July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (MMHM), a time to address the unique challenges faced by communities of color. Carmen Torres, Deputy Director, emphasizes Interim’s mission: “During MMHM, we celebrate resilience and the richness of our communities while advocating for access to mental health care. At Interim, we’re committed to breaking down stigma and fostering hope within our communities.”
Kontrena McPheter, Peer Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator for the Success Over Stigma Program, shared her perspective on Interim’s approach: “Our staff and consumers reflect the rich tapestry of our community. This commitment to welcoming and representing all voices allows us to better serve everyone.”
Interim’s core value of creating belonging naturally lends itself to bringing together people from many walks of life. Interim envisions a world in which people with mental illness are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in the community. By extension, we intentionally build an environment where many voices and experiences are represented.
Beyond Representation: Empowering Individuals
Interim goes beyond simply acknowledging differences among people. We empower individuals through our programs. Kontrena explains, “We provide the tools people need to reach their full potential. I’ve witnessed many peers achieve their educational goals, build skills, and start families thanks to Interim’s support.”
This supportive environment extends beyond mental health services. “Interim doesn’t shy away from addressing cultural issues that are underlying, and sometimes not talked about, because of stigma… things like what people think about each other, or who we are, or what we do, or the color of our skin. Interim accepts everyone for who they are and asks everyone to act compassionately toward one another. It’s a wonderful community to be a part of.”
A Culture of Listening and Action
Interim’s success is fueled by a culture of experimentation and responsiveness. Interim gives “peers what they ask for and sees what they’re able to achieve. When others see a need, people act to fill it. “If someone needs a bike to get back and forth to work, we try to get them one. It’s not a black or white issue, it’s a community issue.”
“Looking back, I’m proud of the community and culture Interim has built. I’m also lucky to be a part of shaping that culture as it continues to evolve and grow.”