October 2023 Newsletter
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Community:
“Wellbeing is about the combination of our love for what we do each day, the quality of our relationships, the security of our finances, the vibrancy of our physical health, and the pride we take in what we have contributed to our communities. Most importantly, it’s about how these five elements interact.” -Tom Rath
Our mental and physical wellness are impacted by our environment, who we surround ourselves with, what we consume, and how we manage the challenges life presents to us.
Our lives are a balancing act, with some moments being more manageable than others. That’s why it’s essential to be intentional about the choices we make for ourselves and for our families to be prepared for all the peaks and valleys.
This edition of the FIERCE Newsletter focuses on awareness and celebration. I invite you to explore our resources and take note of upcoming opportunities to get involved with all that FIERCE has to offer!
In Community,
Sheryl Lane
Executive Director
Mental Health is a Universal Human Right
Over the past 75 years, World Mental Health Day has taken place on October 10th. This global campaign strives to engage with people all over the world through education and advocacy. And this year’s theme is: ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.’
The mission of World Mental Health Day and this year’ theme resonates with us here at FIERCE.
Why?
Because we support families on their journey to radical self-care, family quality time, and emotional well-being! Our programs and advocacy strive for Black and Latinx multigenerational wellness in West Contra Costa County.
[To learn more about WMHD 2023, click here!]
We thought it would be fitting to highlight wellness opportunities that FIERCE provides to our community!
First, let’s start with our Sanctuary Spaces:
Women’s Sanctuary: Women join our Black Women’s and Latina Sanctuary groups to heal, decompress, share information and build community. The environment is supportive and peaceful for those seeking wellness in their lives. Women emerge with greater personal and collective power. Thriving is our goal here.
Holding Space - Men's Sanctuary: Holding Space helps you tackle goal setting, accountability, and leadership development alongside other men of color. This freeing environment helps men of all ages adopt a holistic (physical, mental, social) approach to health. You’ll also handle stress better, receive peer support, learn self-care methods, and greatly boost your confidence in caring for yourself and your family.
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Did you know that FIERCE offers Life Coaching?
Black and Latinx residents receive accessible, no-cost, culturally competent 1-1 life coaching from well-trained mentors and certified coaches from the local community.
What can you expect?
Women and men receive personal development guidance through free one-on-one coaching sessions. They develop a practice for setting and achieving life goals and overcoming barriers that prevent them from realizing their dreams for themselves and family.
We asked some Coaching Participants to share their experiences with the FIERCE community!
How has Life Coaching impacted your life?
It helped provide me with strategies to improve my quality of life by intentionally assessing my challenges and identifying positive actionable steps to help me reach my full potential.
What is your biggest lesson or something you learned from your time with life coaching?
It’s important to change my perspective in order to see the results I desire.
What would you say to someone who isn’t sure if they should participate or not in life coaching?
You are the driver and life coaching helps guide you through life experiences to assist with navigating the terrain.
- Dee, Coaching Participant
How has Life Coaching impacted your life?
I've been greatly impacted by life coaching. It's opened me up to myself so that I can process and recognize my own issues. By seeing myself, I can have compassion on others when their actions negatively affect me and I don't over react as much as I've done in the past.
What is your biggest lesson or something you learned from your time with life coaching?
People are human. I am human. I must forgive myself, allow myself to make mistakes and learn from them; and move forward. Coaching has helped me to realize that the answers are already within me. A coach helps me by asking pointed questions that cause me to reflect. It's extremely helpful to have a sounding board in a coach that I can bounce my thoughts and ideas off of.
What would you say to someone who isn’t sure if they should participate or not in life coaching?
I'd say take a chance on yourself. You have nothing to lose by trying a few sessions and everything to gain as you learn about yourself.
- Lea, Coaching Participant
For more information on these Health and Wellness programs at FIERCE Advocates, contact Shukura Lattier 510-232-5812 ext 406 or slattier@fierceadvocates.org
A Spooky & Safe Halloween
It’s ‘Spooky Season’ and we wanted to share some tips and tricks to ensure your family stays safe! Halloween night sees some scary statistics involving car & pedestrian accidents, along with the largest spike in tree & nut allergy admissions to the ER. Together, we can ensure your family enjoys a safe and sweet Halloween!
