The Well of PBC - June 2024

THE CULTURE OF HEALTH NETWORK WEAVES A MOSAIC OF CHANGEMAKERS

CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH, CELEBRATING FREEDOM

BREAKING THE SILENCE SURROUNDING MALE EATING DISORDERS

RAINBOW REVOLUTION: WRITING OUR HISTORY AT ROHI’S READERY

TOGETHER, WE CAN REDEFINE WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH

PLUS: UNITY IN COMMUNITY: CELEBRATING THE 4TH ANNUAL EJS COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY • WE THE PEOPLE • EVERYONE CAN EXPERIENCE DANCE • AND MUCH MORE!

THE SOURCE 12 8 14 16 18 20 24 26 28 30 32 36

FEATURE STORY

The Culture of Health Network Weaves a Mosaic of Changemakers

THE RESERVOIR

Breaking the Silence

Surrounding Male Eating Disorders Begins With Me

THE DRAW

Everyone Can Experience Dance

THE PROVIDERS

Celebrating Juneteenth, Celebrating Freedom

BEYOND THE COUCH

Together, We Can Redefine Workplace Mental Health

THE REAL Unity in CommUNITY:

Celebrating the 4th Annual EJS CommUNITY Block Party Presented by Pulte Family Charitable Foundation

BEWELL NEWS

Well On Your Way Scholarship Recipients

CORNER TALK

THE DEPTH

The LupieGirl, Inc

Transforming Lives Through Community Support and Empowerment

THE FOUNTAIN We the People

THE WORD

Rainbow Revolution: Writing Our History at Rohi’s Readery

WHY YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.

10.2% of youth will be diagnosed with a substance use disorder in their lifetime.

Source: Youth Mental Health First Aid**

1 IN 5

teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition.

Source: National Alliance for Mental Illness*

WHAT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COVERS

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).

• Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.

• How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.

• How to connect the youth with help.

• Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.

THREE WAYS TO LEARN

• In-person (2nd Edition) – Learners receive their training during a 6.5-hour, Instructor-led, in-person session.

• Blended – Learners complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course, and participate in a 4.5- to 5.5-hour, Instructor-led training. This Instructor-led Training can be:

» A video conference.

» An in-person class.

50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by the mid-20s.

Source: Archives of General Psychiatry***

WHO SHOULD KNOW MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

• Teachers.

• School Staff.

• Coaches.

• Camp Counselors.

• Youth Group Leaders.

• Parents.

• Adults who Work with Youth.

Learn how to respond with the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE):

A ssess for risk of suicide or harm.

L isten nonjudgmentally.

G ive reassurance and information.

E ncourage appropriate professional help.

E ncourage self-help and other support strategies.

Sources

* National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Kids. https://www.nami.org/YourJourney/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Kids

** Mental Health First Aid. (2020). Mental Health First Aid USA for adults assisting children and youth. National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

*** Kessler, R., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K.R., Walters, E.E. (2005, June). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry. 62(6); 593-602. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.593

To find a course in Palm Beach County or find out further details about Mental Health First Aid, reach out to Courtney Marx, Mental Health First Aid Director, at CMarx@AlpertJFS.org

/ LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

JULIE KHANNA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Well of PBC is your platform and it is my honor to amplify your voices in service of the place we all call home. “

To learn is to evolve and in my life, I am lucky enough not only to have learned a tremendous amount from both lived and learned experts but also to take that wisdom and bring forth necessary change, resulting in greater opportunity, innovation and creativity.

In that spirit, we are ushering in a few changes at The Well of PBC and are so excited to share them with you.

The Source is shifting from an advice column to a curated collection of accessible behavioral health resources chosen by you, our reader.

We want you to email us at thewell@bewellpbc.org with your favorite podcasts, books, book clubs, apps, groups, social media accounts and other suggestions. By highlighting and sharing these resources, we are further reiterating our commitment to being a comprehensive and community-driven medium for all who reside in Palm Beach County.

The Source isn’t the only column that is evolving.

The Real used to be primarily video-based content highlighting a community event but now, we are expanding to showcase a much broader spectrum of what’s really happening in Palm Beach County and again, we want to hear and elevate your voice.

Submit your event photos or upcoming event news to thewell@bewellpbc.org for a chance to be featured.

Finally, The Depth is expanding. Initially, The Depth was The Well of PBC’s column for spiritual-based leaders and individuals to share their thoughts, guidance and encouragement. Now, The Depth will delve into the concepts of faith and fellowship at the personal, community and neighborhood level while remaining a space for faith-based leaders to counsel, comfort and communicate.

I firmly believe that when we know better, we can do better.

By further involving our community in the editorial landscape of The Well of PBC, our knowledge base will grow substantially and furnished with your ideas, your recommendations, your news and your wisdom - I promise that together, we will do better.

We will continue our mission to advocate for behavioral health and wellness in Palm Beach County and serve as a safe exchange space for the community as we continue the work of destigmatizing mental health and increasing mental health accessibility.

It is my sincere hope that our evolution will result in great opportunities. Not only for us as the premier behavioral health and wellness publication in Palm Beach County, but also for you - our reader.

The Well of PBC is your platform and it is my honor to amplify your voices in service of the place we all call home.

Thank you for being a part of the mission:

“To be the primary resource for behavioral health and wellness for Palm Beach County; a safe exchange space for community and an outlet for our neighbors and stakeholders to transform the behavioral health landscape.”

To share feedback, obtain advertising information, or contribute, please reach us at thewell@bewellpbc.org.

With deep appreciation,

OUR MISSION

To be the primary resource for behavioral health and wellness for Palm Beach County; a safe exchange space for community and an outlet for our neighbors and stakeholders to transform the behavioral health landscape.

To share feedback, obtain advertising information, or contribute, please reach us at thewell@bewellpbc.org.

The largest behavioral health publication in Palm Beach County, The Well of PBC is a non-profit magazine which aims to be a communitydirected resource for Palm Beach County residents. Advocating for mental health accessibility is central to our mission and we believe in “walking the walk” when it comes to ensuring every Palm Beach County resident has the opportunity to have their voices heard. We are proud to use our platform to highlight both national and global concerns while remaining focused on local mental health and wellness issues that matter the most to our audience.

/ MEET THE TEAM

PUBLISHER

Lauren is the executive director for the countywide initiative, BeWellPBC, advancing behavioral health and wellness for all residents in Palm Beach County. The Well of PBC is a passion project for Lauren to increase behavioral health awareness, engage diverse perspectives across the county, and promote solutions to address our county’s most complex challenges.

BeWellPBC STAFF

Alita is the Networks & Operations Manager at BeWellPBC. Through her work, she wishes to help the field of behavioral health to become more equitable for the entire community, including those seeking services and those looking to work in the field.

Julie, CEO of Khanna Connections, enjoys using her creativity to help health and wellness industries communicate with their audiences.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jessie is a seasoned creative director and designer with fifteen years of experience in print publishing, education, and marketing. With a passion for innovation, she has empowered diverse clients, from arts organizations to Fortune 500 companies, with bespoke marketing solutions and creative project management.

