programs, visit www.Identity-youth.org.
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