MANSFIELD – Family life educator Carla James will discuss minority mental health and breaking the stigma around mental health in the African-American community on Oct. 14 at the North End Community Improvement Collaborative.
Her discussion from noon to 1:30 p.m. is part of the African-American Leadership Initiative at the 134 N. Main St. organization.
James has a master’s degree in Family Life Education. In this area of her work, she uses a strengths-based approach to empower families and help them develop the knowledge and skills that enhance their well-being. Given that the family is one of the most important units in society, her work is incredibly important.
James is also a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant and has more than 20 years of experience in human services. In her previous positions she was a teacher at an alternative school, a case manager, a parent advocate, and more.
In addition to highlighting her work with the Minority Mental Health Initiative and Restored Visions organizations, James will discuss why decreasing stigma around mental health in the African-American community is so important, how mental health affects education, and how parents can advocate for their children’s mental health at school.
James is passionate about advocating for and empowering those that struggle with mental illness.
“I would like for participants to feel comfortable reaching out to our organization if they have issues or concerns that we could help them with,” she said.
Tickets are required and can be purchased for $10 at https://conta.cc/30JL7VY, though the event is free for AALI members. Seats are limited, so get your tickets quickly!
What is AALI?
AALI is the African American Leadership Initiative. The mission of AALI is to identify and cultivate African American leaders in Mansfield and Richland County and functions to create a network of diverse leaders with relevant opportunities to connect and contribute. To find out more about it and learn about ways to support this initiative, please visit our website at https://bit.ly/2KD6cfP.
