Community Archives - Page 2 of 13 - Healthy Minds Philly®

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 [...]

Janine Monico2025-01-29T08:39:07-05:00January 28th, 2025|Community|

Homeless, Hungry, and Hopeless

As a child, my family moved around a lot. Because of that, my thinking was not always consistent or stable. The memories of my childhood lists many addresses: By the time I was 10 years old, we had just moved to 46th and Market in a basement apartment. Prior to that, we lived with my great aunt in South Philly. Before that, we lived in the Southwark Projects, at 15th Christian and 4th south. Hunger was a constant in my childhood. It seems like we never had enough food [...]

Janine Monico2023-11-13T11:33:48-05:00November 13th, 2023|Community, Lived Experience|

“Pardon me, but it’s not supposed to be everlasting punishment!”

Release from custody and supervision should bring relief! After release, returning citizens regain their freedom, reunite with friends and family, and start working towards their life goals. However, what should be a small setback for “correction” becomes, for many, a long-lasting punishment. This is due to the secondary consequences of a criminal record. The American Bar Association says criminal records nationwide can raise over 40,000 barriers for returning citizens. It may be hard to get a job, go back to school, or get stable housing. It may be hard to [...]

Janine Monico2023-08-02T11:34:41-04:00August 1st, 2023|Awareness, Community, Support|

Juneteenth Crossroads: Music and Black Culture

Juneteenth is a significant holiday for Black Americans. It’s a time to celebrate freedom and reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of their ancestors. It is a powerful reminder of Black culture, history, and resilience in the face of adversity. Black communities come together to celebrate Juneteenth through various cultural activities, including community events, parades, and especially music, which has played a vital role in Black liberation throughout history. Enslaved Africans historically used music as a tool for communication and resistance, while hip-hop continues today to shed light on the [...]

Janine Monico2023-06-12T20:56:38-04:00June 19th, 2023|Awareness, Community, Racial Equity|