CONTRIBUTOR

Melanie, president of Otero Communications, provides consulting services for some of Palm Beach County’s leading nonprofit organizations. With a special interest in behavioral health, she has assisted with the launch of The Well of PBC and serves as a contributing writer.

CONTRIBUTOR

Jaime, founder of Rosewood Media, is a West Palm Beach resident, creative and contributing writer to The Well of PBC. With a decade of experience in non-profit communications and a lifetime of experience as a writer, Jaime’s work focuses on behavioral health, diversity, equity and inclusion, travel, music, food and parenthood through a pop culture lens.

MARKETING MANAGER

Katrina, the founder, and CEO of Unity3 Palm Beach contributed her expertise in executive advertising spanning over twenty-five years to the launch of The Well of PBC. With her background in local, regional, and national advertising media, she brings a blend of professional acumen and personal values, including her deep-rooted commitment to faith, family, and the vibrant multicultural community of Palm Beach County to The Well of PBC and BeWellPBC.

We are looking for people to contribute to our art, ask the experts, students, self-care, cultural, spiritual, and provider columns.

Email us for our contributor guidelines, editorial calendar, or if you’d like to share a career opportunity or community event.

Email: thewell @bewellpbc.org

Follow along at @thewellofpbc

Contributors to The Well of PBC do not need a degree or a background in publishing to have their voice elevated and their concerns addressed - they merely need to reach out and let us know they have something to say. Through crowdsourcing and fully engaging Palm Beach County residents to participate as contributors, The Well of PBC hopes to empower residents to serve as stakeholders who are fully immersed in the transformation of the behavioral health landscape of Palm Beach County.

ALITA FABER

JULIE KHANNA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JESSIE PRUGH

KATRINA BLACKMON

MELANIE OTERO

JAIME JOSHI ELDER

LAUREN ZUCHMAN

The Culture of Health Network Weaves a Mosaic of Changemakers

By Melanie Otero

Change is never easy. And when you set out to upend an entire system, you need everyone to commit their hearts, minds, and resources to make it happen.

Over the last two years, a group of changemakers including eight Palm Beach County philanthropic and government grantmakers and a diverse group of residents and grassroots organizations came together to co-design a new platform to spark communityled health and wellness innovation. As they listened deeply to everyone’s perspectives and personal

experiences, a common thread began to emerge: let’s trust ourselves and each other to break free from the status quo.

The grantmakers wanted to explore how they could move beyond traditional boundaries for who, how, and what gets supported by their funding. The residents’ and grassroots organizations’ aspirations were straightforward: trust us with resources to create community-driven solutions ourselves.

Grantmakers and resident leaders come together at a Community Changemakers Fund gathering.

Nicole “Nikki” Martin-Bynum, Chief Vision Keeper of Seek Higher Ground, facilitated the conversation, weaving together a network of passionate individuals and dedicated organizations to co-design a vehicle for breaking with convention: The Community Changemakers Fund (CCF).

“As the facilitator, my role was to use The Community Changemakers Fund as a bridge to realizing the dreams and aspirations of both the resident leaders and the grantmakers,” Martin-Bynum said.

Everyone was eager to be a change agent. They could be catalysts in their own spheres of influence. And collectively, they could create a pathway for Palm Beach County residents’ brilliant ideas to emerge, building a healthier, more vibrant community for themselves and their neighbors.

They already had the spark of an idea. It just needed to grow.

A Winning Idea

When Palm Beach County won the 2020-2021 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize in recognition of the way residents take the lead in creating solutions to build healthier communities,

it came with a $25,000 cash award. Rather than allocating the money to any one initiative, the organizations that applied for the prize on behalf of the county—the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach County Youth Services Department, and Palm Health Foundation—decided to use the cash as seed funding for a much bigger idea. In the spirit of the award, they grew the $25,000 to $250,000 to create The Community Changemakers Fund which would be co-designed by residents and grantmakers to further stoke community-led innovation and a local culture of health.

The grantmakers, typically bound by strict rules for how they fund, had the freedom to either support or observe this new way to invest, from funding start-up nonprofit visionaries to providing grants to entities outside the norm, including individuals and small businesses.

“The grantmakers wanted to explore how they could move beyond traditional boundaries for who, how, and what gets supported by their funding.”

Nikki Martin-Bynum and Jeanette Gordon at a Community Changemakers Fund gathering.

Changemakers post their ideas.

/ FEATURE

All subscribed to a set of guiding principles, including: LISTEN: Lift-up and privilege community voice as a matter of program design, implementation, and system transformation; and EXPERIMENTATION: Grantmakers will be unencumbered by the traditional boundaries of their funding limitations and experiment to extend existing practices beyond boundaries or explore new funding categories.

“It provided a space where grantmakers got to be a little bit more vulnerable,” Martin-Bynum said. “By being a part of the process, they saw how it could eventually help to break down barriers.”

When the call went out for changemakers to join, dozens came to the table. Grassroots leaders and “kitchen table” nonprofits. Community organizers. Inner city youth. Cancer survivors. Pastors. Small businesses. Moms and dads. All given equal standing with the grantmakers to create change in how health solutions are funded.

From beginning to end, everyone asked: What can we do differently? How do we deepen and expand what Palm Beach County won the Culture of Health Prize for?

Blue-Sky Thinking

Change started at the very beginning. The changemakers decided to reinvent a grant application process that is typically intimidating, lengthy, complex, and requires a professional grant writer.

Changemakers insights led to the design of a simplified application, encouraging nonprofits with budgets under $500K and limited resources to respond. Eligibility expanded to individuals and small businesses, recognizing the capacity of all community assets to create change. Awareness spread through a grassroots approach, leaning on trusted community members to encourage applicants in their networks to apply. Over 100 technical assistance and coaching sessions were available for applicants to meet with grantmakers to refine their ideas and application focus. Five virtual information sessions and a dedicated website supported applicants every step of the way.

Community Changemakers Fund Grantmakers

• Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County

• Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

• Frederick A. Deluca Foundation

• Lost Tree Foundation

• Palm Beach County Youth Services

• Palm Health Foundation (CCF fiscal agent)

• Quantum Foundation

• United Way of Palm Beach County

The response was an incredible 288 applications, kicking off a completely reinvented review process. Rather than the traditional approach where grantmakers are the sole decision-makers, ten teams of two—one grantmaker and one community leader each—reviewed the applications. All applicants, whether they were chosen or not, could request a tailored response, helping them learn and strengthen their capacity to apply for funding in the future.

“The Changemaker Fund was an incredible investment into the community,” said Jacoby Waters, founder and executive director of Young Men of Distinction & Ladies of Distinction. “Being a part of this process behind the scenes from beginning to end was such a learning experience for me and gave me a different perspective on how the funds are delivered.”

Twenty-one projects were chosen. The Community Changemakers Fund invested a total of $186,500 in the recipients to address a wide variety of issues affecting health and well-being, including equitable access to behavioral health services; community violence; maternal health; fathers’ rights as parents; funding for school uniforms; support for cancer and chronic illnesses; and healing through the arts.

“What’s different is that these are people who are personally connected to the issue they want to solve,” said Patrick McNamara, President and CEO of Palm Health Foundation. “We’re investing in their passion and power to unlock change.”

