KEENE, NH – The Hinsdale Police Department’s Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team (ACERT) has been chosen as the recipient of a grant from the Monadnock United Way.

According to a news release, the MUW Investors Group, made up of 15 community members who pool their money to donate to projects related to children, education, and financial stability, awarded the $4,500 grant to the Hinsdale ACERT program on Friday.

The program is made up of the Hinsdale Police Department, Hinsdale School District, the elementary and middle/high school, and community partners like the MUW.

The program was first created by the Manchester Police Department and has its roots in the evidence-based Yale- New Haven Child Development Community Policing Program. The release says when children are regularly exposed to stressful, traumatic situations, called Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACE, they’re more likely to experience negative impacts to their emotional, cognitive, and physical development. After first responders have been called to a home where children reside, ACERT engages with the family to ensure the children are offered support and services to help mitigate the impact of trauma exposure.

Hinsdale Police Chief Charles Rataj championed the program after experiencing it in another community.

“We are thrilled and very thankful to receive this gift from the Monadnock United Way’s Investors Group,” Rataj said. “The funds will be put to good use and go toward the salary of a new police social worker that will coordinate efforts for the Hinsdale ACERT program.”

The MUW investor group will meet again in October to select recipients for a second round of funding.