CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 09/27/21

CAES alum encourages teen mental wellness with new documentary series

By Johnathan Edward McGinty
Tamlin Hall (right) interviews Atlanta music artist Mr. 2-17 for Hope Givers, a documentary series that focuses on promoting mental wellness for high schoolers and middle schoolers.
CAES alum Tamlin Hall (right) interviews Atlanta music artist Mr. 2-17 for "Hope Givers," a documentary series that focuses on promoting mental wellness for middle and high schoolers.

Spreading joy and hope comes naturally to University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) alum Tamlin Hall, so it’s no surprise that he’s taken his passion for positivity and turned it into a personal mission.

Hall, an independent filmmaker who graduated from CAES in 2002, founded Hope Givers in the wake of the release of his award-winning debut film, "Holden On," a true story and social-impact narrative feature film about his childhood friend, Holden Layfield. Layfield struggled with mental illness and died by suicide at the age of 19. In his quest to raise awareness around the importance of youth seeking help for mental wellness, Hall produced the film and then started Hope Givers.

Now, Hall is kicking off a collaborative partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting and the Georgia Department of Education to launch a documentary series that focuses on promoting mental wellness for middle and high schoolers.

The series, also called "Hope Givers," explores anxiety, depression, bullying, human trafficking, inclusion and more. It will be distributed nationwide through PBS LearningMedia, allowing Hall’s vision for positive content that empowers young people to be available to classrooms across the country.

"Hope Givers" will be aligned with National Health Education Standards and available to use free of charge.

“The stresses, pressures and challenges of the past year have been tough on all of us, and it’s just one more layer for so many young people to have to deal with today,” said Hall, who also serves as executive producer and host of the series. “That’s why I believe so strongly in this project because it’s not only spreading joy and positivity, but it’s doing so through the stories, experiences and perspectives of some immensely talented, compassionate young people who want to make a difference. They’ve inspired me throughout the journey of filming this first season, and I’m so excited to share it with others.”

Each episode of "Hope Givers" spotlights an individual or group that has overcome adversity and focused on having a positive impact on their community. Profiles in the eight-episode first season include Mr. 2-17, an Atlanta-based, certified gold album artist who relies on positive lyrics to inspire children in his neighborhood, and Jefferson, Georgia’s Lily Moore, an actress and model with Down syndrome who stars in the hit Netflix series "Never Have I Ever" and speaks out against bullying.

Episodes also feature short original cartoons penned by Los Angeles-based Switchblade Comb Productions, student self-care activities performed in the "Hope Givers" studio, “Youth Across America” segments that showcase high school student-produced films across America, and musical performances from a diverse collection of artists in the Atlanta area.

GPB plans to make available a complementary learning curriculum that educators, counselors, nurses and social workers can use for a deeper dive into some of the topics being discussed in each episode.

For more information about the documentary series, visit hopegiversga.org. Learn more about the impact of CAES alumni and the CAES Alumni Association at caes.uga.edu/alumni.

Johnathan McGinty is a partner with The Trestle Collective, a creative services agency located in Athens, Georgia.

Authors:
Johnathan Edward McGinty
Experts/Sources:
Suzanne Griffeth
HurricaneHeleneGreenhouseDamageCropped CAES News
UGA Extension supports resilience in Georgia farm communities after Hurricane Helene 12/19/24 Emily Cabrera
Hurricane Helene wrought sweeping devastation across Georgia’s agricultural sector in late September, leaving an indelible mark on both the land and the people who tend it, bringing focus to vulnerabilities in Georgia’s farming industry and the need for more robust safety nets. In addition to the physical destruction, the hurricane took an emotional toll on Georgia’s farmers. In response, UGA Extension has prioritized mental health support.
Recognizing the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UGA graduates CAES News
UGA celebrates 15 years of Bulldog 100 12/13/24 Rachael Andrews
The University of Georgia Alumni Association released the 2025 Bulldog 100, a list of the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UGA graduates. The program, organized by the Division of Development & Alumni Relations, celebrates 15 years of honoring alumni and their entrepreneurial endeavors. Among this year’s class, businesses are headquartered in a total of eight states, with 87 of the businesses located in Georgia. In total, 142 alumni representing over two dozen industries are being recognized as a part of this year’s list.
In Georgia alone, there are nearly 400,000 individuals employed in some segment of hospitality. With the unique mix of leisure travel in coastal Georgia and convention travel in Atlanta, HFIM students have a wealth of opportunities to choose the area that suits them best. CAES News
UGA redefines Southern hospitality through a thriving degree program 11/27/24 Claire S. Kinnard
There are nearly 400,000 individuals employed in some segment of hospitality in Georgia. With the unique mix of leisure travel in coastal Georgia and convention travel in Atlanta, University of Georgia hospitality and food industry management students have a wealth of opportunities to choose the area that suits them best. This versatile experience — with its focus on quality curriculum, meaningful interaction with local and national business, and experiential learning — has already begun graduating the next generation of hospitality leaders.
BabyEating CAES News
Early start, healthy futures: UGA Extension leads peanut allergy education 11/25/24 Emily Cabrera
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing peanut-containing products to infants as early as 4 to 6 months old, especially for children at high risk for allergies. But this information isn't reaching the public as it should. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist Ali Berg is leading efforts to close this information gap.
The holiday season can be a time of anticipation and joy, but balancing multiple commitments and personalities across families and friends can be a source of stress for hosts and visitors alike. Like preparing parts of the meal ahead of time to spend more of the holiday with guests, taking time ahead of the day to set expectations can go a long way to ensuring enjoyable gatherings, said Ted Futris, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension specialist and professor of human development and family science in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. CAES News
Need help managing stress this holiday season? Try these 3 tips from UGA Extension 11/21/24 Maria M. Lameiras
The holiday season can be a time of anticipation and joy, but balancing multiple commitments and personalities across families and friends can be a source of stress for hosts and visitors alike. Much like preparing parts of the meal ahead of time allows you to spend more of the holiday with guests, setting expectations ahead of the celebration can go a long way to ensuring enjoyable gatherings, said Ted Futris, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension specialist and professor of human development and family science.
Conner Hall CAES News
CAES welcomes 2024 cohort of Rural Scholars 11/20/24 Maria M. Lameiras
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences welcomed its fourth cohort of students chosen for the CAES Rural Scholars Program this fall just weeks after celebrating the program's first graduation. Georgia Orman, one of four inaugural Rural Scholars in CAES, graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education. The new scholars for 2024, all from Georgia, are Ela Ash of Ocilla, Lauren E. Coley of Cochran, Amelia Housley of Canon, and London O’Steen of Ambrose.