Staff Recommendations

Turning Points: Navigating Mental Health Podcast – Exploring Cultural Differences in Mental Health 

Navigating mental health can be challenging. Understanding how culture shapes health journeys is pivotal in overcoming mental hurdles. Turning Points: Navigating Mental Health Podcast explores how finding the right therapist who truly understands and respects your culture can help improve your mental health journey.

Amy shares, “The podcast does a great job of highlighting how important culture is as a consideration in mental health treatment. Finding culturally sensitive treatment is not always easy. This podcast is insightful as it emphasizes the challenges some might face while also focusing on what community members and providers can do to ensure one’s culture is respected and utilized – and why that is so important!”

The Trauma of Being Black in Foster Care by Kizzy Lopez

In this TedX, Kizzy Lopez shares her experience of the trauma she endured as a Black child in foster care. Statistically, Black children are the most overrepresented in the foster care system. In 2016, there were over 400,000 kids in foster care, with 23% being Black, despite African Americans making up only 14% of the national population. Studies show that Black children are most likely to be placed in foster care, less likely to be reunified with their families, and less likely to be adopted. Within the foster care system, Black children experience racial trauma and face severe disadvantages compared to their white counterparts.

Jocelyn says, “As child advocates, it’s important to acknowledge and educate ourselves on the challenges Black children face in the foster care system– especially to better help the children of Fairfax County. Keep learning and stay engaged in making a difference.”

Power in Community and Family |  Humans of NY 

Many children in our CASA program come from broken families, lacking the stability and support system every child deserves. Jacquelyn’s story is a testament to the power of community and family. When Jacquelyn’s mother was no longer able to provide a stable home, her grandparents stepped in and became her foundation. Through her grandfather’s unwavering support and powerful testimony, Jacquelyn learned the true meaning of showing up for others and the impact of having a strong, loving community.

Emily shares, “I love reading Humans of NY and this post about kinship care struck me as so powerful, particularly to read during Black History Month. It seemed like truly a celebration of the power of family and community and reminded me of a lot of the children on our caseloads.”