The Community Response Initiative (CRI) is a trauma-informed, culturally-competent, and comprehensive coordinated community response for individuals impacted by stress, violence, or trauma and their families. Our integrated approach works with dozens of community partners to achieve our mission of supporting children, families, and adults toward safety and wellness.
Anyone can make a CRI referral.
CRI: Community Response Intiative
Four Primary Action Steps of CRI are:
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Intervene early to help people exposed to violence and trauma access services that prevent the development of additional emotional or behavioral concerns.
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Educate Individuals and Families about the natural reactions to traumatic experiences at different ages so that individuals and families with children are aware of signs and symptoms.
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Connect individuals, children and families with the right support at the right times, with an understanding that there may be needs in addition to counseling such as housing, access to food and others.
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Strengthen connections between children and parents as well as between individuals and communities.
History of CRI
In 2008, a group of dedicated individuals came together with a shared goal: to make a lasting impact in their community. Led by Kellin Foundation co-founders Lindy Beauregard and Dr. Kelly Graves, the Greensboro Child Response Initiative (CRI) was born. It was initially inspired by the Child Development-Community Policing (CD-CP) program model (Marans, Murphy, & Berkowitz, 2002), but uniquely adapted to address the needs of Greensboro’s children and families.
From the outset, the purpose of CRI was clear: to provide coordinated, community-based services through a trauma-informed framework. This approach proved highly effective, earning recognition from the U.S. Department of Justice and Research Triangle International (RTI). Today, the CRI model is being replicated across the United States.
Between 2008 and 2022, CRI operated primarily as a mental health-law enforcement partnership with the Greensboro Police Department. During this time, Kellin Foundation’s CRI advocates helped over 30,000 children and families navigate their way to safety and wellness through law enforcement referrals.
However, as a core partner of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Kellin Foundation recognized that CRI could benefit a wider audience beyond just law enforcement-referred children. On October 1, 2022, CRI expanded its services to accept referrals from social services, schools, fire departments, parks and recreation, medical offices, churches, and other community entities.
In 2024, CRI transitioned from the Child Response Initiative to the Community Response Initiative to reflect its broader mission of supporting all individuals, not just children, in need of trauma-informed care.
For more information about CRI, or for information about how to receive Training and Technical Assistance for implementation in your community, contact us.