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Black women have a right to therapy; loveland foundation is on a mission to ensure that this happens. Founded in 2018 by author, entrepreneur, and activist Rachel Cargle, the foundation began with his birthday wish. While some people send their birthday wishes silently by lighting a lit candle, Cargul was sending his birthday wishes out loud through his annual birthday wish fundraiser. It eventually transformed into what is now known as the Loveland Foundation. This nonprofit organization aims to bring healing to communities of color through therapeutic services.
On November 16, the Loveland Foundation held its first gala at the Standard High Line in New York City. It was an intimate evening honoring BIPOC therapists, leaders in the mental health field, executives, employees, and sponsors who make their work possible.
Those honored that night included writers, psychologists and therapy for black girlsauthor Alex Elle and Congresswoman Bonnie Wayson Coleman, as well as women’s brand Flamingo.
“This is an organization founded by the target market we serve,” Cargle said in his opening speech. “There are no white people up in the clouds giving us money. There are no organizations relying on us to do anything to make an impact. We are Black women serving Black women.”
Since 2019, the foundation has had approximately 18,500 grantees across multiple generations. Additionally, more than 2,600 therapists have provided approximately 150,000 hours of therapy to community members. This is significant considering that according to statistics, African Americans are 20% more likely to experience severe mental distress than white Americans. Substance abuse and mental health services management. Additionally, Black women are about half as likely to seek mental health care. One barrier to their access to treatment is distrust of the U.S. health care system. Racism and discrimination are also common barriers.
“Our organization’s goal is to help our communities destigmatize mental health and create a soft landing that creates generational change and healing,” Charlene Kemmler, the foundation’s CEO, said during the event. And always keep creating.”
She continued: “And the fact that we’ve been able to help moms through postpartum depression, or the fact that we’ve helped people through their toughest times at work, or as you get older, you know, you’re a parent. It’s all about being a caregiver for someone and what that relationship needs and being able to provide that support and healing.”
Recipients of the fund will receive vouchers covering the cost of 12 treatment sessions. Each voucher has a value of $120. Recipients also have the opportunity to participate in community healing through quarterly support groups and workshops.
The foundation was able to extend its services to therapists, giving them access to professional development. Supporting therapists in this way is extremely important given that the majority of mental health professionals who work with this foundation are BIPOC. Only a small percentage of mental health professionals in the United States are Black, so those who do the selfless work of healing their communities deserve support. Nationally, 4% of psychologists, 2% of psychiatrists, 22% of social workers, and 11% of professional counselors are Black, according to 2022 statistics. black mental health report.
Some of the avenues the Foundation provides are development through continuing education workshops and access to other resources.
“We are so excited to celebrate our incredible community of wellness professionals who have gotten us all through a very difficult time,” Kemmler said. “I think we can all agree that the last three years have been really tough for us. One of the things that the Loveland Foundation has really observed is that the holidays have been really tough. And , we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, because without you we could not have made this impact.”
That being said, representation matters, and it’s heartening that Black women have access to therapists who look like them. The services provided can be especially helpful during the holidays, when people are navigating grief, isolation, and mental health challenges.If you do not mind donate to the foundation Or you can recommend it to someone who needs therapy or visit their website and share it with your community.
