December 7th, 2024

HOUSTON-Many times, mental health is hard to recognize or identify. Since the pandemic started in 2020, our world has become more perceptive to the need to address mental health and illness.  It took the world to a standstill and made us collectively realize our mental health and well-being needed tender, love, and care. This was one of the tremendous residual benefits of the global pandemic. We are finally moving towards a better understanding of the need for and importance of self-care, mental health, and well-being.

Mental health is even more crucial for developing minds like our grade school scholars. The pandemic intensified the need for our scholar’s mental health to be addressed when students worldwide went to spring break and never returned to their beloved schools. Students had to reconstruct the way they learned overnight with educators who gave their best but lacked resources, technology, and understanding of the best strategies to assist their students during these unprecedented times.

Due to lack of work, limited resources, and uncertainty of the pandemic, many students were worried about their future. The need for mental health resources became a necessity and not an afterthought. During the height of the global pandemic, homelessness began to rise.  According to Life Coach, Porsche Thornton of Virtuous Phoenix, LLC (www.virtuousphoenix.com), the main reasons many grade school scholars became homeless were economic reasons, such as parents or guardians losing their jobs, or not being accepted in their household because their family turned their back on them because they chose to embrace who they are as LGBTQIA+, or as simple peer pressure.  These circumstances have led many young people to believe they are better off being homeless and figuring it out independently.

Dr. Janice Beal is glad to give them an alternative to deal with their mental health and wellness issues. Dr. Beal is a consultant and CEO of Beal Counseling Associates, providing individual, family, and group counseling services in Houston and New York. Dr. Beal developed a program for the Steve Fund called “Well Being in Color.” The purpose is to remove the stigma of mental health for our youth. Along with a team of mental health experts, they provided services to middle and high school students from the height of the pandemic to the present day. Founded in 2014, the Steve Fund is the nation’s leading organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.

Most recently, in Houston, during Mental Health Awareness Month this past May, Dr. Beal presented a forum entitled “Mental Health is Real,” “Let’s talk about it,” to the scholars of Kashmere High School. The panelists were Dr. Dashiel Geyen, Dr. Gina Evans Hudnall, Marita Padros, and LaKeisha Hughes, along with Dr. Janice Beal as the moderator. Dr. Beal believes this event brings us closer to changing the mental health stigma. Dr. Beal trained ROTC students as her ambassadors. There were over 350 students in attendance. Scholars discussed and answered questions about mental health, anxiety, and depression. Scholars also wanted to know how to cope with personal and family issues.  Dr. Beal did such a great job that the students stayed after the presentation and asked numerous questions. This important event was sponsored by The Steve Fund, The Missouri City TX Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Kashmere ROTC and Beal Counseling Associates.  All scholars in attendance received t-shirts, and prizes were given.

Dr. Janice Beal is tackling Mental Illness head-on by joining our nation’s top medical experts at events such as the Youth Mental Wellness Summit, a call to action with Dr. V. Murthy, US Surgeon General, sponsored by Steve Fund and the California Endowment. These are the opportunities our youth need to get the resources, tools, information, and encouragement to find better alternatives to homelessness and running away from problems that will still exist if they don’t address them.

The reality is that some youth won’t take advantage of these fantastic resources, so we must tackle our mental health problems from multiple perspectives.  We can’t forget those youth who aren’t ready to take advantage of these beautiful resources.  Here are some other resources in Houston that meet homeless youth at any stage, such as Covenant House Texas https://www.covenanthousetx.org/, The Salvation Army Young Adult Resource Center (YARC) https://salvationarmyhouston.org/, MONTROSE GRACE PLACE https://www.montrosegraceplace.org/, and Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County https://www.homelesshouston.org/.

Dr. Janice Beal can be reached at http://www.bealbehavioralhealth.com. These organizations pride themselves on serving the Houston Community with love, care, and understanding.  If you need help getting off the streets and on the road to a better way of being, please take advantage of all the resources mentioned.  Our responsibility as residents of the Earth is to help our fellow humans.

 

 

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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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