Team Up takes a holistic approach to working with students, ages 3-21, who have experienced significant trauma at a young age.
What makes Team Up unique?
SERVING SINCE 2006
Twenty years ago, Team Up Mentoring became one of the first programs in the state of Georgia to utilize Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) studies and develop a trauma-informed program.
Team Up didn’t start in a boardroom or from a pre-packaged program — it started from a spark of curiosity right here in Monroe, Georgia. When our founder, Anna Blount, began asking how she could support kids who seemed to be slipping through the cracks, she didn’t look for answers in a textbook. Instead, she turned to the people who knew best—the teachers, school counselors, nonprofit leaders, and juvenile justice representatives working directly with Monroe’s youth.
FOR THE LONG-HAUL
That focus group uncovered something powerful: many of these professionals wished there had been more support for kids “up the road” when they were growing up — consistent, long-term interventions that followed children as they navigated life’s challenges. That simple but profound realization became one of Team Up’s guiding principles: a commitment to walking alongside kids and families for up to 18 years, providing the stability, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive.
This work isn’t about handouts; it’s about investing in people who then invest in each other. With the continued support of donors, volunteers, and community partners, families in Monroe are not only overcoming challenges-they are building a stronger, more connected community for generations to come.
ROOTED IN LOCAL COMMUNITY
Team Up is woven into the fabric of Monroe because it was built by Monroe. From the countless volunteers and mentors who give their time to the local businesses and donors who make this work possible, we are proof that when a community invests in its children, the whole town grows stronger.
We are rooted in this place, in Northeast Georgia, and together, we are growing something remarkable.
WHAT IS TRAUMA?
Trauma: An experience of serious adversity or terror or the emotional or physical response to that experience.
— as defined by the Harvard Center on the Developing Child
• • •
This trauma is best described as Adverse Childhood Experiences or (ACEs).
The CDC defines 10 types of trauma that fall within three major categories:
- Abuse (Physical, Emotional, Sexual
- Neglect (Physical, Emotional)
- Household Dysfunction (mental illness, incarcerated relative, mother treated violently, substance abuse, divorce)
Having these experiences at a young age, especially 4 or more, indicates an increased likelihood of long-term negative health outcomes such as:
- Changes in the structure of the brain
- Increased fight or flight response
- Impaired learning and short term memory
The effects of these early traumatic experiences last well into adulthood and can lead to health problems, economic distress, addiction, and more.
HOW TO HEAL WOUNDS
While the effects of trauma can be significant, we know that creating a safe, trauma-informed environment for students to connect with healthy adults can reduce the effects of trauma and foster resilience. Everything we do comes together so that kids and their families can build resilience even after experiencing significant childhood trauma.
This is the Team Up way.
OUR VALUES
Curiosity is a commitment to lifelong learning, asking thoughtful questions, and seeking to understand before being understood.
Kindness is showing compassion, giving without conditions, and fostering trust through clear, caring communication.
Bravery means stepping outside comfort zones, advocating for what’s right, and embracing challenges with courage.
Excellence is dedication to doing the small things well, ensuring high-quality support, and striving for the best in all we do.
Consistency means building trust through reliability, showing up for our kids and families, and creating stability in an unprecedented world.
Volunteers Make the Difference
Here are our top volunteer needs. Click any for more info.
Each child and family has a team of mentors, teachers, doctors, counselors, parents, tutors and more committed to helping them succeed.
