EmpowHER (Healing, Empowered, Resilient)
Tamieka Johnson:
TMANDTM.Inc – Teach Me and Teachable Moments Inc.
716-203-1259
tmandtm.org
TMANDTM Inc. has designed a program aimed at appealing to the mind, soul, and body. This holistic approach is implemented in a non-traditional manner.
EmpowHER is designed for women ages 17 and over, focusing on healing, empowerment, and resiliency in a safe and supportive environment. Changes are made within oneself and the communities in which we live.
How it began:
EmpowHER was founded in 2022, in response to the tragic events of the 5 14 Tops Massacre, with the aim of aiding individuals and the community in their healing process. The community was left reeling from the effects of the pandemic and a severe snowstorm that resulted in 47 deaths due to almost 49 inches of snowfall.
Following a racially motivated act of terrorism that took the lives of 10 individuals, injured 3 others, and left many more mentally, emotionally, and spiritually scared, the need for support became even more apparent. EmpowHER was created to specifically assist women in the community who have suffered trauma and may be struggling with mental health issues because of the aforementioned catastrophes. It is recognized that the stigma surrounding mental health counseling can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need for healing. This is why EmpowHER offers much-needed non-traditional mental health services in a safe and comfortable space and strives to collaborate with community partners who share the same commitment to transforming lives. (Services are provided free of charge when possible)
What we do:
EmpowHER is a 10-week interactive and supportive program that focuses on promoting awareness around social and emotional well-being. Our holistic approach encourages healthy relationships with oneself and others. Each week, the H.E.R program includes workshops, guest speakers, community support activities, direct service, advocacy, and outreach in a safe, confidential, and structured environment for learning, social connection, and healing.
Upon completing the 9-week sessions, participants will gather for a celebration during the 10th week of the EmpowHER series. This event marks their journey towards becoming the best version of themselves and contributing positively to their community.
What we seek to accomplish:
EmpowHER’s goal is to facilitate personal healing and empower women to enhance their health and overall well-being, making them better equipped to support others in need.
Empowerment/Self-Love/Beauty
Black Butterfly Salon
Black Butterfly- Carla Foster
Empowerment/Self-Love/Beauty:
My Self Worth – During this session participants will learn about beauty, hair/nail/skin care. Talk about self-esteem, self-worth, loving oneself. Self Esteem is an important element of success. It’s also an integral component of self-empowerment. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines self-esteem as a feeling of having respect for yourself and your abilities. Without belief in yourself it’s kind of difficult to accomplish your goals. It’s generally considered to be a personality trait that can involve your experiences and beliefs about your appearance, behaviors, emotions, and skills. To be self-empowered means that you have the strength to do something that you believe to be in your best interests. Self-empowerment means having knowledge about your own skills and abilities and confidence in them, so that you’re able to set appropriate goals and reach your potential
Paint and Healing
TM&TM Inc.
TM&TM Inc.:
During this session participants utilized art and painting as therapy and healing. Art Therapy encompasses all forms of art media and can be used in the treatment process of people hurting from any form of mental illness, trauma or hurt to help restore body and spirit. Art therapy can be an individual treatment or used with more than one person in a group together, and science suggests that it can reshape our brain and alter our thoughts in a more positive, balanced way.
Healing through Dance
Queen City Fitness Club
Queen City Fitness Club- Karen Bryant
Queen City Fitness Club:
Regular exercise and physical activity promotes strong muscle and bones. It improves respiratory, cardiovascular health and overall health. Staying active can also help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and reduce your risk for some cancers. During this session the participants were up and moving.
Healing through Yoga Meditation
I am Yoga
I am Yoga- Andrea Levine
I am Yoga:
This Therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety levels, providing relaxation, and improving mood. With its emphasis on breathing practices and meditation—both of which help calm and center the mind. It can also provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to work through past trauma and emotional issues.
Healing and Physical Wellness
Fitness For Success
Fitness For Success- Makeeda Brooks
Fitness For Success:
Health Education, Stress management, Body Image, Words of Affirmation etc. – stress can cause powerful feelings, as well as biological changes in the body. A certain level of stress is not a bad thing and can in certain situations contribute to optimum performance. Stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Knowing common stress symptoms can help you manage them. Stress that’s not dealt with can lead to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes. Body image is linked to self-esteem and self-concept and is shaped by past experiences, whether these are positive (such as athletic performance) or negative (such as abuse, disability, or bullying). A healing affirmation is a positive statement that helps to reprogram negative thought patterns and beliefs.
Healing and Physical Wellness
Stokes Fitness
Stokes Fitness- Terry Stokes
Stokes Fitness:
Physical Health/Body Training – Here you may provide nutritional and exercise plans for the women while helping them understand the science and importance of weight training for the body. Also, teaching the science of eating (in noncomplex terminology) and portion control of food ratio i.e. fats, carbs, vegetables etc. Additionally, we would like to get the body moving by engaging in exercises to help build muscle in lieu of using actual weights
Clay Molding/Ceramic Workshop
Andrea Pawarski Ceramics
Andrea Pawarski Ceramics- Andrea Pawarski
Andrea Pawarski Ceramics:
This Therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety levels, providing relaxation, and improving mood. It can also provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to work through past trauma and emotional issues.
Vision Boards
LUCID PATHWAYS, LLC
Lucid Pathways, LLC- Dr. Keli Holder
Lucid Pathways, LLC:
Using vision boards can help clients set and visualize goals. These goals could be related to home, life, school, relationships, experiences, situations, values, career aspirations, or educational pursuits. Vision boards can inspire and help focus on goals and to empower to create the life you imagine.
Sawubona & Agnihotra Healing Fire
Dumas R.I.S.E., LLC
Dumas R.I.S.E., LLC- Kelly Dumas
Dumas R.I.S.E., LLC:
Sawubona sums up a “I see you; you are important to me, and I value you”. Sawubona expresses the importance of directing one’s attention towards the other. That “We see you” implies becoming aware of his presence.
Agnihotra is a healing fire from the ancient science of Ayurveda. It is the process of purifying the atmosphere through a specially prepared fire which is performed daily at sunrise and sunset. The beneficial effects of Agnihotra help to reduce stress, improve overall health and give one increased energy.
Planting/Gardening (spider plants)
Lillian Flamm
Lillian Flamm:
There are a few mental health benefits to gardening, Besides the boost to your mood from being outdoors in the fresh air, there’s a sense of satisfaction you get as you see your plants grow and flourish. Gardening allows for a sense of satisfaction and mindfulness because you see the flowers. You see the progress and feel that sense of accomplishment. It also can provide social interaction with others, whether you’re in your yard or a community garden. Gardening was also a great way to interact during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing was key. People were in their gardens and retained socialization, a safe way to talk with others at a time when face-to-face contact was extremely limited.
