(LOS ANGELES) May 19, 2025— On May 16, Wellnest, in partnership with Ora Urban Café, hosted the Wellnest Mental Health Awareness Event in the heart of Leimert Park in Los Angeles. The event, during Mental Health Awareness Month, brought together residents, wellness practitioners, and community partners for an afternoon of connection, healing, and powerful dialogue around emotional well-being.
“As we mark 100 years of service, it’s more important than ever to break the stigma surrounding mental health,” said Charlene Dimas-Peinado, President & CEO of Wellnest. “Events like this help normalize mental health conversations in our communities and expand access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed care.”
People of color in Southern California are two and a half times less likely to find a racially/ethnically matched mental health provider, according to an ABC7 Eyewitness News report.
Patrons and community members participated in a range of interactive wellness activities, from art therapy and therapeutic gardening to mindfulness practices and nutrition education. Attendees explored the many ways that mental health care can be integrated into everyday life and expressed through culture and creativity.
“When I think of mental health I think about things in a healthy way and having that translate to what I do,” said local resident Carol Burton, who invited her church friend, Pat Waters, to join her. Burton was surprised to discover the wellness activities were self-directed with reflective questions.
Wellnest Clinical Therapist Amber Bliss drew Burton in conversation and “she pulled [the creativity] out of me. It takes engaging in conversation” to bring out her artistic expression.
Ora Urban Café remained open during the event, offering a welcoming and supportive space for dialogue and engagement. Other community partners participating brought impactful, interactive experiences.
FEAST, which promotes community health through nutritious foods and human connection, offered attendees a food demonstration. The recipe they shared was part of its 16-week wellness programs across various community settings in Los Angeles that addresses diet-related diseases and social isolation.
Brandi Junious, director of DEI Workplace Wellness, USC Race and Equity Center, guided guests through a Somatic Joy activity to help them connect with how joy lives in their body, so they can return to it anytime.
“By working with other organizations and businesses in Leimart Park, we can help to break the stigmas of mental health while connecting the community to Wellnest’s accessible wellness services,” said Dimas-Peinado. “The event celebrated healing, creativity, and connection and demonstrated the varied ways to integrate mental health into our daily lives and overall well-being.”
For over a century, Wellnest has provided emotional well-being and behavioral health services to children, youth, adults, and families in Los Angeles—offering hope, healing, and opportunity. The organization continues its mission with community-based programs, school partnerships, and supportive housing that centers around equity and access.
To learn more or support Wellnest’s work, visit www.wellnestla.org.
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About Wellnest
Through a holistic approach to emotional well-being, Wellnest, a nationally acclaimed and leading provider of emotional health and wellness services, offers hope, healing, and opportunity to the children, young adults, and the families they serve. Founded in 1924, their commitment remains steadfast as they enter their second century of service. For more information, visit wellnestla.org
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