Grant Type: Community Grant

The project, The Reading for the Future Initiative, led by Achieve Brown County Inc., is advancing a community-wide effort to ensure all children in Brown County are reading at grade level by the end of third grade. With nearly half of local third graders struggling with reading, the initiative brings together schools, healthcare providers, libraries, parents and community organizations to reduce barriers and make early literacy an everyday experience. By increasing early support and coordination across sectors, the initiative aims to help more children enter fourth grade as confident readers, laying the foundation for long-term academic, economic and health success.

The project, Roots and Wings Restorative Resilience Initiative, led by Mental Health America, aims to strengthen emotional wellness, peer connection and resilience among middle school students. Ground in restorative practices, social-emotional learning and trauma-informed principles, the program is equipping students and educators with shared tools for reflection, communication and problem-solving. This initiative seeks to enhance relationships and foster more connected and supportive school communities. Courtney Barry, PsyD, associate professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, serves as the academic partner.

The project, Learning and Inspiring Futures Together (LIFT), led by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin, is launching a site-based mentoring initiative designed to support youth mental health, strengthen social-emotional learning (SEL) and expand awareness of postsecondary and career pathways. By focusing on youth from low-income households and rural communities, where provider shortages and hospital closures have intensified mental health needs, the initiative aims to build resilience, foster connection and broaden future opportunities for young people across northwestern Wisconsin. Shana Schmidt, director of college effectiveness at Chippewa Valley Technical College, serves as the academic partner.

The project, Hmong Wellness Connection Initiative, led by The Hmong Cultural and Community Center in La Crosse, will partner with St. Clare Health Mission, Emplify Health and UW–La Crosse to improve health through mental and general health care access. Through a dedicated Community Health Worker, outreach events and culturally tailored education, the project will increase health literacy, reduce stigma and connect individuals with preventative and behavioral health services. Vincent Her, PhD, associate professor, UW-La Crosse Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, serves as the academic partner.

The project, Developing Innovations in Mental and Behavioral Health: Confronting the Youth Mental Health Crisis, led by the Rebalanced-Life Wellness Association (RLWA), seeks to address the youth mental health crisis by creating safe, supportive spaces where youth can build resilience, connection and confidence. Building on seven years of nationally recognized community programming, the initiative integrates physical activity, literacy development, mentoring and culturally relevant mental health support. By meeting youth where they are, the project aims to enhance well-being and prepare young people for healthier futures. Jeneile Luebke, PhD, RN, assistant professor, UW–Madison School of Nursing, serves as the academic partner.

The project, Building Capacity for Fall Prevention Programs for Spanish-speaking Older Adults through Community Engagement and Education, led by the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, aims to reduce the high rate of falls among Spanish-speaking older adults in Wisconsin by expanding access to the culturally tailored Pisando Fuerte fall prevention program. This initiative seeks to increase program reach, strengthen community partnerships and promote awareness of fall prevention strategies in order to reduce fall-related injuries and improve long-term quality of life. Maria Mora Pinzon, MD, MS, FACPM, assistant professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, serves as the academic partner.

The project, Reducing Intimate Partner Violence and Intergenerational Trauma Impacts in Vernon County: A Community-driven, Systems-based Public Health Initiative, led by the County of Vernon in partnership with the UW–Madison Division of Extension’s Regional Community Health Team, is addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) and its intergenerational cycle. Grounded in the voices of those most affected by IPV, the initiative focuses on reaching individuals through trusted spaces such as schools, clinics, churches, businesses and law enforcement. By training community members and strengthening local support networks, the project aims to expand access to care, ensure no one faces violence or its aftermath alone and better support populations overlooked, including pregnant

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.

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.

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.