Prevention Education

Newaygo and Lake County School Districts can partner with us to protect children from bullying, digital dangers, abuse, and exploitation with comprehensive, evidence-based, prevention. 


Qualified facilitators will present (2) 55-minute presentations in each classroom.


We partner with local agencies and use the Monique Burr Foundation Child and Teen Safety Matter Curriculum.


Use the link below to access the data, youth education, and adult education.

Monique Burr Foundation Curriculum and Resources




Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences


Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, are difficult or potentially traumatic experiences that happen during childhood. They can include abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or growing up in a household affected by substance use, mental health challenges, or instability.

ACEs can affect more than childhood, they can influence how a child’s brain and body respond to stress, which may impact health and well-being throughout their lifetime. The more ACEs a person experiences, the greater their risk for certain health and social challenges.

Learn More About ACES

At least 5 of the 10 leading causes of death are associated with ACEs.

ACEs are associated with increased risk for depression, substance misuse, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic health conditions later in life.

CDC research estimates that preventing ACEs could reduce adult cases of depression by as much as 44%.

Prevention Approach

Strengthening Families Protective Factors

Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (H.O.P.E.)

Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (H.O.P.E.)

The Strengthening Families Protective Factors are five key strengths that help families thrive and stay safe. Even small changes in these areas can make a meaningful difference.

Think of protective factors as a shield for families or even as superpowers that help families handle challenges, navigate stressful times, and build stronger, healthier relationships. When families have these strengths and the support they need, they are better prepared to face difficult situations and keep children safe.

Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (H.O.P.E.)

Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (H.O.P.E.)

Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (H.O.P.E.)

The HOPE Framework focuses on four essential building blocks that help children thrive. When children have these positive experiences, they are better able to grow, learn, build healthy relationships, and navigate life’s challenges.

  • Relationships – Building safe, supportive, and caring connections with family, friends, and trusted adults.
  • Environment – Providing safe, stable, welcoming, and equitable places where children can live, learn, and play.
  • Engagement – Creating opportunities for children to participate, contribute, connect with others, and develop a sense of belonging.
  • Emotional Growth – Helping children understand and manage difficult emotions, cope with challenges, and grow from difficult experiences.

Together, these four building blocks create a strong foundation for healthy development, resilience, and lifelong well-being

Community Collaboration

Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (H.O.P.E.)

Community Collaboration

 When community organizations work together, we create a stronger, more connected community. Prevention is most effective when we are working toward the same goals, using shared language, and supporting one another.

Community prevention collaborations bring organizations together to share resources, programs, ideas, and expertise. By understanding what each organization is doing, we can reduce duplication, fill gaps, and make sure families and children have access to the right support at the right time.

A shared language also helps everyone from schools and community organizations to families and professionals to better understand prevention and communicate consistently. Instead of working in separate silos, we can build on each other's strengths, share what is working, and help one another succeed.

When we work together, we don't just strengthen individual programs, we strengthen the entire community.