CACAF COVID-19 Response focus on Mental Health
Atlanta, Ga., May 10, 2020- The Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation (CACAF) is working to help the community through COVID-19.
AMERICA’S PSYCHOLOGIST DR. JEFF GARDERE HEADLINES COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH PANEL HOSTED BY THE CARIBBEAN AMERICAN CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION
Atlanta, Ga., May 10, 2020---The Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation (CACAF) is working to help the community through COVID-19. CACAF is launching a free virtual series and outreach campaign called, Solace. Solace, which means comfort and consolation during a time of distress or sadness will connect the community to resources from professionals in mental health, financial management, government, education, and tourism. The program will include practical information and artistic content to keep Caribbean artists, personalities and professionals empowered and engaged. The virtual series is being rolled out over a six-week period and coincides with two outreach events for frontline workers in Atlanta. The virtual content will be presented through Zoom at 3p.m. every Saturday beginning on May 16th and the final event will take place on Saturday, June 20th toward the end of Caribbean American Heritage Month.
The first panel on mental health will include: Celebrity Psychologist, Dr. Jeff Gardere, Dr. Nicole Craigwell-Syms, Deputy Commissioner of Public Health, US Virgin Islands, Shaana Wilson, LMHC, Founder of Revolutionary Change Counseling LLC, Apollo Beach, FL, Semikah Yisrael-Johnson, LMFT, Founder of Committed to the Journey LLC, Largo, Maryland and Chris Scott, Master Life Coach, Founder of Coaching Forward International & the COVID-19 Coaching Support Helpline.
The program will also feature artistic presentations from nationally recognized Poet, Artemis Skye McNeil and Electric String Artist, Omar the Violinist.
The outreach portion of the campaign kicked off on Friday, May 8th, 2020 when the outreach team at CACAF delivered warm authentic Caribbean meals to doctors and nurses at Emory University Hospital Midtown. The food prepared by Tassa Roti in Marietta, GA met all CDC guidelines for food preparation and social distancing. CACAF also donated handmade lanterns made by Caribbean-American children who wanted to the thank workers for their sacrifice and hard work. Michael Thomas, President of CACAF said, “We are committed to our culture, community and any opportunity to show the connection and that we care. This is the direction we want to go,” he continued “Our frontline workers are out national heroes and we want them to know the Caribbean community has benefited from their diligence and courage. We simply wanted to say, ‘Thanks.’” During Caribbean American Heritage Month another similar outreach event will take place for frontline grocery store workers in Atlanta.
The work is part of CACAF’s long-term COVID-19 plan to provide support, engage and inform the community. The organization which is known for educational mentorship and aiding disaster relief efforts following hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters is now focused on helping during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn how to register for Solace visit www.caribbeanculturalarts.org.