Pandemic Reconciliation for Back to School Youth

This summer we will provide programming for middle and high school students to address trauma through social and emotional learning, empathy building, and dismantling stigma's in Black and Brown communities. 

What Problem Are We Solving?

New York City is one of the states that experienced extreme challenges and changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. In the midst of the physical, food, and health needs, there is an urgent need for social and emotional support for youth that will be entering a new grade in the fall. 

Additionally, we recognize the stigma around mental healthcare therapy counseling in our communities. This program will start a conversation to allow adults (specifically educators, parents, and caretakers) to begin processing their trauma in spaces that are empathetic to their experiences and representative of the racial demographics most negatively impacted by racial disparities in both healthcare and education. 

How Will Funding Be Spent?

Funding will be spent on marketing, materials, and staff costs to keep this program active during the summer, fall, and winter months in 2021. As we collect data, we will re-evaluate the community's needs and potentially continue this work. 

This program will address the immediate community trauma and will open the door for greater access and understanding for mental care.  

4ward Inclusion's mission is to help individuals Move 4ward by providing anti-oppressive programming to youth, educators, parents or guardians, and community organizations. This program will support each of our 4 target groups and will be led by our team of consultants and mental health specialists.

Who Leads the Work?

"This work is about recreating systems, practice and policies that promote antioppression so that all marginalized populations are able to belong in the spaces that they hold. As a Black woman and lesbian, I want to be able to raise my children safety without the stereotypes that a same-sex couple is forced to be held against." - Jolisa Beavers