About Janine Monico

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

From Rock Bottom to Redemption: Jodi and Derrick’s Journey of Recovery, Love, and Service

In the world of addiction recovery, stories of hope and transformation are precious. The story of Jodi, 59, and Derrick, 60, who found love and a new purpose in rehab, is one of those stories. They shared their experience to let Philadelphians that there is hope in recovery. "We met in rehab," Jodi recalls, a smile in her voice. For her, it was her final rehab stay: “I had been in every rehab and detox in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas maybe five times, starting at age 18." Her last [...]

2025-02-04T18:40:29-05:00February 4th, 2025|Addiction & Recovery, Lived Experience|

From Heroin to Hope: Steward’s Recovery Journey

Steward, a 77-year-old Philadelphian, is a fixture in Rittenhouse Park. A stroll with him is never just a walk; it's a social event. At every turn, he chats with neighbors and friends. His jokes have perfect Philadelphian timing, and he laughs with ease. Steward’s compassionate nature stems from decades of personal recovery and from helping others overcome substance abuse. His journey offers insights for people struggling with substance abuse or concerned about a loved one using opioids. At 17, Steward began injecting heroin. His first overdose took place in his [...]

2025-02-03T16:20:09-05:00February 3rd, 2025|Addiction & Recovery, Lived Experience|

Dancing for Mental Health

Every Friday evening, music and laughter fill the halls of the Polish Home in Philadelphia. At 7 p.m., seven women get together to dance, share stories, and keep their cultural heritage alive. But the Friday dance meeting is not only about tradition and movement. It’s also about community, connection, well-being, and mental health. Did you know that dancing and socializing with friends offer significant mental health and well-being benefits?  Dancing can boost your mood, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. The physical activity of dancing releases endorphins [...]

2025-01-30T16:53:27-05:00January 30th, 2025|Community, Lived Experience, Self-Help|

The Graham’s Example of Service for Community and Personal Well-being

Bonnie and Gary Graham are two busy retired Philadelphians. They always knew their retirement would be anything but sitting around. With their professional responsibilities behind them, they have dedicated themselves to a life of service. Their missions? Supporting gun violence prevention in Philadelphia, and building homes for Native Americans living on  reservations. "Volunteering gives our lives meaning," Bonnie explains, her voice strong with passion. “It is very important for me to connect with people who have different experiences because they enrich our lives." Garry agrees, "There is something incredibly fulfilling [...]

2025-01-29T08:39:07-05:00January 28th, 2025|Community|
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