How can we stay centered and grounded amidst all the noise and chaos? 

Therapists, social service leaders, direct service providers, and folks who tend to be the community caretakers were able to take time for themselves at YES Institute’s first Pride Community Mental Health Fair. 

YES Institute invited community partners that had been part of our referral list for years, many of whom our team had only met through zoom. It was a wonderful experience for folks to be in person, connect, and deepen relationships while providing resources to one another. 

Shanté, founder and director of the Brown Goddess Collective, led a 45-minute mindfulness workshop. She began by comparing the noise level of the Metrorail in a bustling downtown area, to the chaos in our world, as direct service providers navigate multiple emotional and mental spaces in service of others. She led a meditation, and breathwork exercise, and gave each person a moment to pause and get grounded. Participants said these moments of stillness, allowed them an opportunity to be centered together. 

YES Institute is grateful to our community partners for providing free resources, transportation, giveaways, and information: Alliance for LGBTQ Youth, Amplify Community Resources, Brown Goddess Collective, the City of Miami, Ellie Mental Health of Coral Gables, TransSocial, and the University of Miami Familias con Orgullo. This event was sponsored by The Underline and The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation. 1

YES Institute’s mission is to prevent suicide and ensure the healthy development of all youth, through powerful communication and education on gender and orientation. Our vision is a community in which all youth develop as healthy individuals free of suicide, violence, and discrimination. 

If you are a parent and need support in resolving bullying incidents your child is experiencing, please reach us at [email protected] or 305-663-7195. 

Join us for our upcoming MIND+BODY EMPOWERMENT JOURNEY on Saturday, May 18, from 10:00 am-11:00 pm. Register here.