A Place For Connection And Belonging

While 21 applicants received grant awards, all 288 have become part of the growing Culture of Health Network. They have the opportunity for mentorship and connections with peers across the county for what can sometimes feel like lonely work.

“The changemakers see the benefit of having extended relationships,” Martin-Bynum said. “It’s a mental reminder they’re not alone. They are a part of the solutions that need to exist neighborhood by neighborhood in Palm Beach County so that each member can thrive.”

The network expanded horizons for everyone across the county and sometimes across the street.

“Participating in the PBC Changemakers Fund was an enriching experience for me, allowing me to learn about incredible projects and innovative ideas emerging right in my backyard,” said Alexina Jeannite from iheartphilanthropy. “I particularly appreciated observing how having a diverse group of reviewers—especially those with lived experiences relevant to the community ideas we reviewed—plays a crucial role in highlighting and validating communities that often go unnoticed in traditional grantmaking programs. The Community

The Community Changemakers Fund marks the beginning of the next chapter in our journey for better health. It’s all about connecting with the heart of Palm Beach County, deepening our understanding, and expanding what makes us great – a culture of health and well-being that’s as diverse as we are. This Fund is our way of embracing every unique way we ‘health,’ meeting people right where they are, in the spaces and styles that resonate with them. Visit sites.google.com/ view/changemakers-fundpbc/ home to learn more and meet the award recipients.

Changemakers Fund brings a collective insight that ensures that funding decisions are inclusive and impactful.”

Grantmakers have witnessed the power of bringing the changemakers together as well. “We have all seen how one person’s idea, given some funding and support, can grow into a solution that can impact an entire community,” said Lisa WilliamsTaylor, CEO of Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County. “That’s the spirit of The Community Changemakers Fund. Now Palm Beach County has an entire network of changemakers to share ideas and learn from each other as we build a culture of health, neighborhood by neighborhood.”

For Martin-Bynum, the fund has become more than a bridge. It is a catalyst.

“We are observing people coming together to work alongside each other in emergent ways,” she said. “The fund and the network are intended to amplify the existing brilliance of the community and deepen capacity so that residents are working alongside those they choose until they eventually lead change efforts themselves. We’re holding the container and the magic happens within it.”

Breaking The Silence Surrounding Male Eating Disorders Begins With Me

By Joseph Toste | LCSW, Clinical Director and Doctoral Student

Despite the female stereotype, nearly one in three people who struggle with an eating disorder are men. I’m one of them.

I’m a social worker with lived, real-world experience as a survivor of childhood trauma, now in recovery from bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder. I have maintained a weight loss of over 150 pounds.

I see my struggles as opportunities to grow and serve others in need as I strive to provide eating disorder treatment services to adolescent boys and men.

Male eating disorders tend to be overlooked, underdiagnosed, and misrepresented in the treatment community and society at large. The stigma surrounding male eating disorders only compounds the struggle. Men are supposed to be strong, both physically and mentally. Many, fearing judgment and ridicule, suffer in silence.

My goal is to break the stigma and shame that cisgendered males with eating disorders and childhood trauma face when seeking behavioral health care for such complex challenges. By breaking the stigma, men will be more likely to seek help and get an accurate diagnosis and treatment rather than masking their symptoms, being misdiagnosed, or not receiving any diagnosis at all.

My work over the last 25 years providing care and compassion to help traumatized children, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and people

struggling with opioid addiction find recovery has prepared me for this moment. I plan to create specialized treatment services and advocacy for males that struggle with mental health, eating disorders, and body image challenges.

I hope to inspire others to join me. As a doctoral student at Barry University School of Social Work supported by a Palm Health Foundation scholarship, I am researching the integration of neuroscience, trauma, and mental health to develop more effective treatment that I plan to use in my own psychotherapy and share with others in the field—one that needs to grow in number and perspective.

Of all my roles, the one I value most is survivor. If there’s one thing I want others to take away it’s this: you are not alone. Whether you’re male or female, struggling with an eating disorder or supporting someone who is, there is hope. Reach out, speak up, and never underestimate the power of community in healing.

Together, we can shatter the stigma surrounding male eating disorders and pave the way for a future where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported on their journey to recovery.

Resource: To learn more and/or find help, visit or call the National Alliance for Eating Disorders: allianceforeatingdisorders.com or call (866) 662-1235.

The Reservoir is the column that celebrates our vibrant community’s customs, culture, holidays, rituals, lifestyle, and social behaviors.

To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Reservoir” in the subject line.

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WITH AN EATING DISORDER

Supporting a loved one with an eating disorder is challenging but essential for their recovery. Here are some tips:

Avoid judgment: Listen to them, be empathetic, and avoid critical comments about their eating habits or appearance.

Express concern: Let the person know they are loved and encourage them to seek help.

Be patient: Recovering from an eating disorder can be a long process, so have patience and understanding.

Research: Learn about eating disorders and their treatment options to better support the person going through this journey.

Source: Medical News Today

Joe Toste

EVERYONE CAN EXPERIENCE DANCE

By Hannah Deadman | Natural Movers Foundation | @NaturalMovers

The world of dance hasn’t traditionally been the most inclusive—but Natural Movers Foundation (NMF) is working to change that.

A West Palm Beach-based nonprofit, NMF started in 2016 after its founder Ericka Squire noticed that many Black and Brown ballet students weren’t performing at the same level as their peers since they’d started dancing later in life. So, she launched a rigorous multi-week summer intensive for 60+ students to sharpen their techniques and further their studies.

In 2022, Natural Movers expanded its vision: Enrich Palm Beach County’s artistic progression and ensure everyone can experience dance.

NMF puts local dance artists to work, curates unique performances throughout Palm Beach County, and offers master classes for professional dancers as well as beginners.

The organization also collaborates with other local organizations to expand its impact in the community. Annual signature events include:

• Open Spaces with the Norton Museum of Art, an annual curated dance performance that takes place in an unconventional space featuring local dance artists and companies.

Natural Movers - Open Spaces - Credit Anthony Bethel

• MOVED: A Celebration of Black History and Culture Through Dance: Palm Beach County’s first-ever day of dance in celebration of Black History Month featuring masterclasses taught by regional and national dance artists. In 2024, the event featured Red Bull hip-hop champion David Stalter and a culminating performance by regional and national Black dance artists and creatives.

• Dance. All. Day. Fest in partnership with CityPlace, a free outdoor dance festival for all ages, including master classes, performances by local dance companies and artists, and children’s arts activities.

• Young Artists with the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, a free monthly arts immersion program for children and their caregivers, presented by cultural partners throughout the Palm Beaches.

This June, Natural Movers is partnering with Grounded WPB to offer a first-ever summer dance intensive for aspiring professional dancers and openlevel dancers. The intensive will take place at Ballet Palm Beach’s studios.

Led by Squire, Natural Movers’ ability to reimagine dance opportunities for advanced artists and community members fills a crucial gap in Palm Beach County—contributing to wellness and movement and reaching those who may feel intimidated by the art form.

NMF believes the arts should be for all, regardless of color, age, arts experience, or socio-economic background. That’s why NMF works hard to offer its programs for free—making the arts more approachable and affordable without compromising excellence.

