History
One of the fastest growing epidemics, globally, is the mental health crisis, with 1/5 of adults and 7/10 of youth reporting illness and need for care. One of the largest barriers to access remains the giant wall of stigma and can prove hardest to overcome when seeking help. This is especially so in marginalized communities where other overlapping factors, like lack of culturally competent providers and distrust of the health care system, limit access to care.
Mission
If we took our conversations about mental health that happen behind closed doors, and brought them out into the open, how would that affect stigma, the ultimate killer of empathy? Would it invite disgust, or would it serve as assurance and inspiration to others? We decided to test it out, by writing posts dedicated to exploring different moods, emotions and mental states. Our founder wrote them while in different frames of mind and shared them in the hopes it would encourage others to look inside and boldly do the same. If we can understand something it can seem less frightening.
Our Story
SoulSprouts emerged from the need for culturally sensitive and relevant mental health resources for youth in marginalized communities, especially BIPOC communities. Lack of access to quality care in communities of color affects not only physical health but also spiritual well-being and quality of work and life.
Our Solution
To create culturally competent content that is relatable to youth, such as comic books. The comics will serve as an educational and advocacy tool for youth that wouldn’t otherwise have access to mental health resources. SoulSprouts is an attempt to normalize the mental health conversation while creating a safe space for marginalized youth. By sharing articles and illustrations and breaking them down in blog posts, our hope is to encourage open discourse around feelings, emotions and other complexities that are driven by the brain.
Discover a world of possibilities
SoulSprouts is a family and community-oriented wellbeing and advocacy movement designed to help youth in need, particularly within communities of color. Growth for one is growth for all.
