BBF has provided a grant to the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) as part of its response to the California wildfires. The grant will support PEF’s ongoing efforts to aid Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) schools affected by the Eaton Fire. PEF plans to use the funding to train school staff in trauma-informed interventions designed to support students dealing with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression.

PEF is working with the Center for Safe & Resilient Schools and Workplaces to provide training for 60 school staff members, including teachers, administrators, counselors, and school-based clinicians. The training will cover two programs: Bounce Back and the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS).

Bounce Back is a skill-based, group intervention program aimed at alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression in elementary school children (K-5) exposed to trauma. The program is designed for implementation by school counselors and other non-clinical staff, allowing broader access to trauma support within schools.

CBITS is a skill-based, group intervention program designed to relieve symptoms of PTSD, depression, and general anxiety among middle and high school students exposed to trauma. This training is intended for counselors, clinical social workers, licensed clinical social workers, and nurses, equipping them with the tools to support students experiencing emotional distress.

PEF is a nonprofit organization that works to promote excellence and equity in Pasadena Unified School District schools. Its mission is to ensure all PUSD students thrive in schools that serve as models of high-quality teaching and learning. PEF achieves this by leveraging community resources—including funding, volunteers, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and businesses—to support the academic, physical, and mental well-being of students, teachers, staff, and parents. In addition to direct support, PEF develops and implements projects in collaboration with the district and community partners, including arts programs, STEM initiatives, summer enrichment programs, and student leadership opportunities.

PEF is awarding Classroom Response Grants in direct support to PUSD teachers and staff for resources needed to support students. BBF’s grant will contribute additional support to these schools, ensuring students and staff have access to the resources they need to recover.

Moving forward, PEF will continue working with PUSD to provide long-term recovery support, with a focus on mental health services, academic recovery, and restoring a sense of normalcy in schools. The Response Fund will be used to address ongoing needs, and additional aid will be provided to families identified as high-risk. PEF remains committed to supporting schools and families as they rebuild and recover from the impact of the wildfire.