About Janine Monico

Janine Monico is a digital marketing consultant who has managed the Healthy Minds Philly initiative website since 2015.

Program Spotlight: The East Falls Community Fridge

“To be hungry and not have food, that’s just such a hurtful feeling,” Dené shared. She remembers being a child searching for food in an empty cabinet and breaking into tears. This personal history drives her commitment to ensuring others don’t face the same hardship. Dené volunteers at the East Falls Community Fridge. While she is busy managing a pediatric medical practice, she found time during the pandemic to start volunteering checking the fridge temperature twice a day. Her commitment to increasing access to food is rooted in her own [...]

2025-05-20T15:33:16-04:00April 11th, 2025|Awareness, Community, Eating Disorder, Lived Experience|

ROMEOS Know How to Stay Connected in Retirement

HealthyMindsPhilly met with local Philadelphia retirees Paul J. (76), William M. (74), Joseph B. (74), Ed Z. (76), Robert B. (76), and Bud Y. (68) to discuss how retired men can connect beyond work and retirement. There's a group of ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) who gather at Reading Terminal Market every Friday for their weekly catch-up. "It's very important to get together and catch up,” one ROMEO explained. “Actually, every Friday, we solve most of the problems in the world." The light-hearted ease with which the men converse [...]

2025-05-20T15:33:27-04:00April 4th, 2025|Lived Experience, Men's Health, Older Adults|

Community Organization Spotlight: An Insider Look at Norris Square Neighborhood Project

HealthyMindsPhilly met with Xena to learn more about Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP), a local non-profit serving youth through three core pillars: youth development, land stewardship, and cultural preservation. Xena, NSNP Communications and Events Coordinator, understands that growing food and having access to green spaces are very important to individuals and community well-being. "I appreciate the pleasure of shared family meals, the preparation and enjoyment of seasonal food, and the physical work that goes into having a garden." Founded in 1973, NSNP is a vibrant cultural hub in North Philadelphia. [...]

2025-03-31T20:30:21-04:00March 31st, 2025|Community|

The Power of Early Intervention and Non-Crisis Chatlines

Through my experience providing support on the chatline, I have witnessed the power of non-crisis chat lines as urgent care for the mind. Our platform serves as a lifeline for individuals seeking understanding and validation, empowering them on their mental health journey. The Power of Early Intervention As a Certified Peer Specialist, I understand the importance of addressing mental health concerns early on. Too often, individuals hesitate to seek help until they are in crisis, feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Through the chatline, we aim to break down those barriers [...]

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