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
Daylight Initiative makes therapy accessible to all adolescents in Rhode Island who have experienced trauma.
Trauma is an enduring emotional response triggered by distressing events, often undermining one’s sense of safety, identity, emotional regulation, and relationships. Adolescents are especially vulnerable, as untreated trauma can lead to severe psychological, physiological, and cognitive challenges.
According to the CDC, most adults have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) by age 18. Yet, many never receive treatment due to financial barriers, lack of insurance, or limited care options. Research shows that adolescents are at risk of developing severe psychological, physiological, and cognitive challenges if their trauma remains untreated. Without proper intervention, they may be more likely to turn to substance abuse or other harmful coping mechanisms to manage distressing emotions. By addressing trauma early, young people can redirect the trajectory of their lives, breaking unhealthy cycles and fostering healthier, more sustainable futures.
Having faced significant trauma during adolescence ourselves, we recognize how accessible support—particularly therapy—can foster resilience and healing. Resilience is a powerful tool that empowers individuals to “bounce back” from adversity. While friends and family offer invaluable support, therapy provides specialized guidance to cope with trauma and develop the emotional flexibility needed for future challenges. Resilience does not erase the impact of trauma; rather, it equips individuals to adapt and keep moving forward. Therapy serves as a safe space to process experiences, learn coping strategies, and cultivate growth.
Our conviction remains unwavering: every young person who has encountered trauma deserves the same opportunities we’ve had to understand and integrate these experiences into their personal journeys. By recognizing the effects of trauma on mental health, emphasizing the importance of resilience, and championing accessible therapy, Daylight Initiative aims to shape brighter futures for more adolescents.
Trauma and Therapy
Research indicates that long-term therapy is necessary to address the effect of childhood trauma, citing at least 12 – 15 sessions for positive impact.
Founders
The idea for Daylight Initiative came to us—Emerson and Wells—during one of our after-school walks, a ritual that helped us cope with stress and talk through our experiences. We’ve been best friends since freshman year, bonded by our shared traumas and the gratitude we feel for having had access to therapy from a young age. We both credit therapy for helping work through our trauma in productive ways that have ultimately made us stronger and healthier, and we often wonder where we would be without it. Realizing many kids don’t have access to that same support, we began brainstorming ways to help. Those conversations led us to create Daylight Initiative, ensuring others can receive the help we’ve been so fortunate to have.
Impact
Here’s a glimpse into the progress of just a few of our long-term therapy clients (all updates provided by therapists respect anonymity and confidentiality of client).
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.