The Draw is a space for creatives to share their art, poetry, spoken word, etc. and/or how their art helps themselves and others.

To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Draw” in the subject line.

Natural Movers - MOVED Performance - Credit Anthony Bethel

Natural Movers - MOVED Masterclass - CREDIT Anthony Bethel

“I am proud that the place where I work respects my African American heritage. Ours is a proud heritage and we should celebrate it.”

CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH, CELEBRATING FREEDOM

By Owen O’Neill | CEO, Clinics Can Help

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we as an organization have taken some time to reflect on not only the meaning, but why it is important to celebrate.

Clinics Can Help was founded on principles that include equality and dignity for all. We believe that everyone deserves access to healthcare and medical equipment needed to not only heal, but to thrive. While we accomplish this in the work we do, we feel it is a tremendous honor to do this in all aspects of the way we live.

We are American.

Freedom is our nation’s most treasured quality.

By celebrating Juneteenth, we recognize that not every American was always free. While we have made significant forward progress from that time, we must continue to acknowledge that important time in history and do all we can to not have history repeat itself. We choose to celebrate the end of the Civil War and the end to slavery. We recognize the holiday and history as we would other significant holidays. Our diverse team of board members, staff, and even our clients gather together to honor the holiday with celebrations and important conversations. We also close our doors for the holiday to give families the time to celebrate together. To us, it is important to highlight June 19th, the date in 1865 when slavery in our nation finally ended.

/ THE PROVIDERS

The Providers is a space for providers, practitioners, thought leaders, and systems change leaders to share.

To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell bewellpbc.org with “For The Providers” in the subject line.

While we can continue to speak as an organization, we’ve instead chosen to give voice to three individuals who less than two centuries ago would have been forbidden from using.

“I am proud that the place where I work respects my African American heritage. Ours is a proud heritage and we should celebrate it,” shared Evereen Bryan, program coordinator.

“This day is about who we are,” shared Mario Raymond, warehouse supervisor, “It is a good day, and I am grateful to celebrate with both my work and my home family!”

“Juneteenth is important because it reminds our nation of what we came through ‘as a nation’ as it pertains to righting the wrongs of slavery. It reminds us of what we can achieve together. July 4th is about liberty, but it was an imperfect liberty, because slavery of African Americans still legally existed in the nation. Juneteenth honors the end to the slavery, so it is true liberty. We should continue to recognize both holidays. They are important moments in our shared history as a nation,” shared Bill Foman Esq., board member.

So, as we celebrate on June 19, 2024, we invite and encourage our community members to join in honoring and celebrating the Juneteenth holiday. It is important - all independence matters!

Staff members pose with roses.

Clinics Can Help staff unloading items from a truck so they can further serve the community.

Clinics Can Help staff make adjustments to ensure everything is in perfect working condition.

TOGETHER, WE CAN REDEFINE WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH

By Andy McAusland, CEO | Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches | mhapalmbeaches.org

Every May during Mental Health Awareness Month, the phone at our office rings off the hook with inquiries from professional groups seeking someone from our team to speak at a meeting or a dinner. I call them back and say, “Sure. Who’s the audience?” Usually, it is white-collar employees, and the people asking have a genuine desire to improve the workplace.

I feel like I have something to say about workplace wellness for two reasons, neither of which has anything to do with mental health expertise. For one, I have years of experience in toxic and supportive work environments and understand the impact of each. (Hardly unique.) More novel is our national organization’s certification— Mental Health America’s (MHA) Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health—and our affiliate’s recent experience earning the gold recognition level.

The Bell Seal is a national effort to redefine “workplace wellness” and encourage companies around the country of all sizes, in all sectors to embrace policies and practices that support the mental health needs of employees. When I speak to audiences, I emphasize that mental wellness is a daily, fluid organizational commitment requiring employee input. The Bell Seal helps organizations put the entire organization into perspective by evaluating a broad spectrum of factors that impact employee mental health outcomes, including workplace culture, benefits, compliance, and wellness programs. Prominent companies obtaining the Bell Seal certification at the platinum level include ADT, Amazon, Chevron, and our own Palm Beach County Government and Children’s Services Council.

“I encourage anyone in a leadership capacity to consider applying for the Bell Seal certification in the 2025 cycle. If you think you are doing a great job, you can show the community you are! “

How to apply for the Mental Health America Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health

Visit mhanational.org/bestemployers

You may also visit Mental Health America’s Workplace Wellness Resource Center at mhanational. org/workplace for guidance on creating a supportive workplace culture.

Andy McAusland-MHAPB CEO

/ BEYOND THE COUCH

What I appreciated most about the process is the way the application tool challenges embedded paradigms in our workplace culture. In the workplace, employees’ personal and professional lives are somehow separated like church and state. Life pressures come in many forms – affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, food budgets, illness, divorce, grief, caregiving, child behavior, childcare – we’re all familiar with these pressures and the impact they have on how we show up at work. The Bell Seal tool explores whether an organization has mechanisms to relieve stress with flexible work policies. For example, can heavier responsibilities be temporarily lessened? Is working from home an option? Is substance or mental health crisis treatment part of your Family and Medical Leave Act policy? Can schedules be juggled creatively to accommodate caregiving responsibilities?

A culture that forces employees to soldier on towards burnout and/or misery without sympathy for traumatic and challenging life circumstances is not one worth participating in—for the employee and the employer. Research suggests that employees who feel supported and valued by their employers when it comes to mental health report higher job satisfaction, better productivity, and lower rates of absenteeism.

I encourage anyone in a leadership capacity to consider applying for the Bell Seal certification in the 2025 cycle. If you think you are doing a great job, you can show the community you are! If you value learning and are willing to treat workplace mental wellness as a fluid organizational issue that requires employee input, this process will serve you well. It is uplifting to see so many organizations based in Palm Beach County that have been awarded the Bell Seal. We are one of the best-represented counties nationally. Hopefully, we continue in this direction and will soon be recognized by the MHA national office as THE model community for supporting mental health in the workplace.

The Significance of the Mental Health America Bell

During the early days of mental health treatment, asylums often restrained people who had mental illnesses with iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists. With better understanding and treatments, this cruel practice eventually stopped.

In the early 1950s, Mental Health America issued a call to asylums across the country for their discarded chains and shackles. On April 13, 1953, at the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, Md., Mental Health America melted down these inhumane bindings and recast them into a sign of hope: the Mental Health Bell “Bell of Hope”.

Beyond The Couch highlights nontraditional mental health outlets and resources in Palm Beach County.

To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “Beyond the Couch” in the subject line.

Unity in CommUNITY:

Celebrating the 4th Annual EJS CommUNITY Block Party

Presented by Pulte Family Charitable Foundation

By Julie Khanna

Measuring social impact in its entirety is as impossible as counting the water molecules in a cup runneth over, largely because the ripple effects travel far and wide lasting generations in longevity. Genuinely knowing the impact on so many lives cannot be assessed as one hand holds another the way molecules bond in togetherness.

If impact could be quantified, it might look like the 4th Annual EJS CommUNITY Block Party presented by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation in Delray Beach, Florida. A culmination of year-round efforts, it’s a place for all to unite and honor one another.

