Team Building at PMSA's Mental Health Club

This week, we were back at PMSA again! We have been loving the relationships we built with PMSA’s mental health club. The students are supportive and receptive to the workshops we bring. For this week, Clarybelle of A Beautiful Project led the students through team-building exercises. First, the students started with a check-in and to meet Clarybelle. Then they started playing puzzling games that required teamwork to accomplish. They walked around the classrooms timing their steps to work with others and played hand games with one another. One of the final activities was to write negative or intrusive thoughts the students had about themselves. They would build up a tower with these cups and knock it down after. They finished with some positive thoughts about themselves and one another.

Thank you Clarybelle for leading such an engaging workshop! We will be back at PMSA for a storytelling workshop led by Jasmine, on February 21st. See you soon!

Black and Brown Solidarity | Creative Dreaming

We recently received a grant from Healing Illinois that allows us to create programming to amplify black and brown voices. Specifically, we are working toward how can we bridge this gap in our community. Through storytelling, creativity, and trust, we plan on working as a community to bring more light to Maywood and Proviso. Our young adults were passionate and well-spoken about the issues they face in Proviso. We held this session for out youth to use creativity and tying in the topics of black and brown experiences.

Thanks to the youth who came out today! If you know any one interested, our next dreaming session is February 21st, 6:30 Pm to 8:00. Participants must identify as a black or brown ethnicity and come from Proviso schools. Email maya@thefirehousedream.org for more info!

Boundaries at PMSA Mental Health Club

This week, Remona of Inellas Restoration Center led the PMSA Mental Health Club through a boundaries workshop. The students did an exercise were they stood up every time they agreed or disagreed with a prompt. The purpose was to show the students how boundaries are based on personal perspective and we should respect others. It is important to build that mutual respect so their is room for understanding when someone’s boundaries may differ from another.

Additionally, WGN News was following Inellas Restoration Center for the day, so the students and TFD will be featured along with Inellas! We are so excited for Remona and this oppurtunity!

Community Yoga

We held our first yoga session for our 2024 programming! This time, we decided to hold a nighttime flow with Dasia of Maywood! Dasia has held local yoga with Maywood’s Park District and also special K-Pop yoga sessions. We are so glad to invite Dasia in!

During this session, Dasia led the group through a series of gentle poses before she got into the flow for tonight. The flow was simple yet effective, using cat and cow poses. In the end, Dasia told us the importance of Shavasana, the entire purpose is to lay still. Although it may be uncomfortable, we must listen to our bodies and provide time for rest, Dasia said.

Thank you to our participants who came out last night!

Vulnerability at PMSA Mental Health Club

This week, we were back at PMSA’s Mental Health Club! Chris Chambliss of the Nehemiah Community Project held a conversation on vulnerability. He explained the importance of vulnerability not only within relationships, but the importance of being vulnerable with yourself and being honest of your healing and capacity.

We are so excited to continue our mental health workshops directly with the students. Thank you Chris and PMSA for partnering with us!