Kaiser Permanente Renews Partnership to Bring Healing to Bay Area Students
Changing the odds for kids isn’t just supporting their academic needs but also investing in our Think Together program staff that support them every day. That is why Think Together is proud to renew its partnership with Kaiser Permanente through generous funding of $50,000 to support trauma-informed care strategies for our Bay Area staff in Newark, Oakland, Alum Rock, San Jose and Milpitas, California.
With the aid of these grants, Think Together program staff will continue to receive trauma-informed care training that introduces the basics of trauma and how it can affect students both physically and emotionally. This will provide over 3,500 students from 40 schools with access to restorative approaches to encourage healing, including self-reflection, storytelling, and group discussions.
According to World Metrics, “nearly 60% of girls and 40% of boys experience at least one traumatic event by age 16.” Think Together aims to equip students and staff with the tools necessary to face these challenges. By training our team to recognize the impact of trauma and respond with empathy and restorative practices, we help create safe, nurturing environments where every child can heal and thrive.
Think Together first offered trauma-informed care training in 2020, marking an important step in supporting the well-being of our students and staff. Since then, these trainings have empowered our community to flourish, with 98% of staff feeling confident in their ability to model healthy social and emotional skills.
Outside the classroom, Think Together parents have also noticed significant improvements with their children.
“Jacob has shown much improvement in controlling his anger and using his words to communicate what he is feeling,” said Think Together parent Gabby. “He also talks to us more about his day and has better ways of expressing his feelings.”
For Denise, another Think Together parent, trauma-informed care has completely transformed her daughter, giving her the confidence to speak up and grow into her own.
“Meghan’s transformation from a quiet kid to a social butterfly is truly remarkable,” said Denise. “Think Together has played a crucial role in empowering her to find her voice and advocate for herself. Whether it’s voicing preferences, like choosing the type of milk she wants, or sharing feedback on activities, she has become more confident and self-assured.”
For Think Together staff, this integration has enhanced their experience within program, allowing them to see how their training makes a difference in their students’ lives.
“We’ve been able to help students learn breathing techniques, promote a healthy lifestyle, and develop mindful practices,” said Think Together staff member, Natalie Corona.
Thank you to Kaiser Permanente for funding this vital program that provides students and families with a chance to grow and succeed!
