Community leaders, advocates and changemakers gather in South Los Angeles to inspire healing, connection and hope for youth and families
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 21, 2026) — Wellnest hosted Healing in Harmony: A Conversation on Youth Mental Health, Foster Care and Healing on Thursday, May 21, at its flagship South Los Angeles campus, bringing together influential voices, community members, advocates, faith-based leaders and guests for an inspiring Mental Health Awareness Month and Foster Care Awareness Month panel discussion focused on healing, connection, and support for youth and families.
Designed to elevate Wellnest as a trusted community resource and thought leader in emotional health and wellness, the event featured a high-profile panel discussion highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces, reducing stigma, and supporting the emotional well-being of young people, particularly transitional-aged youth and foster youth navigating today’s challenges.
The 60-minute conversation was moderated by Denise Dador with ABC7 Eyewitness News and featured an impactful panel including:
- Trinity Bailey, Co-Founder of Music Is Unity Foundation alongside her father, Philip Bailey, founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire
- Brianna Betts, Co-Founder of 50/50 Foundation and wife of Markus Lynn, “Mookie” Betts
- Charlene Dimas-Peinado, President & CEO of Wellnest
Throughout the discussion, panelists explored the emotional and mental health burdens youth are carrying today, the importance of community-based healing, and how organizations like Wellnest, Music Is Unity Foundation, and 50/50 Foundation are creating supportive environments that serve as entry points for hope, healing, and connection.
Panelists also encouraged attendees to continue the conversation beyond the event by checking in with youth and young adults in their lives and helping to create environments where young people feel seen, supported, and valued.
“We need to meet kids where they are, and they need to be heard and loved,” shared Brianna Betts. “Everyone loves a good hug.”
“Sometimes you may not have the words, but you have the music,” said Trinity Bailey. “Music brings people together, and that’s what Music Is Unity aims to do.”
“When young adults feel connected, they have more ambition and an opportunity not to focus on their lives in isolation, but instead in community, where they can begin focusing on their futures,” said Charlene Dimas-Peinado.
The event aligns with Wellnest’s mission to provide trauma-informed mental health, supportive housing, and wellness services for children, young adults, and families across Los Angeles County while continuing to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and foster care.
For more information about Wellnest and its programs and services, visit Wellnestla.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rebecca Haussling
Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs
Wellnest
[email protected]
310-922-7384
ABOUT WELLNEST:
Wellnest has served Los Angeles children, families, and communities with holistic emotional health and wellness services for more than 102 years. Wellnest provides compassionate mental health care, supportive housing, and community-based mental health services that create pathways to hope, healing, and opportunity. Learn more at wellnestla.org.
