SchoolSeed Foundation Appointed as Fiscal Agent for Commissioner Charlie Caswell’s “Wraparound District 6 Resilient Hubs” Initiative, Supported by $600,000 Investment

Memphis, TN — October 25, 2024 — SchoolSeed Foundation has been appointed as the fiscal agent and anchor organization for the new “Wraparound District 6 Resilient Hubs” initiative led by Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell Jr. of District 6. This transformative initiative, backed by a $600,000 investment from the Shelby County Board of Commissioners and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, is a cornerstone in Commissioner Caswell’s vision of establishing safe, healthy, and nurturing communities in District 6. SchoolSeed will oversee the fiscal management of these funds, providing transparent and accountable financial support to the project’s ecosystem, which spans a wide range of community, educational, and safety-focused organizations.

Commissioner Caswell launched the six-year strategic partnership as a response to the district’s unique challenges, particularly in areas impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). “Today, we take a critical step forward in building resilient, trauma-informed communities in District 6,” said Commissioner Caswell. “Our Wraparound District 6 Resilient Hubs will engage the full strength of community partnerships, fostering collaboration between residents, law enforcement, educators, and healthcare providers to tackle root causes of trauma and instability. SchoolSeed’s role as fiscal agent will be instrumental in ensuring that every dollar invested goes towards making our communities stronger and more unified.”

The Wraparound District 6 Resilient Hubs initiative will establish a network of community support hubs throughout Raleigh, Nutbush, and unincorporated Shelby North, creating a framework to address trauma, public safety, economic development, and mental health services. By utilizing SchoolSeed’s comprehensive financial and administrative support, the initiative aims to bring together government, faith-based organizations, and nonprofit stakeholders for a shared mission of resilience.

SchoolSeed Foundation’s responsibilities as fiscal agent include:

• Funds Management: SchoolSeed will manage the $600,000 investment with rigorous adherence to grant and donor specifications, ensuring all project partners receive timely support.
• Financial Reporting: Comprehensive financial reports will be delivered regularly to ensure transparency and accountability across the project.
• Grant Compliance: All financial activities will comply with grant stipulations and legal requirements.
• Disbursement of Funds: SchoolSeed will oversee the allocation of funds to ensure they support project partners, contractors, and vendors in alignment with the project’s objectives.
• Administrative Support: By providing back-office functions such as bookkeeping and payroll, SchoolSeed will enable District 6 organizations to focus on delivering impactful community services.

The Wraparound District 6 Resilient Hubs will focus on six pillars: Community Engagement, Education, Collaboration with Law Enforcement, Policy Advocacy, Economic Development, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. This robust, trauma-informed approach will foster environments that support both individual well-being and community vitality. The initiative includes a dedicated advisory board and monthly capacity-building meetings for community partners, strengthening relationships across sectors.

Among the first partners in the Resilient Hubs initiative are community-based organizations like The Dwelling Place-Memphis, Embassy of Faith Church, Mentor with a Vision, and Shelby County’s Office of Education and Youth. These organizations, alongside law enforcement and health services, will provide comprehensive services, from trauma recovery programs to economic opportunity workshops.

Vincent J. McCaskill, President and CEO of SchoolSeed Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to managing resources that foster positive community impact. “SchoolSeed is proud to support Commissioner Caswell’s vision of creating trauma-resilient communities across District 6. By establishing this collaboration as the project’s fiscal agent, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every dollar is utilized to create safe, nurturing environments for families in Shelby County,” McCaskill said.

This partnership reaffirms SchoolSeed Foundation’s longstanding mission to support impactful community initiatives through careful financial management and strategic oversight. As SchoolSeed stewards the funds for the Wraparound District 6 Resilient Hubs, the organization remains dedicated to supporting Shelby County in achieving safe, thriving communities where all residents are equipped to overcome challenges.