The Problem
The sheer magnitude of adolescents who have undergone traumatic events warranting professional therapy significantly surpasses the number who can readily access such services.
Our Solution
Daylight Initiative centers on mobilizing funds to expand the reach of therapy ensuring that a substantially greater number of adolescents who have experienced trauma can access these essential services.
We partner with healthcare providers and school counselors to identify adolescents with a history of trauma and presenting concerns. We then connect them to a therapist who will help them identify and achieve specific treatment goals.
Research indicates that for typical adolescent trauma cases, treatment duration is 12 - 15 weeks. We know firsthand the importance of continued treatment which is why our focus is on sustained care and impact.
Our Mission
Trauma is an enduring emotional response resulting from distressing occurrences, potentially damaging one’s sense of safety, identity, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Adolescents, in particular, are at risk of developing severe psychological, physiological, and cognitive challenges if their trauma remains untreated.
According to the CDC, the majority of adults have encountered at least one Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) by age 18 but a significant portion of affected individuals do not receive treatment due to financial constraints, lack of insurance, or lower-quality care. Daylight Initiative recognizes the urgency of providing affordable or free therapy to young individuals in need. Initiatives like ours are crucial in breaking down barriers that prevent marginalized adolescents from accessing the care they need. As adolescents who have confronted profound traumas during our formative years, we recognize the imperative nature of accessible support systems, such as therapy, to foster one’s journey towards a resilient future.
Indeed, resilience serves as a potent antidote to the long-lasting effects of trauma as it empowers individuals to “bounce back” from adversity, adapting and growing despite the challenges faced. While friends and family provide crucial support, therapy offers specialized guidance and techniques to cope with trauma and build resilience. Expert mental health care, delivered by trained professionals, helps individuals navigate psychological distress and develop the emotional flexibility for future events. Importantly, resilience does not negate the impact of trauma; rather, it empowers individuals to adapt and carry on and therapy provides the safe space to address trauma, adapt, and move forward.
Our collective conviction stands firm: every young individual who has encountered traumatic experiences should be afforded the same opportunities that we have received. These opportunities are essential for comprehending, navigating, and ultimately embracing our traumas as integral components of our personal narratives. By acknowledging the mental health consequences of trauma, emphasizing the importance of resilience, and championing accessible therapy, Daylight Initiative aims to create brighter futures for more adolescents.
Trauma and Therapy
About Us
The idea for Daylight Initiative came about when we, Emerson and Wells, were walking on the beach after school one day, a go-to activity for us when we are upset, stressed, or just need to talk. We have been best friends since our freshman year in high school, and a lot of our bond has been rooted in our ability to connect regarding our respective traumatic experiences.
We are both endlessly thankful that we have had access to therapy since a young age. We find incredible solace in being able to talk to a trained professional in order to work through and continue to heal from traumatic events that we are still trying to fully make sense of.
As we were walking and talking about these experiences, we began to think of all the other kids like us – those dealing with different sorts of trauma, some of which we cannot even begin to fathom – who might not be as lucky as we’ve been to receive the help we’ve had. From there, we began to brainstorm ways we could help, and in time, Daylight Initiative was born.
The average therapy session in Rhode Island costs $150.
For typical adolescent trauma cases, research recommends 12 - 15 sessions.
Your tax-exempt donation helps pave the path to resilience for Rhode Island's youth.
Donations can also be made out to Daylight Initiative and mailed to the following address:
Daylight Initiative
181 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 318
Newport, RI 02840
Daylight Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so your donation is tax-exempt.