Start From Strength Foundation
Helping more people access strengths-centered learning through the Trait-Based Model.
What charitable support could make possible
We are developing the relationships and resources for our first charitable projects. Here is the work we hope to support.
A school may have students ready to take part and no room in its budget. A recovery organization may need materials for a new group. Charitable support could help cover those costs so more people can learn together.
Educators, people with lived experience of recovery, and community leaders bring knowledge of the people they serve. Support could help them access facilitator training and practical resources to guide this work where they live.
We want to understand what participants find useful, where they struggle, and what changes over time. Support could help us study those questions, share findings, and improve how the learning is delivered.
These are priorities we are working toward as funding and partnerships develop. Each charitable project will have its scope, eligibility, and available support established before commitments are made.
Why we created the Foundation
A person can be ready to learn and still be unable to afford the materials or get to a program. A school may want this work for its students and have no room in the budget. In a rural community, training can mean a long drive and time away from work.
We created the Foundation to help remove those barriers. We want more people to recognize the strengths already within them, understand how they use them, and put that understanding to work in everyday life.
That begins with listening to the people who know their communities. What keeps people from taking part? Who could guide the learning? What would help them keep it going?
More about our beginning ↗People and communities
Our focus is on people for whom cost, distance, or limited local resources make participation difficult. We welcome conversations in Kentucky and Appalachia, and with communities across the country.
Learning in schools, mentoring groups, and community settings that helps young people understand themselves and the strengths they bring.
Opportunities to keep developing self-awareness, balance, connection, and purpose with others who support their growth.
Strengths-centered learning for people involved in the justice system or returning home after incarceration.
The framework behind the work
The Trait-Based Model brings self-understanding into lessons, reflection, and practice. The Foundation helps more people gain access to that learning.
The people helping guide the work
The board brings perspectives from healthcare, education, research, and firsthand experience with the Trait-Based Model to guide the Foundation's charitable work.
Board leadership
Brad has accepted our invitation to serve as Board Chair. He brings extensive experience in healthcare, higher education, workforce development, and board governance. He serves as Chief Medical and Strategic Partnerships Officer at Eastern Kentucky University.
Founder & President
Behavioral scientist and developer of the Trait-Based Model, Jason brings research, program development, and his own experience in recovery to the Foundation's work.
Board member
Amanda has helped build the Foundation alongside Jason and shape its commitment to making Trait-Based programs more accessible.
Board member
Lisa brings 20 years of experience working in the school system, contributing a perspective grounded in education and the needs of school communities.
Board member
A Trait-Based graduate, Betsy brings firsthand experience with the Trait-Based approach and a participant's perspective to the board's conversations and decisions.
Responsible stewardship
Start From Strength Foundation Inc. is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. Its Board of Directors oversees the Foundation's charitable work, finances, and use of resources. Dr. Jason Roop serves as founder and President.
The Foundation is separate from the Center for Trait-Based Transformation (CTBT Group LLC), which provides commercial training, curriculum, and implementation services. The Foundation's board directs its charitable activities and decisions about support.
Build with us
Tell us who you serve, what keeps people from taking part, and what you hope to make available. We would be glad to explore it with you.
Let's begin here
Use the form to share a little about your organization, community, or interest in supporting the work.
You can also reach Jason directly:
[email protected]Please share organizational or project information only. Do not include private health or participant information.
