PROGRAMS

SPEAK Initiative is created, conceptualized, and implemented by our community and for our community.

Our participants are called SPEAKers, those who have suicide ideations or suicide attempts. Family, friends, advocates and supporters are called Listeners. The SPEAK team is made of both SPEAKers and Listeners. We are uniquely positioned to help our community.  

Finding freedom in mental health is a process. We fundamentally believe that if something isn’t working, we try again. We don’t give up until we find a plan for each of our SPEAKers.

 

EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS

Our Empowerment Programs are designed to build comfortability and normalcy around conversations around mental health and suicide ideation. The disruption of stigma around mental health in black communities begins with fearless conversations around the topic. All of these programs are free and launching in 2022. Dates and info coming soon!

:: THE EMPOWERED PAUSE

The Empowered Pause is held live and online every week. In these 10-15 minute sessions, SPEAKers and Listeners take a moment to gather, connect, stop, and recharge. It’s about encouragement. It’s about gratitude. And it’s about a check-in. Not everything has to be perfect every week. But it is a mental, physical, and spiritual roll call. Yes we are still here. Yes we are together. Yes we will persist another day. And if we do not feel like persisting, what are our options? Because there are always options.

:: Information sessions

SPEAK is working with partner organizations to bring information, education and resources to our communities. This is an effort to reduce the occurrences of harm during a Mental Health emergency.

:: SPEAK OUT LOUD

SPEAK Out Loud are monthly Open Mic sessions held both online and IRL specifically for SPEAKers. In this healing and performing arts space, SPEAKers are encouraged to SPEAK their truths confidently, fearlessly, and without shame. Black culture has always used our voice to reclaim our identity and to stand in the face of those who would make us feel less than for being who we are. SPEAK Out Loud utilizes the power of voice to heal, connect, and empower. The louder we are about our mental health, the less power it has over us. We disrupt and dismantle negative stigma around mental health by proclaiming it to the world.

 

ACTION PROGRAMS

Our Action programs are set up with the understanding that in order to give ourselves a fighting chance action must be taken. This does not mean that action needs to be taken alone. SPEAK partners with SPEAKers, connects with resources, support, and services from across the country to ensure each SPEAKer has the support they need for AS LONG AS THEY NEED to find a healthy plan and program that works for them. Our goal is FULL MENTAL HEALTH FREEDOM. We don’t want our SPEAKers to give up, so we won’t either. All of these programs are free and launching in 2022. Dates and info coming soon!

:: SPEAK 90-DAY HEALING INTENSIVE

The SPEAK 90-Day Healing Intensive is SPEAK’s flagship program. For 90 days, we partner with a SPEAKer for intense resourcing, problem-solving, and focus on healthy lifestyle creation with any and all mental health crises. With specific care for black and brown people, we advocate and co-labor with SPEAKers until we find resolutions. We do not stop at 90 days. Many mental health issues are for a lifetime, so should those resolutions stop serving, we have a lifetime commitment to a SPEAKer’s mental wellness. We do not simply preach trust and persistence. We live it. Finding resolution and healing is not easy, but it is also not impossible. Let’s do this.

:: THE FEARLESS START

The Fearless Start is a way to open a dialogue about mental health with SPEAKers and sometimes Listeners. It all begins with a conversation. For some members of our community, this may be the first time mental health has ever been discussed, and we appreciate that space. Either virtual or IRL, this meeting allows SPEAKers and Listeners to get answers, resources, and minimize fears and misconceptions around mental health support. There is no pressure, no commitments, and no BS. are weekly meetings held both online via Zoom and IRL specifically for SPEAKers. In this confidential space, SPEAKers can share any and all feelings, thoughts, and ideas with other. Here we are seen, heard, and understood. We connect. And together, we find our why’s. We find our options. The truth-telling and SPEAKING itself saves us, one day at a time.

 

KINDNESS PROGRAMS

At SPEAK, we understand that true mental wellness requires a holistic approach, particularly for a deeply spiritual community like ours. Spiritual and self-care practices such as prayer, movement, and meditation are a vital part of creating healthy habits and a space for mental wellness. SPEAK is looking to partner with churches, wellness spaces, instructors, life coaches, Breathwork practitioners and more to build out our Kindness Programs and develop a culture of fun, warmth, and freedom around mental health.

:: SPEAKer with sneakers

SPEAKers with Sneakers is our walking connection program. Join us Saturday mornings for our Walk and Talk (optional but encouraged) Program. We’ll walk together on this healing journey to build community and resilience. Register on our events page.

:: SPEAK SPACE

SPEAK Space are meetings held both online via Zoom and IRL specifically for SPEAKers. In this confidential space, SPEAKers can share any and all feelings, thoughts, and ideas with other. Here we are seen, heard, and understood. We connect. And together, we find our why’s. We find our options. The truth-telling and SPEAKING itself saves us, one day at a time.

:: Holiday Hiatus

Holiday Hiatus in partnership with Fort Washington Collegiate Church. Join us for this journey into healing using movement, music, meditation, breath-work and journaling. Each week will be led by a community healer specializing in their craft.

SPEAK will be launching additional Kindness Programs soon. If you would like to partner with us in this capacity or know someone who may want to, click the collaborate button above!