Around 1500 people from all over Palm Beach County gathered on May 4th, 2024, for the lively celebration of community, connectedness, and EJS Project’s mission to build and empower tomorrow’s leaders. The event symbolizes the vision originally set forth by Emanuel “Dupree” Jackson, Founder and Executive Director of the EJS Project, to reduce the vulnerability footprint for folks in the community he grew up in.

Romeo Brown, Brooklyn Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Malachi Kennick, Jacolby Baker, Gertavian Blake (orange), Jose Brown (black), Oscar Watson, Jordan Lyles-Mann, Dupree Jackson, and Robert Shanfield pose for a photo. Aparra Photography.

People danced in front of the stage, which amplified live performances from local talent, a drum circle, step teams, the DJ, and music. Children laughed and wove their way through the Kids Zone and bounce houses and got dressed up in first responder gear while exploring the ins and outs of emergency vehicles brought by the Delray Beach Fire Department and Delray Beach Police Department. The dunk tank drew a crowd as community leaders like Delray Beach Deputy Vice-Mayor Rob Long and Atlantic High Football Coach Jamelle Murray volunteered to make a splash. Games, a towering stilt walker, and contests entertained everyone. Local businesses, marketplace vendors, community resource tents, and food trucks were also present to keep attendees hydrated, fed, and well-informed. The day brought everyone together, emphasizing the UNITY in commUNITY.

“The energy is contagious. I want people to feel good year-round and know that they have help. Know that they’re not in this alone. That’s what I hope,” said Jackson. “Any movement is as strong as the people that believe in it. Our sponsors cover the production costs, so we can host a friendraiser that brings people together.”

Connecting the community to resources is a cornerstone of the EJS Project’s daily work and is met with eager participation from supporters- many of whom were in attendance.

“We are longtime supporters of the EJS Project. Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) is all about investing in community, and what better way to do that than to come out and support an event that brings families and communities together,” said Dr. Clarice Redding, Director of Advancement for CPSFL and one of the event sponsors in attendance.

“If impact could be quantified, it might look like the 4th Annual EJS CommUNITY Block Party...”

Guests enjoyed the dancing stilt walker. Aparra Photography.

City leaders volunteered for the dunk tank. Aparra Photography.

“

Connecting the community to resources is a cornerstone of the EJS Project’s daily work and is met with eager participation from supportersmany of whom were in attendance.

Local step team Platinum Steppers entertained the crowds. Aparra Photography

On the other 364 days of the year, the EJS Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides teen mentorship and programming in a safe after-school center at 700 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Programming includes ‘Bout Dat Action, designed to keep youth engaged in City Commission meetings with the Delray Beach Police Department, beautification efforts, civic engagement, and leadership. Purpose Pays engages participants in meaningful employment, internships, and summer work experiences. Project Hub allows youth to drop in during the regular evening hours to hang out, complete homework, and utilize free WIFI and technology. Youth also have access to mental health support, and transportation is provided, eliminating one of the biggest obstacles to participation.

The youth that attend the center reflect Dupree Jackson’s childhood, and as an adult, he knew he wanted to be a producer of positive outcomes instead of a product of his environment.

“Watching Dupree grow the EJS Project over the years and seeing the impact on current and future generations has been inspiring. One of the first things that caught my attention was his passion for the work he’s doing, and

it’s just been a pleasure to witness and be a part of,” said EJS Project Board Director Robert Shanfield.

As another successful year of the Annual EJS CommUNITY Block Party presented by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation closes, the daily work continues. Creating positive core memories, refocusing trajectories, and decreasing vulnerability footprints guarantees that the impact will spill out well beyond the Delray Beach community, this generation, or every person the EJS Project has yet to meet for themselves- a promise that Emmanuel “Dupree” Jackson’s mission to empower tomorrow’s leaders is thriving.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.ejsproject.org.

From community events to county-wide campaigns, The Real shows us what’s really going on in the county. Submit your event photos or news to thewell@bewellpbc.org.

There were lots of smiling faces at the 4th Annual EJS CommUNITY Block Party Presented by Pulte Family Charitable Foundation. Aparra Photography

Kudos to Another Successful School Year!

Highlights of the Behavioral Health Technician Programs in The School District of Palm Beach County Schools

As the school year 2023-2024 comes to a close, there is much to celebrate! Four Palm Beach County schools (Lake Worth High School, West Boca High School, Inlet Grove High School, and South Tech Academy) offered the Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Program as part of their Allied Health medical academies.

Across the 4 schools, 131 students participated and completed the year with 30 Seniors graduating. Eightythree (83) students were eligible and took the state Behavioral Health Technician certification exam - with a 96% pass rate. All 30 graduating Seniors were accepted and plan to attend college. Fourteen (14) Seniors received scholarships to put towards their continued education and/or prepping for their first jobs in the mental health field.

Six behavioral health organizations assisted the BHT teachers with coinstruction and resource-sharing in the classrooms. The 4 schools received a co-instruction matrix at the beginning

of the school year and worked with the organizations to schedule their instructional classroom days throughout the year.

Internships for the high school students have been the greatest value add, allowing youth to experience agency culture and participate in job duties and field work that provides them with invaluable advantage as they apply for colleges and first jobs in the mental health field. Five organizations were oriented to the internship process created by BeWellPBC and hosted student interns during the year. Additional organizations have expressed interest, and BeWellPBC is working with them as they prepare for their first interns in summer or fall.

In addition to the co-instruction and internships, youth had opportunity to lead behavioral health clubs at their high schools and receive mini-grants to support mental health-related activities for their peers. Four clubs at Atlantic Community High School, West Boca High School, Inlet Grove,

and Dwyer High School met monthly and hosted more than 500 student participants across the schools. Minigrants supported Get Your Green On events during Mental Health Awareness Month on the 4 school campuses, a field trip to Morikami Museum for students and their parents to practice mindfulness and experience the gardens, and a mental health symposium for teens to learn tips, tools, and resources for self-care.

As BeWellPBC and The School District of Palm Beach County look towards the next school year, partners across the county continue to help build the provider matrix for coinstruction and internship sites. The School District is already reporting an interest from 3-5 additional high schools to offer the Behavioral Health Technician medical academy in fall 2024, and Lake Worth High School is adding a second class for next school year due to student demand to be in the program.”

“WHAT

ARE YOU CELEBRATING THIS MONTH?”

EAST WEST

Danielle Boyd | @lyfeasdani

“This July, I’m celebrating BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Month. It’s crucial to recognize that individuals within these communities face unique challenges and adversities in life. By shining a light on BIPOC mental health, we uplift unheard voices, promote understanding and compassion, and advocate for the care and support needed to cultivate resilience and well-being. With more people becoming aware, I’d love to see us create a happier and healthier future together.”

Verona Ortega | @_veronarose_

“Celebrating Pride reminds us that we’re not alone! We’re able to come together and feel unified in all of our differences, and be reminded of the importance of our voices.”

