PBH Affinity Circles May Newsletter
Welcome to the May edition of our Placed-Based Healing Affinity Circles Newsletter!
The old saying goes, " April Showers bring May flowers”, and here we are finishing up the month of May. So, I decided to open this newsletter with a picture of a beautiful flower, an Astro Lily, a beautiful sign of nature's artistry. The tranquility of experiencing nature can help to shift our focus away from stressors and help calm our minds, even looking at a picture, like this Lily, can help evoke those feelings of tranquility.
I hope as the rain subsides a bit you can get out and experience nature in some way.
As we continue to finish this month of May, we also embrace Mental Health Awareness Month with open hearts and minds. This is a time to nurture ourselves and each other, fostering a community of support and understanding.
Remember, your mental health matters, and you're not alone on this journey. Let's continue support each other as we navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. You are not alone, we are a community and together we can navigate our life journeys.
This is the Affinity circle way!
So, we ask you:
What are you doing for your mental health this month?
Be Well Friends,
April and the PBHAC Team
In honor of Mother’s Day: We are highlighting our ALL MOMs cohort that took place in April, in partnership with The Hear Foundation and The Most3 Moms Group.
Mental Health Awareness Month
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.
World Autism Month
World Autism Month is a global initiative held annually in April to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promote acceptance, inclusion, and understanding of individuals with autism. Throughout this month-long observance, various activities and events are organized to educate communities, support individuals and families affected by autism, and advocate for policies that improve the quality of life for those with ASD.
During World Autism Month, the focus is on fostering acceptance and celebrating the unique talents and abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum. It's also an opportunity to highlight the importance of early diagnosis, access to appropriate support services, and the promotion of inclusive educational and employment opportunities.
CEO Spotlight
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.
Mindfulness Practice
In circles, we believe in the power of mindfulness to cultivate inner peace and resilience.
Here are some simple tips to infuse mindfulness into your daily routine:
1. Start your day with a few moments of deep breathing or meditation.
2. Practice gratitude by reflecting on three things you're thankful for each day.
3. Take regular breaks to connect with nature, even if it's just a short walk outside.
4. Be present in your interactions, listening actively and without judgment.
5. Prioritize self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
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.
