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Funded Projects

Addressing and Preventing Childhood Trauma in Winnebago County: A Community Schools Approach

Awarded in 2025
Community Impact Grant
Updated Nov 12, 2025

At a Glance

The project, Addressing and Preventing Childhood Trauma in Winnebago County: A Community Schools Approach, led by Winnebago County Public Health, uses a community school approach to address and prevent childhood trauma by embedding Community Health Workers (CHWs) in two local schools. The initiative connects families facing economic hardship with resources such as food, housing and transportation support, reducing stress and improving students’ ability to learn and attend school regularly. By providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care and engaging parents, teachers and community partners, the project aims to enhance student well-being, academic achievement and family stability. Samantha Larson, PhD, assistant professor, Public Administration, UW–Oshkosh, serves as the academic partner.

More Funded Projects

community icon: shaking hands and group of people
Community Impact Grant

Designing Pathways to Belonging: Empowering Neurodivergent Youth Through School-based Creative Technology and Community-building

Awarded in 2025
The project, Designing Pathways to Belonging: Empowering Neurodivergent Youth Through School-based Creative Technology and Community-building, led by Islands of Brilliance, will explore mental health and well-being for neurodivergent high school students in Milwaukee through creative technology and community-building. In partnership with TransCenter for Youth and UW-Milwaukee, the initiative introduces three inclusive programs—Doodle Lounge, Brilliant Connections and CollabQuest—that use art, design and digital tools to help students build friendships, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. By training educators to sustain these programs, the project seeks to reduce isolation, foster social connection and create a scalable model to support youth in schools across Wisconsin. Jeana Holt, PhD, assistant professor, School of Nursing, UW-Milwaukee, serves as the academic partner.
community icon: shaking hands and group of people
Community Impact Grant

Bridging Gaps in Perinatal Care: A First Breath Pilot Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health

Awarded in 2025
The project, Bridging Gaps in Perinatal Care: A First Breath Pilot Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health, led by the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation, is expanding the statewide First Breath program to better support the mental health of pregnant and postpartum people working to reduce or quit substance use. Guided by input from people with lived experience, the initiative introduces enhanced mental health supports, including improved screening tools, educational text messages and additional check-ins with trained health educators. By integrating mental health care into existing perinatal services, the project aims to increase engagement, improve health outcomes and reduce gaps in care for families across Wisconsin. Danielle McCarthy, PhD, professor, UW–Madison Department of Medicine, serves as the academic partner.