SOUTH

Montre Bennett | @Kingdombuilding87

“I practice 10 minutes of stillness in the rising and evening… just sitting with myself in the sun or in nature for 10 minutes a day allows me to calm the mind and simply focus on my breathing. Breathing is key to life. This all stems from practicing mindfulness, basically which is the supervision of attention. While paying most attention to the breath. It helps me release, gain clarity and insight and helps gain the necessary downloads needed to move forward in life.”

“WHAT ARE YOU CELEBRATING THIS MONTH?”

Juan Nunez | @communitypartnerssouthflorida

“Honoring Juneteenth allows us to celebrate the rich history and resilience of the Black community while acknowledging the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. BIPOC Mental Health Month provides a platform to raise awareness about the specific mental health challenges faced by BIPOC individuals and promotes culturally competent care.”

Joel Lopez | @joellopezgrams

“Pride month for me is a reminder of how important representation is. As a news reporter on television my platform is a unique one. Early on in my career I decided I wanted to be transparent about who I am, in person, on air and online, in efforts to inspire future LGBTQ+ journalists who may have faced similar hurdles. My company, Scripps, has always been supportive and I’ve co-emceed Palm Beach Pride in March for the last 3 years. Through my journey I’ve met many amazing people and I hope to meet many more at Pride on the Block, Treasure Coast Pridefest and more. If you see me out say, ‘Hi!’ HAPPY PRIDE!”

Shamarcus Bryant | @smoothdagr8est

“Promoting mental health in men involves creating an environment where they feel safe to express their emotions and seek help without fear of judgment. This includes public awareness campaigns, training for healthcare providers to recognize and treat mental health issues in men, and the development of support networks and resources tailored to men’s specific needs. Addressing mental health in men is not only beneficial for individuals but also for society as a whole, leading to healthier, more resilient communities.”

“The organization raises awareness, provides education, and fosters a strong community for Lupus warriors, ensuring that no one navigates this chronic illness alone.”

THE LUPIEGIRL, INC.

Transforming Lives Through Community Support and Empowerment

By Brieana Salter | The LupieGirl Inc. | @TheLupieGirl

Living with Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, is often isolating and challenging. Finding a supportive community and access to tailored resources is vital. This is where The LupieGirl, Inc. steps in, profoundly impacting the lives of those affected by lupus through initiatives like the Lupie CareKit Program and the Survivors Circle.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune illness where the body’s immune system attacks itself, affecting the entire body, including the skin, heart, kidneys, eyes, and hair. With no cure, it affects over 5 million people annually. Its complexity often leads to misdiagnosis because it mimics other illnesses.

Founded in 2016 by lupus survivor Brieana Salter, The LupieGirl, Inc. aims to motivate, empower, and support individuals living with lupus. The

organization raises awareness, provides education, and fosters a strong community for lupus warriors, ensuring that no one navigates this chronic illness alone.

At the heart of LupieGirl, Inc. is the Survivors Circle, a program offering a safe and supportive space for individuals living with lupus to connect, share experiences, and uplift one another.

This program fosters a sense of belonging and provides emotional support, which is crucial for those facing the daily challenges of lupus.

The Survivors Circle meets regularly in person and virtually, accommodating members from different locations.

Briana Salter

/ THE DEPTH

Participants discuss their struggles, victories, and strategies for managing their condition, often featuring guest speakers, including healthcare professionals, wellness experts, and fellow lupus warriors, who provide valuable insights and advice. Peer support is emphasized, with members finding solace in knowing they are not alone and drawing strength from the collective wisdom and encouragement of the group.

Understanding that managing lupus involves more than just medical treatments, The LupieGirl, Inc. introduced the Lupie Carekit Program. These carefully curated packages are designed to address the unique needs of lupus survivors and provide practical support in their daily lives.

Each Lupie Carekit includes items that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as epsom salt to relieve swelling and joint pain, a heated blanket for comfort, an engraved bracelet with a motivational message, an adult coloring book with colored pencils for distraction and comfort, a personalized handwritten note of encouragement from President and Founder Brieana Salter, and additional LupieGirl merchandise and content.

The impact of these Carekits goes beyond their tangible items; they remind recipients that they are cared for and supported by a larger community, boosting morale, and reinforcing that they are not alone in their battle. As LupieGirl, Inc. continues to expand its reach,

the organization remains dedicated to its mission of supporting lupus warriors through innovative and compassionate programs.

Upcoming initiatives include launching the LupieGirl Cares Program, which will help individuals with lupus and other chronic illnesses by covering part of the costs for prescriptions and mental health services. Additionally, they plan to create a robust volunteer program to increase their community impact and distribute more Lupie Carekits.

In conclusion, The LupieGirl, Inc. exemplifies the power of community and empathy in the fight against lupus. The Survivors Circle and the Carekit Program provide invaluable support to those in need, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience among lupus warriors.

As they continue to grow and evolve, their impact on the lupus community will undoubtedly leave a legacy of hope and empowerment.

The Depth digs deep into faith and fellowship at the neighborhood level. Email thewell@bewellpbc.org for a chance to be featured.

Left: Ajai Johnson, Board Secretary and Program Chair of The LupieGirl, Inc.; Middle: Brieana Salter, Founder/ President of The LupieGirl, Inc.

Right: Shyleice Watson, Board Member, Marketing Chair

The LupieGirl Lupus Survivors come together to sip and paint.

WE THE PEOPLE

By Karmiah Smith

First Place Winner, Palm Beach County Youth

National Poetry Summit 2024

We the people of the United States in order to a create a more perfect union substitute freedom for the lack thereof equate equality with power pyramids peace with gun violence freedom of speech with hate crimes

Your country is built on the backs of slaves, fueled by the blood of my people

Their raw hands will forever attach to the ground, Permanently picking and plowing seeds they will never get to reap.

Like when Breonna Taylor spent her days working countless jobs

To achieve her goal of becoming a full time nurse In return she was expecting medical scrubs

Not 5 bullet wounds in her body

She was expecting her title to be nurse

Not deceased drug addict

They separate us

Quarantine us from the outside world

Try to draw us in with the false promise of the American dream. They say: “This country is a melting pot of different cultures,” that “We are the bonded metals that can only make us stronger” What they don’t tell us Is that to melt us together they bring us to our knees

And then, when the damage is done. We the people try to erase all evidence

If we taint the soil with enough white privilege and white guilt

We may make people forget how rotten the soil really is.

/ THE FOUNTAIN

And isn’t forgetting a wonderful way to establish peace?

To ensure submission?

Because when we the people wrote the first amendment

When we made rules and guidelines prohibiting censorship

We meant to give protection only to the topics that portray us in good light

Because our history is too intense for the citizens to handle.

Too deep of a subject to even begin to unravel

Which is why we will be banning books that don’t meet our ideals

Forcing curriculum that is a little too “woke” out of our schools

Because we can’t brainwash the children

Because children, your generation will be the ones who eventually take our country, claim it as yours

Dear children, you will need to know how to keep the citizens of tomorrow blissfully unaware To keep the cycle of silence and censorship going. And in order to do that, You must only ingest the information that we decide you need.

Because change is not in our bylaws

Because history is written by the victors and as We the people, we have the right to change history how we see fit.

