The Bell Monthly Newsletter
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July 2023 Issue: BIPOC Mental Health Month and Free Celebration, Spotlights on Members of Our MHANJ Family, Laverne Williams Retirement, News and Updates | |
BIPOC Mental Health Month
Highlights Culture, Community and Connection
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July is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Month; this year's theme is Culture, Community and Connection. Members of BIPOC populations are faced with disproportionate amounts of historical trauma and displacement that can challenge their ability to thrive in their environments. However, culture, community, and connection are pillars that support and uplift BIPOC individuals in the face of oppression and systemic racism.
History and Today
An American author, journalist and teacher, Bebe Moore Campbell was a mental health advocate who worked tirelessly to illuminate the lack of understanding regarding mental health needs of the BIPOC community and to promote more equitable access to mental health services. The Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Month, currently often called “BIPOC” Mental Health Month," was established in 2008 by an act of Congress and is observed each July. Community engagement, cultural preservation, representation, and advocacy all play major roles in Moore Campbell’s books and her advocacy efforts; and these ideals support and uplift BIPOC individuals as they navigate the current mental health landscape.
The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) understands that racism undermines mental health. Therefore, we are committed to anti-racism in all that we do and we pledge to oppose racism in all its forms and iterations. During BIPOC Mental Health Month we are highlighting community resources and engagement opportunities to support the mental health and overall wellness of members of BIPOC communities. Please scroll for insights and opportunities.
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Join us for a Free Celebration of
Vibrancy, Courage, Hope and Resilience
Through the Unique Lens of People of Color
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 | As part of its commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, the MHANJ invites the general public to its Third Annual BIPOC Messages of Hope and Celebration, on Sunday, July 30, 2023, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., at the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center, 4 Boland Drive, West Orange. This is a free, family-friendly, outdoor event celebrating BIPOC Mental Health Month. The celebration will highlight creative expression, vibrancy, courage, hope, and resilience through the unique lens of people of color. Audience members will experience a performance by the internationally acclaimed iDance Ministry, featuring Project Broken. Resource tables with mental health and wellness information and opportunities for equity advocacy will be available. Attendees are invited to wear something that represents their cultural origin; everyone is advised to bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Free parking and indoor restroom facilities are available. Click here for more details or contact Lynette Sheard at lsheard@mhanj.org. | |
The MHANJ is pleased to launch this new newsletter section, entitled Members of Our Family by celebrating some members of our own BIPOC community. These individuals are dedicated to promoting mental health and advocating for greater equity in access to care for those in need. | |
Left to right: Victoria Brown, Vice President of the MHANJ Board of Trustees; Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO of the MHANJ; Laverne Williams; and Robert Kley, Vice President and COO of the MHANJ, pause for a photo at the retirement celebration. | |
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Laverne S. Williams, CSW, Retires from Full-time Role at the MHANJ
Laverne Williams is a quintessential leader in emotional health and spirituality, possessing a heartfelt dedication to making the world a better place. Driven by her faith in God and her passion to create positive change, she became an inspiring figure in articulating and addressing mental illness in the Black Community.
After more than 38 years of service to the MHANJ, she is retiring from her full-time position at the MHANJ. Laverne's fans from across the state gathered on June 23rd to honor her, highlight her many contributions and express appreciation for her dedication to helping others and to advocating for the right thing.
Laverne is known by many as the founder of the PEWS (Promoting Emotional Wellness and Spirituality) Program, a facilitator, teacher, long-term member and Deacon at Union Baptist Church in Montclair and a trusted advisor and friend. We wish her all the best and look forward to staying in touch!
Click here to read more about Laverne.
Click here to see more pictures from her retirement party.
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Clarissa Wheat, Director
MHANJ's PEWS Program
By Conor Orr, Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated, Guest Contributor/Volunteer
Clarissa Wheat knew she wanted to work in health care, but it was her own experiences helping family members navigate their personal issues that solidified her career choice to enter the mental health space. More than 20 years later that personal touch is still evident in all of her initiatives. That is especially true this month, as the spotlight shines on the mental health of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
Click here to read Clarissa's story
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Bruce Dabney, Member
MHANJ's Board of Trustees
By Conor Orr, Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated, Guest Contributor/Volunteer
When the MHANJ had an opening on its board, Bruce Dabney knew it was a sign.The organization had given so much to Bruce, his wife -- and their son, Erik B. Dabney, that it was time to give back. Erik, who passed away on August 25, 2021 at the age of 51, was an incredible basketball player whose dunks inspired the nickname “whirly bird.” He was a daring rider of BMX bikes. He lit up every room he entered. But he also lived with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Click here to read Bruce's story.
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988 is celebrating its FIRST anniversary as the nationwide 3-digit number for calls, texts and chats, for crisis and suicide prevention. The MHANJ’s Call Center is honored to serve as one of the 988 responding partner centers. Click here for more information. | | |
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Are you looking for a support group or would you like to start one? The New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse is here to help. Founded in 1981, the New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse is the first statewide operation of its kind in the country. The mission of the Clearinghouse is to help people find and form all types of self-help support groups. It endeavors to provide hope, strength and experience to those who are on their wellness, recovery and healing journey.
Click here to visit their website.
Click here to read their latest newsletter, which highlights various types of support groups.
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