Judson Center Wins $150K Flinn Foundation Grant

December 22, 2025

The Judson Center is launching a new infant mental health program in Oakland County with $150,000 in funding from the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation, distributed as $75,000 annually over two years. The "Our Early Years" pilot program will serve families involved with child welfare services and those experiencing poverty-related trauma, focusing on strengthening caregiver-child relationships for children from birth to age three. This initiative responds to concerning Michigan data showing that 68% of adults and 58% of youth have experienced adverse childhood experiences, with infants under one year representing 11% of child maltreatment victims in 2023.

Who is affected

Families with infants and very young children (birth to age 3) involved in the child welfare system in Oakland County
Families at risk due to poverty or trauma
Parents and caregivers working to repair relationships with their children
Children under age 1 (who made up 11% of child maltreatment victims in Michigan in 2023)
Judson Center as the implementing organization
Lenora Hardy-Foster, President and CEO of Judson Center (award recipient)

What action is being taken

Judson Center is launching the "Our Early Years" Infant Mental Health Program pilot in Oakland County
The Flinn Foundation is providing $75,000 in 2025 funding (part of a two-year, $150,000 grant)
The program is working to help parents and caregivers repair relationships with their children, strengthen emotional and developmental well-being, and improve family stability
The Flinn Foundation is awarding 60 grants totaling $3 million across southeast Michigan

Why it matters

This pilot program addresses a critical intervention point where early childhood adversity has lifelong health consequences. With 68% of Michigan adults reporting adverse childhood experiences and infants under one representing a disproportionate share of child maltreatment victims, early intervention during the birth-to-three period can prevent long-term harm by supporting caregiver-child relationships when they are most formative. The program targets families at the intersection of child welfare involvement and poverty-related trauma, offering support before gaps widen and when consistent, accessible, respectful care can make the greatest difference in a child's developmental trajectory.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle