West Angeles CDC's Wellness Center

Mental health

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

The experiences of Black and Latinx communities – including generational trauma, deep-rooted racism and discrimination, the direct and indirect consequences of violent crime and police brutality, and socioeconomic burdens –are attributing factors to depression, anxiety and heightened psychological stress. These traumatic experiences are exacerbating existing health and wellbeing disparities for Black and Latinx communities. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Black communities and Latin communities receive mental health care at lower rates. Of those experiencing mental illness from these respective groups, 31% and 33% receive the help they need. https://www.psychology.org/resources/mental-healthcare-bipoc-communities/

The grant will support the establishment of West Angeles CDC’s Wellness Center. This initiative is a proactive response to the profound challenges faced by the South LA community, including generational trauma, systemic racism, socioeconomic burdens, and barriers to accessing counseling services.
Safe and Culturally Competent Space: The Wellness Center will serve as a safe haven where individuals can access counseling services with dignity. Recognizing the historical mistrust of mental health services in Black communities, the Center will prioritize cultural competence and sensitivity. Diverse Counseling Staff: To ensure accessibility and relevance, the center will hire two counselors - one Black and one fluent in Spanish - who identify with the community they serve.
Internships Program: We plan to develop an internship program with USC and Charles Drew Medical Center to expand the Center’s capacity and community impact.
Education and Outreach: To combat stigma and increase awareness, the Center will conduct regular engagement through community events, social media campaigns, and digital platforms to promote emotional wellness literacy and encourage utilization of services.

By offering accessible, culturally competent counseling services, West Angeles CDC’s Wellness Center will uplift South LA by narrowing the health equity gap, helping people navigate life challenges and difficult feelings, enhancing community well-being, and supporting economic development.
The Center will foster community resilience through a safe space for healing, wellness activities, and educational outreach.
Research shows that improved mental and physical well-being leads to greater financial security. Improved health will enable residents to achieve greater economic stability and community prosperity, fostering a cycle of positive growth and development.
The success of the Wellness Center could serve as a model for similar initiatives, demonstrating effective strategies for integrating emotional wellness into community development efforts.

The Wellness Center is to be a cornerstone of wellness services in South LA.
Impact:
Health Equity: Narrow the gap by providing equitable access to wellness care
Economic Stability: Improve financial security through improved mental health
Community Development: Contribute to economic stability by fostering resilience and healthier lifestyles
Measurable Objectives:
Operations: Launch the Wellness Center within three months
Service Delivery: Provide 400 counseling sessions in the first year
Client Satisfaction: Maintain high satisfaction levels Scaling/Expansion:
Internship Program: Partner with local universities to establish an internship program
Community Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers to create a support network
Sustainability:
Sustainability: Secure funding through grants, donations, and partnerships