During Black History and Black Futures Month in February, Massachusetts-based Wildflower Alliance, in collaboration with New Life II in Connecticut, launched a live and virtual exhibit entitled Black Movement History Leaders, Past and Present. 

The exhibit honors the leadership of Black Californians, including Keris Jän Myrick, Kelechi Ubozoh, and Gogo Ekhaya Esima. ​

As Black History Month comes to an end, we want to share a collection of poems written by the members of Lift Every Voice and Speak. Each of these poems centers the writer's experience and shares something unique. We hope you enjoy them and continue to uplift and listen to Black voices beyond Black History Month. 

By Leah Harris

There’s intense social pressure, especially around the time of New Year’s, to set goals to be better, grind harder, be more efficient, and ever-healthier and more well. In recent years, many are wisely beginning to revolt against New Year’s resolutions that reinforce the toxic cultural push towards relentless self-improvement and machine-like productivity. ​

We're excited to announce that several PEERS staff members will be presenting at Redefining Crazy: It's the System, Not the People.

Redefining Crazy is an online virtual conference hosted by San Francisco Mental Health Association that tackles the topic of mental health from various perspectives. This year's conference is taking place Wednesday, October 12th through Friday, October 14th. Each day will kick off with a keynote presentation around noon each day followed by a full lineup of workshops from peers and mental health providers, which includes some of our wonderful staff. Here's a list of the presentations our staff are leading: 

• May Our Burning Bridges Light the Path Forward, October 12th @ 1:30pm, presented by Ana and Angel
  
• Spiritual Gumbo, October 12th @ 4pm, presented by Renee
  
• Hoarding: From a Loved One's Point of View, October 14th @ 2:45pm, presented by Kozi and Zakiya
  

The full schedule for the event can be found here.

Registration to this event is completely free. Folks interested in attending can register by visiting this link. 

 

By Leah Harris

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the biggest news in suicide prevention this year is the launch of the new, easy-to-remember 988 number for mental health crisis and suicide prevention. ​

Good news for WRAP practitioners and aspiring facilitators. WRAP group discussions and orientations are returning to PEERS this month! Keep reading to learn all you need to know about when and how the program will return.