P.R.I.S.M for Michigan - Reducing Risk. Improving Retention. Raising the Standard.
Year 1 (2025-26)
by Precious Green
P.R.I.S.M. is a Michigan-based workforce credentialing platform that standardizes trauma-informed training for pediatric residential facilities, reducing liability exposure, improving staff retention,
About This Idea
I’m building P.R.I.S.M. for Michigan, a professional credential program for staff in pediatric residential facilities. Across the state, facilities face high staff turnover, inconsistent training, and costly operational risk because many staff enter roles with minimal trauma-informed preparation. Preventable incidents, documentation gaps, and burnout create liability exposure and compliance challenges for facilities, while children with complex trauma receive uneven care.
P.R.I.S.M. addresses this gap by providing a standardized, competency-based credential that equips staff with trauma-informed, ethical, and clinically grounded skills. Facilities gain measurable assurance that every employee—from direct care to clinical support—is trained in safe, effective, and compliant practices. The credential also supports staff retention, professional development, and operational consistency, turning training from a one-time workshop into workforce infrastructure.
The program is scalable statewide, beginning with a Kalamazoo-based pilot in the 269 region, partnering with local facilities like Pine Rest Kalamazoo Clinic and Gail’s House. With this pilot, we will collect measurable data on staff competency, incident reduction, and retention improvements, creating a model that can expand across Michigan. P.R.I.S.M. transforms trauma-informed care from an abstract ideal into a measurable, risk-reducing standard for Michigan’s residential care system.
Where Did This Idea Spark at WMU?
As a Counseling Psychology student at Western Michigan University, my time here has deepened my understanding of trauma-informed care. The idea for P.R.I.S.M. truly sparked during my counseling practicum, my first experience working with a real client in real time. Seeing the tangible impact I could make on one person made me realize the potential to create systemic change. Combined with my experience working in pediatric residential facilities, I saw firsthand the gaps in training, ethical standards, and trauma-informed practices. I thought: why limit this impact to one client or one facility? With P.R.I.S.M., I can extend that care and competence across the state, transforming the system from the inside out.
Impact in Kalamazoo
If implemented locally, P.R.I.S.M. for Michigan would strengthen the quality and consistency of care provided by residential and behavioral health services across Kalamazoo. Facilities like Pine Rest Kalamazoo Clinic and therapeutic residential programs such as Gail’s House would benefit from a standardized credential that equips staff with trauma‑informed, ethical, and clinically grounded skills. In both outpatient and residential settings, staff often work with children and families who have complex trauma histories, yet professional training requirements vary widely. P.R.I.S.M. would ensure that all direct care staff to clinical supports would share a common foundation in trauma response, ethical boundaries, and compassionate engagement.
How Investment Helps
Funding from Cultivate 269 would allow P.R.I.S.M. for Michigan to launch its first local pilot program in Kalamazoo, demonstrating the value and effectiveness of trauma-informed credentialing in real-world settings. With financial support, we could collaborate with a local facility such as Pine Rest Kalamazoo Clinic or Gail’s House, implementing a full staff training program to gather data on outcomes, staff competency, and improvements in child care practices. By collecting tangible data through this initial program, we could measure impact, refine training methods, and build a scalable model for statewide adoption. Without this funding, it would be impossible to compensate facilitators, incentive partner facilities, and implement a structured pilot that validates P.R.I.S.M.’s effectiveness. This initial milestone in Kalamazoo would serve as a proof-of-concept, providing the foundation for expansion across Michigan.
What I'll Do With the Money
The $75,000 investment for the PRISM Kalamazoo pilot allocates 48% ($36,200) to Personnel & Operations to ensure dedicated staff manage day-to-day pilot coordination, facilitate site sessions, and provide administrative and financial oversight. Research & Evaluation receives 25% ($18,800) to design and implement pre/post assessments, track outcomes, and produce the pilot report, providing measurable evidence of impact. Credential & Framework Development receives 13% ($10,000) to build Level I curriculum and compliance standards, creating a replicable, scalable credential framework. Marketing & Institutional Outreach is allocated 7% ($5,000) to establish a professional website and secure future partnerships. Workforce Micro-Grants receive 7% ($5,000) to invest in local residents pursuing or advancing careers in mental health, sustaining entrepreneurial reinvestment.
About the Founder
I’m Precious Green, a Counseling Psychology student, community curator, and founder of The Purpose Room, a wellness brand promoting healing and mental health awareness. I’ve worked in fragmented pediatric residential facilities and seen the gaps in trauma-informed care firsthand. P.R.I.S.M. is my chance to create systemic change, a idea I’ve been developing for years and can bring meaningful impact now.