Southside Support

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) announced that this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month campaign is #MoreThanEnough. Since 2016, the number of people accessing NAMI’s HelpLine has increased by 300%, and in the last three years, the number of people calling with suicidal ideation or crisis situations has more than doubled.

“#MoreThanEnough is a powerful message of hope and unity, emphasizing that people living with mental health conditions are deserving of the love, support, and resources to help them lead fulfilling lives,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. 

Safe Spaces

One of this year’s campaign focuses is “Building Connection and Community;” that is, creating supportive environments for open dialogue and shared experiences. One of Emmaus House's local partners, CHRIS 180, is doing just that with their Trauma Response Network (TRN).

“The TRN operates as a vital lifeline for individuals and communities impacted by trauma,” said Aaron Johnson, NPU-V Community Manager at CHRIS 180. “Our team of dedicated professionals and volunteers work tirelessly to provide immediate support, resources, and interventions to those in need.”

Healing Together

Twice per month, the TRN hosts healing circles that bring people together so that they can share concerns and help one another heal. One of their regular activities is yoga in the park hosted by our very own Camelia “Mimi” Felton of Mimi's Yoga Kids.

“Yoga is a wonderful practice for one’s overall mental, physical, and emotional health,” says Ms. Felton. “It creates space for you to connect with your mind, body, and spirit. When you practice together, you see that you are not alone. It builds connection and a stronger community! It also builds trust and friendships that allow us to grow and feel that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.”

As terrible as it may be, the logic behind these efforts is unimpeachable. It’s true: reading does help people recognize the various ways that they are being oppressed. It does cause them to long for—and feel entitled to—better futures. And it empowers them to find courageous and inventive ways of getting there.

Committed to Community

CHRIS 180’s Trauma Response Network provides NPU-V residents with opportunities to build relationships through sharing and listening, provide long-term support, and work together on solutions.  

“Through our collaboration with community partners, we have built strong relationships that enable us to effectively respond to traumatic incidents,” says program manager Aaron Johnson, “ensuring that individuals receive the care and support necessary to begin their healing journey.”

Click here to learn more about CHRIS 180’s Trauma Response Network.