BY JATIKA HUDSON, GUEST WRITER TO THE TIMES
The CDC observes National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month each July. This observance raises awareness of the challenges that affect the mental health of people in racial and ethnic minority groups. Learn how MAN UP addresses this issue.
“When families give up, I have seen them literally spiral into deep depression,” Phyllis Palmer shares. “They simply stop parenting. Kids are removed from the home. They stop doing what’s necessary and needed to make sure their children are successful.”
Family Clinician Phyllis Palmer has been a therapist for more than 20 years now and she is still passionate about the work she does for others and servicing her community.
Today, after working with MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. for more than two years, she proudly serves as their social services consultant, supporting the Family Outreach Division of MAN UP. It’s not a position she takes lightly. In her role, she’s witnessed firsthand the highs and lows of their youth participants but views her position as one that can shed light to mentally dark places. With each step along the way, she’s determined to make a difference.
From 2007 to 2020, the suicide rate rose 144% among Black youth 10- to 17-years-old. Studies also show that African American youth are at risk of developing PTSD: Nearly 65% of African American youth report traumatic experiences, compared to 30% of their peers from other ethnic groups. These staggering numbers sound the alarm for a need to improve and address mental health care for Black communities, (Pew Studies, 2024).
Since 2011, Palmer has served as an Independent Contractual Outpatient Therapist specializing in adoption and reunifying families helping them to transition, by providing family therapy until they’ become stable. She used the same skills and resources with MAN UP families and participants to coordinate linkage to resources, offer case management, teach parenting workshops, and provide counseling to mentees and their families when needed.
With each of her interactions, she focuses on helping her clients improve their self-esteem and self-worth by letting them know that they are capable of so much more. Reminding them that they will not only benefit themselves, but their families and communities too.
Historically, Black and Brown communities have not been receptive to receiving mental health services. Palmer shared “I think once they connect with a therapist, they are able to put things in perspective,” she says. “One parent has opened her own business. For that mom, things are getting better because she sees something better for herself.” Data shows that supported parents can better support their children.
She goes on to say, “MAN UP is definitely exposing young people to a better way of life and endless opportunities out there. This program is helping them see beyond where they live and the situation they’re in. I also want to be able to show that to the parents; that it’s not too late. That they too can dream and set goals again.”
Palmer has witnessed the levels of depression that often play a pivotal role in how parents interact with their children and the children learn how to act and react from their parents. Factors such as social and emotional support, housing, and food insecurity are some social determinants of health that can deeply impact the mental well-being of anyone but even more so for racial and ethnic communities.
“I want parents to know that to truly help their children, they have to be healthy, strong and strong willed to get out of their situation. That’s my desire and goal – to let them know that they aren’t stuck, unless they want to be stuck,” she shares. These lessons are ones that Palmer believes will make a significant difference in the lives of mentees and parents and also will keep the wind behind the mission of MAN UP.
Unlike many youth organizations, MAN UP works with their mentees and their families on an average of 5 years, allowing them to build trust and deep connections with each child and family they serve. Her hope is for the organization “to grow, to be a beacon of hope in the community and receive the necessary resources to be a place that services the entire family,” she says.
Palmer closed with, “It takes programs with a proven track record, like MAN UP who are trusted in their local community to capture the hearts of the kids and their guardians. I truly believe that putting in the time and the love for these students will truly make a difference in their lives.”
Need Help Please Call Today: The Mental Health Hotline is a free, confidential 24-hour hotline for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, or any mental health crisis, call 1-866-903-3787.
ABOUT MAN UP MENTORING, INC.: MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. is a community-based non-profit 501c (3) charity organization primarily serving at-risk youth ages 11 through completion of high school or the equivalent across Metro Orlando, with a focus on delinquency prevention and intervention by providing social, educational, and mentoring services. Established in 2014 by Orlando natives, brother and sister duo Christopher and Samantha Wallace. Currently, it is managed by an Executive Director, contractors and a full-time staff of volunteers. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with more than 150 years of law enforcement and civilian experience, as well as advisors from the Orange County Public School System and social services.
