Alachua County’s Trauma Initiatives

​River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding 

Center for Peacebuilding takes the approach of addressing conflict and violence with a continuum of prevention and intervention strategies involving the general public, at-risk youth, adult populations, and those healing from the otherwise lasting impact of violence.  

Visit their website for more information. 

​Students to Successful Citizens:  System of Care

The Students to Successful Citizens initiative seeks to dismantle the School to Prison Pipeline. By providing a system of care to students, their families, and the school staff, it seeks to address behavioral concerns while keeping kids in school and families resourced by collaborative community partners. Students to Successful Citizens continues to meet monthly to receive updates on the System of Care, to share progress in addressing the School to Prison Pipeline, and identify community resources to support the needs of families in Alachua County. To date, the group represents more than 25 community agencies, from law enforcement to after school programs, all committed to engaging youth and their families for the success of students throughout Alachua County.

​Visit these websites for more information: Link, Link

​Southwest Advocacy Group (SWAG)

SWAG is a grassroots organization located in Southwest Gainesville whose goal is to address the needs of the community by connecting individuals and families to services and resources through advocacy and from agency and community partners. In June of 2012, SWAG Family Resource Center opened its' doors, partnering with more than 40 organizations that culminated in the creation of a family resource center, a playground, and a health clinic in the heart of the neighborhoods. Examples of specific programs that have been offered in the short time the resource center has been opened include: after-school tutoring programs, summer programs for kids, food pantry, health and exercise programs, free notary services, counseling services, parenting supports, regular Bookmobile visits, regular hours at our clothing and donation room, codes enforcement information, SWAG’s monthly dinner, social services, and much, much more. 

Visit their website for more information. ​

​Alachua County Parent Academy

Parents are a child’s first and best teacher. However, not all parents are equipped with the skills or resources they need to help their children academically, socially, and otherwise achieve. A Parent Academy has been established to empower parents to improve their lives and those of their children. Its hub is located at the Fearnside Family Services Center in East Gainesville. This initiative will also include mobile units to deliver parent training and other services on-site at apartment complexes, churches, and other locations within neighborhoods- particularly those with a high percentage of struggling students. Community partners, including healthcare providers and social service agencies, are being recruited to provide additional resources to parents through the Academy.  

Visit their website for more information. 

​Gainesville Peer Respite

Gainesville Peer Respite provides sanctuary and support to those who are experiencing or have experienced overwhelming mental/emotional distress. GPR seeks to create a community that supports open dialogue, empowerment, self-determination, recovery, and wellness. GPR staff members have lived experiences similar to those they serve. 

Visit their website for more information. ​

​Gainesville Resilience Charter School

Their goal is to cultivate a dynamic learning community for grades 6 through 12 based on innovation, social justice, and environmental stewardship. The Resilience Charter School engages students through authentic relationships and project-based learning, empowering them to think critically, persevere with grit, design creative solutions, and act with mindfulness and compassion. 

Visit their website for more information. ​

Kids Count of Alachua County

​Kids Count of Alachua County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides a free after school program for kindergarten through 3rd grade students in low performing elementary schools in Gainesville, Florida. Kids Count provides an opportunity for students who need extra support in the community to succeed in school and life. They also partner with schools, churches, organizations, and businesses to offer a highly effective program that inspires hope, enhances learning, and improves self-confidence while building social skills & concern for others, and provides qualified staff, volunteers, and expertise for the program. 

Visit their website for more information. 

Faith Mission

​Faith Mission, at 3701 NE 15th Street, Gainesville, Florida, is a church and neighborhood collaboration; part of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Gainesville. The purpose of Faith Mission is to be an active community of faith that closely partners with area residents for the well-being of all. Faith Mission works to enhance the well-being of neighborhood children, youth, and families in sustainable and empowering ways by partnering with children’s programs (Kids Count, Girl Scouts, Rawlings mentoring), organizing youth and women’s programs, and supporting accessible healthcare for families.

Visit their website for more information. 

Aces in Motion

Aces in Motion is the Gainesville Area Community Tennis Association's (GACTA) youth program that uses tennis to promote character development, academic achievement, and a healthy lifestyle to people of all abilities, with a focus on underserved youth.

Visit their website for more information. 

The Village Counseling Center Trauma Recovery Program for Youth

The Village Counseling Center (VCC) Trauma Recovery Program for Youth provides specialized trauma services to children and teens who are experiencing behavioral or emotional stress due to being exposed to trauma. Services include Trauma Assessments, individual, group and family counseling, specialized case management and parent education groups. Children ages 3-11 who reside in Alachua County and have no funding or access to trauma services are eligible for grant funded services at no charge.  Siblings and family members may also be eligible for trauma services. 

For more information, call (352) 373-8189 or visit their website and complete a confidential referral form.