All Star Children’s Foundation will increase their treatment of children in the tri-county area who are suffering from trauma because of  a $100,000 Leveraged Grant recently issued by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The funds will be directed to support development, implementation and evaluation of therapeutic interventions for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Lucia Branton, All Star’s chief executive officer, explains that the grant will provide the opportunity for All Star to treat more children who have been referred to the organization and qualifies for its trauma-focused services. “Since opening our outpatient services in April 2019, we’ve received more than 150 referrals,” says Branton. “Due to the overwhelming need for trauma services, we have quickly developed a waiting list of children.” She adds that the funds will allow the organization to “hire the additional clinicians to serve children on our waiting list.” All Star’s clinical department currently includes three clinicians trained in evidence-based trauma treatment models, with a fourth starting later this month, and the clinical director.