Strike out segregation

Hit the backspace on slavery

Sweet children, wipe that Trail of Tears from your eyes

Draw green neon arrows pointing to the fact that We are America

The land of the free.

The home of the brave.

And you should be proud of your country

Wear your patriotism as a badge of honor on your sleeve.

and sure your position in this country looked a little different 200 years ago sure we took you for more help than human sure, it took you awhile to be 5/5ths of a person but forgetting that, you’re here aren’t you?

How many problems could America have possibly caused you?

The Fountain is a space for youth to share their point of view on things that matter to them. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Fountain” in the subject line.

RAINBOW REVOLUTION: RAINBOW REVOLUTION:

WRITING OUR HISTORY AT ROHI’S READERY

By Pranati “Pranoo” Kumar | Rohi’s Readery | @RohisReadery

Recently, my nearly three-year-old daughter asked, “Mommy, who are those people on your shirt?” Without hesitation, I shared the stories behind the faces, knowing that children absorb our energy and intentions.

Later, at Rohi’s Readery, a student admired my shirt but worried, “Would I get into trouble for wearing that?” I reassured them that honoring your history, identity and culture should never be a cause for fear. That there is a community of solidarity. However, their apprehension highlighted deeper issues within our educational system, where students and families still face challenges for expressing PRIDE in their identities.

Rohi’s Readery has been unapologetic in our stance for the LGBTQ2IA+ community, particularly for Black and Brown individuals.

The bookstore is more than a place to buy books; it’s a space where liberation is felt, empowered and

celebrated. When we talk about the LGBTQ2IA+ movement, oftentimes the intersectionality of this movement fails to recognize people of the Global Majority (commonly referred to as People of Color), the disability and neurodivergent community.

According to the Trevor Project, half of LGBTQ2IA+ youth of Color reported experiencing discrimination based on their race/ethnicity in the past year, including 67% of Black LGBTQ2IA+ youth and 60% of Asian/ Pacific Islander LGBTQ2IA+ youth.

It’s no surprise that we see our youth frustrated due to the lack of trust in spaces that are meant to inform, educate and cultivate conscious citizens of their already innate brilliance.

For example, during a vendor market in Lake Worth, a white high school student who identifies as nonbinary expressed frustration about their lack of knowledge regarding queer People of the Global Majority.

They were flipping through the pages of Rainbow Revolution: Power, Pride and the Protest in the Fight for Queer Rights.

My response was honest. When you think about what is happening today in schools, it is just the tip of the iceberg. Not acknowledging LGBTQ History Month, refusing to allow students to use their preferred pronouns, this has been happening for a LONG time.

In the form of discrimination, segregation and oppression - especially within the Black, Brown and Indigenous communities. We know schools were never intentionally created for people of marginalized communities. Media has historically only shown false narratives of our communities.

So to be a Queer person of the Global Majority? Forget about it. No one is sharing that in the textbooks or media. And if so, it is to criminalize and weaponize the very existence.

But the pages of a book can transport us. Lift us. Acknowledge us. Identify us.

“

The bookstore is more than a place to buy books; it's a space where liberation is felt, empowered and celebrated.

Opposite page: Another event hosted at CityPlace in West Palm Beach where Rohi’s Readery is located.; Above: Revolutionary Readers at Rohi’s Readery; Right: Rohi’s Readery hosts numerous events for the community including classes and workshops.

This subject of intersectionality though is one that demands our attention, advocacy, and understanding, for it concerns the well-being and future of our students. In the United States, for instance, the history of queer rights is woven into the fabric of the Civil Rights Movement.

You may have heard of Langston Hughes, Audre Lorde, Marsha P Johnson, James Baldwin, Alvin Ailey, all incredible figures. But let me draw your attention to some more remarkable individuals: Bayard Rustin, Gladys Bentley, Lorraine Hansberry. Miss Major Griffin-Gracy and Willi Ninja.

These individuals, among many others, stood at the intersection of many battles for humanity. Their lives and work serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the urgency of addressing discrimination in all its forms.

When we allow discrimination against LGBTQ individuals to persist, we are failing to honor the legacy of these humans who have come before them. Moreover, we are harming our youth, who are most vulnerable to the damaging effects of prejudice.

So at Rohi’s Readery, we listen to what our community wants. “Teaching for Joy and Justice” workshops, storytime and activities to continue the learning and work around systems of oppression. To ensure the community understands policy and knows how to advocate with intentionality and

fidelity for all. Whether or not you have children. Whether or not you have a law degree. Whether or not you have a higher education experience. Because we know that those divisions of accessibility are also purposely placed to ensure there are keepers of knowledge versus disseminators of knowledge. Titles mean nothing if they are not used in the pursuit of liberation. Which is what children deserve.

When young people learn about each other through windows and mirrors of learning, they are more likely to engage in social justice causes and advocate against the cycle of oppression that continues to perpetuate and unleash itself in many forms. We’ve hosted voguing dance classes with Christopher Caldwell, partnered with high school student and fashion designer Evin Molina to execute a queer fashion show for Pride Family Fest, hosted Christina Brown and Makaela Lee’s QT BIPOC “Shades and Strokes’’ events, and found many ways to embed authentic human connection, literacy learning and representation year round.

Gathering is powerful. It serves as a wellspring of inspiration for activism. And for every member of the queer community, young and old, we see you. We love you. You belong. There are roots that speak of your ancestors. Courage. Bravery. Stand in your rightful space. We wrap our collective solidarity around you.

Opposite page left: Rohi’s Readery hosts numerous events for the community including classes and workshops.; Opposite page right: Owner and Founder of Rohi’s Readery Pranati “Pranoo” Kumar MCing an event.; Above: “Gathering is powerful. It serves as a wellspring of inspiration for activism. And for every member of the queer community, young and old, we see you. We love you. You belong.”

“Gathering is powerful. It serves as a wellspring of inspiration for activism.”

The Word is a broad topic space for contributing writers (a.k.a the community) to share your stories of behavioral health or anything self-care related i.e. fitness, health, educational, parenting, hobbies, wellness, etc. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Well” in the subject line.

Revolutionary RecommendationsBook

Rainbow Revolution: Power, Pride and the Protest in the Fight for Queer Rights

Circle of Love

My Rainbow

Pride Puppy

Rainbow Hands

My Paati’s Saris

Uncle Bobby’s Wedding

Kind Like Marsha Ho’Onani Hula Warrior

The Pronoun Book

The Big Book of Pride Flags

My Mommies Built a Treehouse

My Maddy

Ritu Weds Chandni

This is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories

Hold That Thought

Sharice’s Big Voice

From the Roots Up

Juliet Takes A Breath

The Henna Wars

Almost Flying

Bathe the Cat

Miss Rita, Mystery Reader

Small Town Pride

Ellen Outside the Lines

Here and Queer

In the Key of Us

The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School

Princess Princess Ever After We Have Always Been Here

Only This Beautiful Moment

Felix Ever After

Revolution is Love: A Year of Black Trans Liberation

Jimmy’s Rhythm and Blues

THE SOURCE: From parenting resources to podcasts to books to read together, there are countless behavioral health and wellness resources out there which serve to educate, support and inspire.

