The Suites

The Healing Café is a collaboration with local chefs and restaurants that are distinct for cooking healthy foods and understanding the linkage of foods and its effects on mental health.

Participants will gain knowledge of healthier eating habits and be empowered to make better decisions regarding their individual needs. Cooking demonstrations and learning the skill of preparing their own meals add to this educational and lifestyle program.

“The Speakeasy” is a therapy suite. It is set up for conversions and sensory stimulation with activities that promote engagement when kids may have difficulty with expression.

There will also be an essential oil diffuser to work by emitting essential oils into the air. When inhaled and absorbed the benefits into the kids’ bodies will aid to relaxation and calming responses but also works wonders for their senses. For example, when they are looking to relax after a stressful day, it can make all the difference in how they communicate in their therapy sessions.

According to a report by Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health. (2023). “Still ringing the alarm: an enduring call to action for Black youth suicide prevention.” Trauma exposure has been associated with a number of social, physical, and mental health consequences. Additionally, the report recommends the ability to Create safe and supportive spaces for Black youth and Connect with Black youth where they are and use their language to communicate. Further, to add -Use healing-centered engagement practices. and invest in creative spaces and outlets for Black youth.

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Therefore, we invite youth to: “Relax & Release.”

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This a is a safe space for youth to explore, learn and embrace their emotions while being supported by a staff member. This space utilizes various coping strategies to combat stress. The space is equipped with a boxing bag and punching bag with gloves; cozy decorative cushions, reading shelf, creative activities; a youth “play pen” with air balls and reading material.

The Rainbow Room is our LGBTQIA Group for youth who not only identify as Gay, Queer, Bi-sexual, or non-binary but who also do not find themselves fitting in to any particular category. In the rainbow room youth will have a safe space to have a voice with no judgement and support from their peers.

The Visionary Healing Suite provides a creative space for things such as additional programming, activities, and groups sessions. Includes but is not limited to:

• Art Therapy

  • Art Supplies             Beads

  • Smocks                    Yarn

  • Stationary                DIY Projects

  • Paint brushes          

• Group discussions and activities

• STEAM Programming

• Gardening Group

The Wellness Healing Suite will provide access to youth of the program who are chronically missing annual wellness checkups which to include:

• Well-child visit that must take place in an office setting, such as immunizations, vision and hearing screening tests, oral health screening and fluoride varnish, and laboratory testing. Providers should clearly document any visit limitations in the child’s medical record.

• Well-Child Checkups

• Shots and Immunizations

• Lead Testing and Blood Lead Testing

• Sources of Lead and Lead Poisoning Prevention

• Poison Prevention

• Childhood Nutrition

The Gaming Suite allows the youth an opportunity to us the gaming systems in a positive way of expressing themselves by playing positive games that feeds their minds and promotes healthy lifestyles. The youth will also learn coding and development of games and apps that will provide them will skills for employment.

Studies show: Various pieces of research have concluded that video games let the human brain divert away from stressful circumstances and reduce anxiety. During a tough time, a person must feel the sense of mastery, confidence and being in charge, while also breaking the thoughtful contact with the cause of the stress. Understanding Emotions Through Games: Helping Kids Cope with Anxiety

The Healing Studio Booth provides a safe space for youth to express themselves through music. The studio will be operated by a well verse sponsor who will assume the full operation of the suite. Scheduling and execution of how the program will run will be the responsibility of the sponsoring group. The studio will be a place for healing through music, rap, and other musical outlets that allows the youth to heal.

The Reflections Hair Studio will provide children of Healing Suites monthly free haircuts and or natural hair care such as braids. Each child will have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of hair care and the importance of grooming. These children will also learn the still and technique of hair care.

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Barber/Beauty Bootcamp

The children who show interest in using the skills they have learned toward a career they will have the ability to take their training to Barber/Beauty Bootcamp where not only will they learn the skills and fundamentals, but they will also then gain hours towards their State Board Licensing.  This will prepare the children for employment and more business ownership if that is their desire.

The Healing Loads Laundry Suite is for youth to learn the skill of laundering their own clothes as well as the fundamentals of clean uniforms to wear daily to school.

Laundry Program:

All youth regardless of their initial assessment’s outcome will participate in the Healing Loads. Each child will bring in 1lb of clothes to include 4 uniform items:

Program Items:                       Possible Additional Items:

◦ Shirts            ◦ Paints/Skirts   Anything outside of school

◦ Socks            ◦ Underpants    uniform: Weekend           

◦ Undershirts                             clothing items.

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Each child 6yrs and up will learn how to wash, fold, and pack their clothes to transport home just as the launderer would pack in a real laundromat for a customer. They will also learn the importance of why washing clothes on a regular basis helps with the emotional, stability, and their health.

This is based upon the African American version of the wizard of Oz. (The Wiz). This project is for youth who live in urban areas. This music video will also be used as a game (journey).  I have created this game so that youth will understand that no matter life’s obstacles, they can get through it, if they believe in themselves.