The Avielle Foundation is closing in Newtown and becoming part of the National Mental Health Innovation Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.  The organization was started seven years ago by Jennifer Hensel and the late Jeremy Richman in honor of their daughter Avielle, who was killed on 12-14. 

The Avielle Foundation was working to advance the field of preventing violence by funding research, educational programs and events, and by training the next generation of scientists.  Work will transition to building compassion and preventing violence through neuroscience research, community engagement and education.

The Avielle Initiative will leverage the resources and staff of NMHIC and the University of Colorado to continue expanding the mission of the foundation and creating new resources to build compassion and prevent violence while keeping the legacy and memory alive of Avielle and Jeremy Richman. 

NMHIC will leverage innovative and science-based technology to create resources for researchers, clinicians, organizations and individuals that improve the quality of clinical care, build empathy, and empower people to improve their own wellbeing. The initiative will also create ways to connect people in order to promote health, prevent illness, and eliminate barriers to access and support.  The second component is the establishment of an endowment to fund the Jeremy Richman Brain Health Internship and Fellowship, named in honor of the co-founder. The program will help shape the careers of young scientists interested in increasing our understanding of brain health to inform the development of products and programs focused on building compassion and preventing violence.

The paid internship will be awarded annually to a high school or undergraduate student. The fellowship will be awarded to an individual starting the post-doctoral phase of their research career. NMHIC will start accepting applications for the internship and fellowship this spring.