Youth Transition Funders Group Spotlights Mental Health Initiatives in Southeast Michigan 

On October 1, 2024, Andrea Cole of the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation spoke at the Youth Transition Funders Group (YTFG) to highlight mental health-focused initiatives in southeast Michigan.

Based in Westchester County, New York, YTFG is a national network of funding organizations dedicated to supporting the well-being and economic success of vulnerable youth, ages 14-25. YTFG is a community for about 100 funders and provides opportunities for organizations to learn from each other and stay up-to-date on key initiatives and policy developments related to the success of youth and young adults. 

At the fall meeting held in Detroit, local, regional and national groups came together to share successes and highlight innovative efforts. 

Through her discussion with attendees, Cole shared information about TRAILS, a key mental health initiative launched through funding from the Flinn Foundation. TRAILS brings evidence-based mental health strategies to the school setting. Through a three-tiered model, TRAILS provides social and emotional learning, cognitive behavioral therapy and suicide prevention to support the emotional health of Michigan students, as well as identify and care for those with existing mental health conditions.

“I’m always excited when I get to share information about the success of TRAILS,” Cole says. “It’s also so gratifying to illustrate the impact grantmaking organizations like the Flinn Foundation can have on the mental health of youth.”

Learn more about the work of the Youth Transition Funders Group and about the impact of TRAILS.