AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation Looks to Knock Out ACEs in Michigan with Grants to Three Community Organizations
Three Michigan organizations will enhance their work to mitigate and prevent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) through grants from the AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation.
A total of $200,000 to fund programs at Children Trust Michigan and at The Children’s Center and Downtown Boxing Gym, both located in Detroit, will help each organization build capacity and continue programming to support children and families.
ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood – such as violence, abuse, and growing up in a household where a family member struggles with substance use disorder or mental illness – that are linked to chronic health problems in adulthood.
“Addressing ACEs in Michigan is crucial for creating a brighter future for children and aiding in their successful transition into adulthood,” said Lauren Maloney, Director of the AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation. “The AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation is proud to support organizations like these essential Michigan-based organizations with the goal of equipping caregivers with the tools they need and creating communities where every child can flourish.”
The Children’s Center to train clinical staff in evidenced based trauma-informed practices
The Children’s Center will use a $75,000 grant to strengthen its training for clinical staff in evidenced-based, trauma-informed practices. The Children’s Center works with children with behavioral, emotional, educational, intellectual, and developmental challenges or who may have experienced trauma.
Chief Executive Officer Desiree Jennings said the grant provided by the Foundation will support more than 3,500 children from low-to-moderate income families in Wayne County.
“It will help The Children’s Center expand its community reach and provide impactful community engagement programming, behavioral health programs, support staff and parent trainings, and translation services to further mitigate adverse childhood experiences,” said Jennings.
Children Trust Michigan fights child abuse and neglect in Michigan
The AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation awarded a $75,000 grant to Children Trust Michigan to support its efforts to fight child abuse and neglect across the state of Michigan. Children Trust Michigan, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, serves as a voice for Michigan's children and families and promotes their health, safety, and welfare by helping to fund local programming and services that prevent child abuse and neglect, including the Prevention Partner program and Family Resource Centers.
Suzanne Greenberg, the organization’s executive director, said funding from this grant will support capacity building to implement the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework, an evidence-based model that addresses the importance of positive experiences for children to thrive.
“HOPE combines a public health approach to preventing child abuse with a broader understanding of how children grow to become strong, healthy, and resilient adults,” said Greenberg. “Through the training of 20 facilitators, Children Trust Michigan aims to be certified as a HOPE organization and continue to strengthen families and children across the state.”
Downtown Boxing Gym (DBG) Detroit afterschool program support
Finally, the AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation awarded the Downtown Boxing Gym Detroit (DBG) with a $50,000 grant for its free afterschool program that inspires kids to be productive members of society through education, athletics, mentorship, and intervention.
The funds will allow DBG to continue its delivery of comprehensive wrap-around services, including providing healthy meals, counseling, transportation, and health care.
“DBG’s model was designed to inspire students, bolster their talents and strengthen their resilience in ways that support success both inside and outside of the classroom,” says Khali Sweeney, Founder and CEO of DGB Detroit. “By providing students with the resources they deserve, we enhance their chances of achieving economic mobility, social equity, and comprehensive, personal well-being.”
This is the second grant the AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation has awarded to DBG in two years.
About The Children’s Center
The Children’s Center is one of Michigan’s largest child guiding agencies providing mental health, socio-emotional, and child welfare needs to nearly 3,500 children annually. The Children’s Center, founded in 1929, provides evidence-based clinical therapy to children who deal with mental, behavioral, emotional, intellectual, developmental health and educational challenges or may have experienced trauma. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, please visit www.thechildrenscenter.com or contact us at (313) 831-5535.
About Children Trust Michigan
Created by the Michigan Legislature in 1982, Children Trust Michigan is the state’s only statewide nonprofit organization solely dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Children Trust Michigan serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect. Learn more at Children Trust Michigan.
About DGB
DBG Detroit, serving 250 students ages eight and up, has an 18-year track record of enhancing wellness outcomes, supporting pathways to postsecondary education and the workforce, and fortifying students’ perceptions of their ability to effect change. DBG meets students’ academic, physical, and social-emotional needs through individualized support plans, shared-power mentorship, and endless opportunities for growth. Programs include workforce development, literacy and math intervention, athletics, wrap-around services, and more—all led by youth development professionals who prioritize their own growth to better serve young people. Learn more at DBGDetroit.org or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.