Originally published by the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, written by Orion Mowbray

The University of Georgia’s Ralston Institute for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities has awarded its inaugural Momentum Grants in Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, supporting interdisciplinary projects aimed at improving outcomes for individuals and families across Georgia.

The program drew strong interest from across the university, with applicants representing seven colleges and 18 departments, centers, and institutes. Five projects were selected for funding based on their potential for impact, feasibility and alignment with priority areas of the Ralston Institute. 

“These awards reflect the kind of work the Ralston Institute was created to support, projects that move beyond ideas and into action,” said Orion Mowbray, professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, executive director of the Ralston Institute, and instructor in the online Master of Social Work (MSW) program. “Each of these teams is addressing a clear need in Georgia with solutions that are practical, scalable and grounded in the lived experiences of the individuals and communities they serve.”

Funded projects emphasize applied approaches, strong community partnerships and direct benefits to Georgia communities. Each initiative is intended to produce tangible outcomes while laying the groundwork for future expansion.

Funded projects include:

Financial Self-Efficacy for Substance Use Recovery: A Pilot Program for Post-Rehabilitation Reintegration, led by Kimberly Watkins, assistant professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and instructor in the online Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Financial Planning and Financial Therapy, with collaborators including Esther Maddux, Christine Hargrove, Michelle Medlock, Naomi Hill, Ravisha Chutani, Kiana Drummond, Carol Ann Adams with A-CC Government and Michelle Craig with Acceptance Recovery Center, will integrate trauma-informed financial education into recovery programs. The initiative addresses financial instability as a key barrier to sustained recovery, equipping participants with practical tools to manage finances, reduce stress and support long-term well-being.

Read about other funded projects from the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Together, the projects reflect the Ralston Institute’s commitment to advancing behavioral health and developmental disability systems through collaboration, innovation and community engagement.

“This work is ultimately about improving the lives of individuals and their families across Georgia,” Mowbray said. “By supporting projects that are grounded in real-world needs and designed for impact, we are helping to strengthen systems of care, expand opportunity and ensure that individuals can participate in their communities.”