PBH Affinity Circles June Newsletter
June is a month brimming with opportunities for celebration and reflection. From Father’s Day to Juneteenth, Pride month and the first day of summer, there are many moments to express gratitude and come together as a community.
We believe that true freedom is found in the community. While independence is often seen as synonymous with freedom, the ability to exercise independence is made possible through the support of others. Our vision is to create a community of empowered individuals, who can reach their fullest potential through accessible and inclusive pathways to prosperity and collective growth. Empowerment, accessibility, and growth are powerful states of being, and we hope June brings these to each of you.
Who we are:
We are compassionate members of our community, dedicated to enhancing the well-being
of everyone around us. Let us keep that in mind and spirit this June!
Be Well,
April/PBHAC
Happy Juneteenth!
Freedom, we have it now and on June 19th we are celebrating the day that enslaved persons in Galveston, Texas first found out about their freedom in 1865, two years after the emancipation proclamation. We celebrate and acknowledge this day and also acknowledge that freedom is still being fought for by us all.
Men's Mental Health Month
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
This month is time dedicated to raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges men face. This month emphasizes the importance of open discussions about mental health to break down the stigma that often prevents men from seeking help. It also highlights the need for supportive environments where men feel encouraged to express their feelings and access necessary resources. By prioritizing men's mental health, we can help reduce the prevalence of mental health issues and improve overall well-being.
Men die by suicide more than four times as often as women, and suicide is the 7th leading cause of death among males. Social pressures discourage men from expressing their feelings, leading them to downplay symptoms, suppress emotions, and avoid seeking help. We ask that this month you prioritize the men in your life and show them your appreciation and support.
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and promoting mental well-being. Here are some key points and considerations for Mental Health Awareness Month:
Advocate for Access to Care: Raise awareness about the importance of early intervention and seeking help for mental health concerns.
Promote Mental Well-being: Encourage activities such as mindfulness, stress reduction techniques, physical exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices that support mental well
Empowerment and Support: Empower individuals to seek help and support for their mental health concerns. Provide resources and information about available mental health services and crisis help
Sustain Efforts Beyond May: Recognize that mental health awareness should be promoted year-round. Encourage ongoing efforts to prioritize mental health, reduce stigma, and improve access to care beyond Mental Health Awareness Month.
Herbalist Tip of the Month
Alumni Spotlight:
A dedicated father and Affinity Circles Alumni - Corey Sidberry
Our CEO, April Jackson, was featured in Public Source, a Pittsburgh-based online newsletter that highlights Southwestern PA's community stories. In a recent edition of the publication April shared her journey from Berkeley, California to Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania. The article highlights her passion for impacting and healing communities, and how Placed-Based Healing Affinity Circles was founded.
PBH Affinity Circles Alumni!
Alumni, would you like to share some exciting updates from your life?
We're eager to spotlight our alumni in our upcoming newsletters!
If you're interested in being featured, please email us at PBHaffinitycircles@gmail.com.
Summer Mindfulness Practices
As the warmth of summer embraces us, it's the perfect time to incorporate mindfulness practices into our daily routines. Here are three simple yet effective ways to stay present and fully enjoy the beauty of this season:
1. Morning Meditation: Start your day with a few minutes of sunshine first thing in the morning. Even on overcast days, you can still get the benefits of the morning sun.
Find a quiet spot, outside or by a window, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath.
Let the sounds of nature ground you and set a peaceful tone for the day ahead.
2. Mindful Eating: Summer brings abundant fresh fruits and vegetables. Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite, and noticing the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food. Eat slowly and with intention, appreciating the nourishment it provides.
3. Digital Detox: Set aside time each day to disconnect from screens and devices. Use this time to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading a book, gardening, or spending time with loved ones.
Summer time is a good time to incorporate these mindfulness practices. You can begin to make these practices your summer routine. May this season bring you joy, relaxation, and growth.
We're excited to announce that our Affinity Healing Circles sessions will resume this summer! We will be launching Affinity Circles in McKees Rocks and
East Liberty starting on July 9th.
If you would like to be a part of an upcoming circle or know someone interested in participating (new participants only) in East Liberty or McKees Rocks, please reach out to Dorrian Glenn at PBHaffinitycircles@gmail.com.
We look forward to connecting with you!
We take pride in our accomplishments and are enthusiastic about continuing our endeavors. Your support in sharing our news and considering a donation would be greatly appreciated. To donate now, please click the link below.
