The Roots of Our Healing

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Who inspires the way you show up
for others’ mental health?

We honor the voices of our staff, their impact, and the legacy of care that continues through their work. Linda, Leo, Ellaynna, and LaToya share their personal stories, reflecting on where their journeys began and who inspired them to show up for others’ mental health. Mental health matters to all of us. When we listen, share, and hold space for one another, we help build a future rooted in healing, connection, and hope. 

Linda Allen, LMFT, Clinician,
Community Wellness Response Team (CWCRT)

“The person who most inspires the way I show up for others in the mental health field is my mother. She was the kind of person who instinctively helped anyone facing a challenge, offering support in her own compassionate way.

Growing up in the South, mental health was rarely acknowledged or discussed, and individuals experiencing mental challenges were often ridiculed or dismissed. My mother was different — she noticed them, she saw their humanity, and she treated them with care, empathy, and respect. As I got older, her example shaped how I viewed mental health—first through my work with college students and later within the community.

Today, my mother’s influence is what motivates me to show up each day with a smile, with open hands, and with a genuine desire to help individuals living with mental illness succeed or simply find their footing in this world.”

Leo Mercer, Community Specialist,
Clinical Housing Support Program (CHSP)

“My inspiration comes from the Black Panther Party, of which my grandfather was a member. He isn’t a household name like leaders such as Huey, Bobby, or Eldridge—but not everyone needs to be in the spotlight to serve their community. Growing up learning about programs like the Free Breakfast Program instilled in me a deep commitment to community care.”

Ellaynna Benson, Lead Case Manager,
Adult Protective Services Case Management (APSCM) & Home Safe Case Management

“Someone who inspires the way I show up for the mental health of others is my baby brother, Xavier. Mental health has always been important to me, but after losing him at just 20, it became really personal. His death was a reminder that so many people are fighting silent battles.

Because of Xavier, I’m more intentional about checking in and really listening. I create a space where people feel safe, seen, and supported without judgment. His loss has taught me how powerful kindness and compassion can be, and I carry his memory with me in how I love, listen, and spread care and understanding.”

LaToya Skinner, Program Manager,
Bayview Community Programs

“What makes our program unique is that many of us have deep roots in the Bayview and share lived experiences with the clients we serve. Supporting our neighbors, childhood friends, and those who proudly call this community home, housed and unhoused, is both a privilege and a responsibility.

That shared connection inspires and motivates us to continue this work and to seek new, innovative ways to uplift and strengthen our community.”

CULTURE, COMMUNITY, & CARE

Finding Meaning in Culture

February marks a meaningful time to honor our diverse cultures. Black History Month is a celebration of resilience, culture, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. This year, we shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health within Black communities, recognizing both the challenges faced and the strength found in collective healing.

Together, let’s celebrate our collective cultures by actively supporting mental wellness, honoring cultural heritage, and empowering one another to thrive.