Family News Issue 9

Curiosity drives us to recognize that our knowledge has limits. In working with children and families affected by trauma, it’s essential to ask good questions and avoid making assumptions. We seek first to understand, rather than to be understood. By approaching each situation with an open mind and a genuine desire to learn, we create an environment where every individual feels heard and valued. Curiosity allows us to tailor our support to meet the unique needs of each family, fostering trust and deeper connections.

Actually, Team Up Mentoring started because of a spark of curiosity. Anna Blount, our Founder and Executive Director, had been helping with a bus ministry that picked up kids from the community to take them to church. When Anna ended up providing a temporary home for one of the students, her curiosity grew.

By the end of her senior year of college, Anna graduated from the University of Georgia. Although she had previously intended to pursue her education in veterinary medicine, Anna decided that the kids like the one she temporarily housed while a college student needed more – and she was all in for finding out what exactly they needed. Instead of applying for vet school, Anna started researching. She sifted through data, conducted a needs assessment, hosted key stakeholder meetings and poured over studies.

Ultimately, her curiosity led her to start Team Up Mentoring – one of the first programs in the state of Georgia to utilize Adverse Childhood Experiences studies and develop a trauma-informed program.

Still today, one of Anna’s greatest qualities is her ability to get curious. Whether it’s about solving a big problem or mediating between two elementary students – she’s always curious – asking questions, listening with an open mind and making sure everyone feels heard.

These core values are not just words for us at Team Up Mentoring—they are principles that guide our daily actions and decisions. They ensure that we not only meet the immediate needs of our children and families but also foster long-term growth and resilience. Through our unwavering commitment to these values, we aim to create a community where every child and family can thrive.