While there are many ways to amplify safety, here are our Top 5 Tips:
Trick or Treat with a trusted adult: 70% of parents don’t go trick or treating with their children, which increases the risk of children engaging in unsafe behaviors or finding themselves in a dangerous situation. Any children 12 or under should practice safe trick or treating with a trusted adult.
Increase your child’s visibility: Many costumes feature dark clothing, making it extra difficult for drivers to see your child once the sun sets. This year, choose a lighter-colored costume if possible, pass out glow sticks, or use reflective tape.
Give kids a refresher on traffic safety: With all the excitement and possibilities of a candy haul, trick-or-treaters may quickly forget the safety rules associated with crossing streets (even if they follow them every other day of the year). Before going out, talk about the route and remind them of traffic safety!
Inspect all candy before eating: This is highly encouraged to ensure available treats will not cause allergic reactions or choking hazards. Some treats might not be age-appropriate, like gum or jaw breakers. It’s best to take those out to avoid any accidents.
Keep costumes creative & safe: Not only do we want to encourage visibility with glow sticks or reflective tape, but we also want to ensure that costumes fit appropriately to avoid trips and falls. You may also want to forgo a mask if it will interfere with a child’s vision!
Spooky Season can be a great time for all ages, especially when safety is a top priority. Have conversations with your family early and have fun!
For more safety tips and information, check out the following resources:
FIERCE Welcomes New Staff!
Our staff continues to grow and we want to introduce you to the new folks on our team who will be bringing the FIERCE mission to life!
Xan West: Director of Programs
Xan will be leading FIERCE’s major programs, amplifying our core strategies of leadership development, parent-led advocacy and healing-centered care throughout the year!
I was first drawn to FIERCE Advocates' commitment to supporting physical and mental health, community building as well as birth outcomes in some of Contra Costa County’s most vulnerable communities. I am excited to build on policy and advocacy work, deepen our commitment to personal wellbeing and expand upon our programs through greater community solidarity and engagement.
Through decades of social justice organizing, one of the most important perspectives I’ve learned is that truly sustainable change comes, at least in part, from cross-racial dialogue and community building. As a lifelong Oakland resident, I am so grateful for the many experiences I’ve had engaging the successes of cross-racial organizing and I am excited to continue my dedication to this work by building on FIERCE Advocates' rich history of this work.” - Xan
Shukura Lattier: Health & Wellness Coordinator
Shakura will be our go-to person for our Health & Wellness programs, working closely with community partners to advocate for a healthy environment and resilient community!
I was inspired to join the FIERCE team because I desired to be a part of an organization that is intentional about promoting community growth. A place that provides resources and access for all! Richmond is my community and I now have a firsthand opportunity to help strengthen it!
- Shukura
Welcome to the FIERCE Team, Xan and Shukura!
Get Involved!
Get Involved!
Looking for ways to get involved this month? You’re invited to explore the following opportunities!
Black Woman’s Sanctuary Presents:
Wealth Walk
Saturday, October 21
Walking for our wellness - Health is our wealth!
Self-care is our healthcare!
For more information, contact Paula Taylor at paula@aboveadequate.com.
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Latino Sanctuary for Women (Previously known as Latina Sanctuary)
Assertive Communication with guest speaker, Yuselin Martinez, Family Therapist
Date: Wednesday, October 25
Time: 10am-12pm
Virtual: Click Here to Join; Zoom Meeting ID: 811 5142 3398
Onsite Address: FIERCE Advocates Health & Healing Center
310 9th St, Richmond CA 94801
For more information, contact Lupita at mortegadevillalobos@fierceadvocates.org or Irma at iurizar@fierceadvocates.org.
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Holding Space for Men
Freeing environment helps men of all ages adopt a holistic (physical, mental, social) approach to health.
Date: Friday, October 27
Time: 6:30pm
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
For more information, contact LeJon Fahim Reese at motivated2helpothers@gmail.com.