I Love Myself Initiative

Mental health

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Los Angeles faces major challenges that lead to mental heath challenges, including homelessness, job insecurity, gang violence, and crime. In fact, LA has the highest suicide rates in California. Between 2016 and 2020, suicide was the third leading cause of death among 10–24-year-old LA County residents
Black and minority individuals are historically less likely to access mental health support yet represent the largest number of youth and adults affected by mental illness, suicide, and depression in LA. These communities also face the highest rates of unemployment and homelessness, which directly correlate with mental health challenges. The "I Love Myself Fest" aims to recognize these challenges and offer safe, supportive resources that treat people as they are, without the ramifications of a medical setting. This festival allows the community to celebrate themselves, elevate their spirits, and learn tools to improve their mental health

The grant will support the "I Love Myself Initiatives," that are designed to address the mental health challenges faced by the Los Angeles community, particularly among Black and minority youth. Our programs are a direct response to the pressing mental health challenges identified in Los Angeles, offering a holistic approach that combines celebration with critical support services. This grant will enable our school tours and cultural events to expand our reach and impact, providing essential resources to those who need them most. On average we partner with 5 schools throughout the year, host 2 annual events that are open to all Angeleons as well as our bi monthly events held at our partnering senior citizen homes.

With continued success, our initiatives are already making significant strides towards positive change. By destigmatizing mental health through events like our "I Love Myself Fest," we are increasing awareness and accessibility to vital support services, particularly for minority and youth populations. Our targeted support for underfunded senior homes is already addressing the mental health needs of elderly residents, bringing joy and companionship where isolation once prevailed. In schools, our existing partnerships provide essential emotional support for students, enhancing educational environments and personal growth opportunities. With the support of stakeholders like LA2050, the grant will further expand these impactful programs, ensuring sustained benefits and broader community participation. Ultimately, our goal is for Los Angeles County to continue evolving into a place where mental health is prioritized and all residents can thrive with access to the support they need.

Our existing initiative within schools employs several methods to measure impact and effectiveness. We track the number of active participants and their level of engagement in our events and programs. Before and after each our community events, we conduct needs assessments to gauge how well our initiatives are meeting the community's mental health needs. This qualitative feedback helps us understand the immediate impact of our activities on individuals' well-being and sense of support.
Additionally, we rely on data from school administrators regarding student participation and engagement levels. This quantitative data provides insights into the broader impact of our programs within educational settings. Furthermore, our mental health counselors and resources track connections made through the "I Love Myself" event, documenting instances where individuals seek further support or counseling services as a result of their participation.