Healthier Delray Beach launched the Mama Said, Daddy Did podcast which looks into the brain science behind the words of wisdom that have been shared across communities for generations. Join hosts Kenya Madison, Senior Director of Healthier Delray Beach and licensed therapist Julie Sanna as they delve deeper into these aphorisms.

Speaking of mamas and daddies, Parenting Culture by Dr. Anjali Ferguson is an online hub for parents looking to access resources from a culturally responsive and inclusive lens.

A safe inclusive space where all are welcome much like the Stand In Pride Facebook Group. Started as a part of the Stand In Pride organization, their mission is to help any member of the LGBTQ+ community who has lost the love and support of their family by connecting them with loving, accepting folks who will gladly stand in for their family.

A focus on healing brings mental health professionals Trina, Tesharia, and Shakiema together in the Natural Eayze Podcast and they invite you to join them for an open and honest conversation on behavioral health.

And finally, we would like to shine a light on I Can’t Wait To Vote by Tiffany Lanier, a children’s book about a curious six-year-old named Autumn who accompanies her parents to the polling station for the first time and daydreams about her opportunity to vote one day. A great way to introduce children to concepts like the importance of civic engagement, why representation matters and how all of us have a say in our local, state, and national government.

The Source is The Well of PBC’s Creative Team’s pick of accessible behavioral health resources. Readers can email thewell@bewellpbc.org with their favorite podcasts, books, book clubs, apps, groups, social media accounts, and other suggestions.

We support and generate innovative programs and solutions to address the behavioral health needs of our community.

Each year, over 13,000 individuals in Palm Beach County with mental health and substance use disorders are directly assisted by SEFBHN's diverse network of community providers.

They receive critical services like crisis intervention, outpatient counseling, medication assisted treatment (MAT), and much more. As a behavioral health managing entity, we work collaboratively with school systems, law enforcement, and more to effectively direct resources to support and help create programs which serve the unique needs of the communities. Here are just a few of the ways our services touch the lives of those in our community:

Behavioral Health Services for adults, children, and families treat mental health and substance use disorders.

Mobile Response Teams work with 211 helpline to provide support and hope to people experiencing crises.

Peer support specialists engage with victims of overdoses to provide recovery support and connections to treatment.

To learn more,

by

BIRTH TO 22: THE YOUTH MASTER PLAN

The Youth Master Plan (YMP) “Strengthening the Steps to Success” was launched by Birth to 22: United for Brighter Futures in 2015 after holding 11 community conversations in the Palm Beach County community and surveying hundreds of youth. Six major areas of need were identified, and as a result, Action Teams and Workgroups were created to address the needs and provide logistics support. As Birth to 22 approaches its 10-year anniversary, it is time to update the Youth Master Plan with the YMP 2.0.

As when the original version of the YMP was created, the alliance believes community collaboration is essential to maintain the standpoint of ‘nothing about us, without us.’ Birth to 22 can only successfully provide support to Palm Beach County’s children, youth, and families after first hearing from the communities about the gaps and concerns. Palm Beach County’s Youth Services Department – Outreach and Community Programming Division engaged our communities in 11 targeted Community Conversations in 2023. These in-person events were throughout the county in April and May. These conversations were open to the public and utilized locations that previously had regular participants in attendance.

The Community Conversations started by providing youth and county data through a game of “Family Feud.” Questions centered on the possible strategic priority topics of mental health, economics, and education; such as “What are the leading causes of mental health struggles for high school students?” and “What Palm Beach County city has the highest number of juvenile arrests?” Two groups of five competed as either youth versus youth or youth versus adults. Then the group transitioned into an open discussion about the data, concerns related to their community, and to provide possible solutions.

In total, 402 participants attended the 11 Community Conversations; 222 of those participants identified as youth. The information was provided to Birth to 22 consultant Jeanette Gordon to include in the Youth Master Plan 2.0, which will reflect recommendations and concerns gathered by the community for a plan to be executed over the next three to five years. Another set of Community Conversations occurred in the fall to further inform the plan.

Next, Birth to 22 facilitated two Community Conversations targeting the community-based organizations that provide direct services to the youth and families. The first conversation was held virtually on August 23, 2023, with 27 participants. The second was held in-person at the Children’s Services Council on September 6, 2023, with 28 participants. Conversation facilitator, Jeanette Gordon of McArthur’s Own, guided the conversation with questions about the priority areas.

Finally, on September 19, 2023, a youth-led conversation was held at Vita Nova, an agency that is a safe bridge to independence for youth and young adults who were formerly in foster care, who are LGBTQ, or who are homeless. The youth were candid and open with their answers about resources, safety, and programs. They identified gaps in services, education, and support and provided recommendations and insight into programs that they find safe and impactful.

A Youth Survey also was circulated in November, drawing 786 responses from participants ranging from 10 to 22 years of age. Data from the survey, the Community Conversations, stakeholder reports and more informed the YMP 2.0, which is scheduled to be published during the summer of 2024.

The primary themes identified in the YMP 2.0 are: Mental Health, Educational Achievement and Economic Stability, with Safety overarching all areas.

The Birth to 22 Youth Master Plan updates were introduced to the community through a series of Community Celebrations, starting in April. The first event to include a Birth to 22 showcase was the Black Gold Jubilee on April 13, 2024 at the Torry Island Campground in Belle Glade. A video presentation about Birth to 22 and the priorities noted in the updated Youth Master Plan was unveiled at the Palm Beach County Youth Summit on April 27, 2024 at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School. The final event was the EJS CommUNITY Event in Delray Beach on May 4.

Learn more about the Birth to 22 Alliance at: pbcbirthto22.com

To stay connected with Birth to 22 and the alliance’s upcoming events and initiatives, follow Birth to 22 on Facebook and Instagram pages @Birthto22.

HAPPENINGS

Celebrate BeBe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Month: Healing is Poetry Presented by: Dr. Debbie Manigat, DMFT, LMFT

Date: Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024

Time: 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m.

Hosted By: NAMI Palm Beach County Details: Hosted on Zoom: Click Here

Youth Services Department’s Youth and Family Counseling Program Hosts First-Ever Mental Health Family Day Camp 2024

The Palm Beach County Youth Services Department’s Youth and Family Counseling (YFC) program is proud to share this video recap of its inaugural Youth & Family Counseling Mental Health Family Day Camp hosted on May 18, 2024 at the Okeeheelee Nature Center.

Participants joined the YFC Team in celebrating Mental Health Awareness and Trauma-Informed Care Month with activities created to decrease stigma surrounding mental health and increase resilience and community healing. All families participated in therapeutic workshops that were designed for family members to collaborate, socialize, and strengthen their familial relationships.

A trauma-informed approach was utilized to increase emotional awareness, explore selfesteem, social media use, and safety. The Sanctuary Model’s commitments of open communication, democracy, growth and change, social learning, social responsibility, emotional intelligence, and non-violence were highlighted within the workshops. Workshops also promoted the importance of being outdoors. The YFC Team provided a safe environment for therapeutic discussions, modeled appropriate social skills, and provided in-the-moment coaching with families.

Please click here to view the video.

“A trauma-informed approach was utilized to increase emotional awareness, explore self-esteem, social media use, and safety.”