OUR STORY

Kind Minds Family Wellness (KMFW) comprises a group of Black professionals who in over 15 years have been engaged in trauma-informed work with individuals, families, and groups in various community settings, and realized that majority of Black social service users often struggle and feel overwhelmed (specifically following a life crisis) with the number of Eurocentric interventions void of cultural inclusion, which is prescribed by their service providers. Many who struggle with challenges such as health issues, language barriers, computer literacy, financial stability (or low income), social isolation, uncertain immigration status, or mental health issues are left wondering how to go about the proposed plan; which treatment, service or programs should come first, and/or work concurrently for them. Some often express wishing that something as simple as a contact with a professional who could engage their worldview and lived experiences from a culturally inclusive lens (collective approach) would ease their stressors around weaving in and out of services/systems.

For the majority of Black persons, inter-generational trauma evolving from colonialism, slavery, segregation, and persistent discrimination has led to the distrust of the health care and social service system. Substantial evidence indicates that any attempt to effectively and efficiently support the Black community within these systems must be based on an acknowledgment of, and respect for, their cultural identities. Such respect is foremost in unlocking, building, and maintaining positive relationships with Black clientele. Again, such respect (derived from a Latin word that means “to see” and “to be known”) from service providers and in professional dealings would suggest to persons with a Black identity that they are seen and acknowledged; an experience that could potentially change the prevailing narratives around support seeking within the health and social systems. The outcome is the increased willingness to access and accept needed supports, and ultimately, improved outcomes for persons within the Black community.