In recognition of Mental Health Month, TGR Foundation and Providence partnered to support students and families in Southern California through the Empowered Health Wellness Fair, where they unveiled the newest green bench of Providence’s Promise to Talk initiative.
During the free event, students and families had the opportunity to participate in various workshops, offered in English and Spanish, in addition to a resource fair. The sessions, led by Providence and TGR Foundation representatives, provided tips and tools to help participants navigate and prioritize their mental health.
“The presentation from [Seeing through] the Third Eye was really good because there was a lot of conversation between parents,” said Edith Moreno, parent of a TGR Learning Lab student. “There are a lot of issues we don’t know how to deal with, and I’m happy to be here because I’m learning.”
The TGR Learning Lab’s green bench is a part of the Green Bench OC campaign, developed through Providence’s Promise to Talk initiative. The campaign was designed to provide resources to reduce the stigma of mental illness.
“We are thrilled to unveil our new bench here at the TGR Learning Lab in partnership with Providence and the Promise to Talk Campaign,” said John Lee, Senior Vice President of Programs and Education, TGR Foundation. “As we recognize the importance of health and wellness, we’ll continue to support our students, educators and families in the classroom and beyond.”
The Green Bench OC movement serves as a visual reminder and invitation for students and families to have honest conversations about their mental health.
“TGR Foundation has created a safe place to talk about mental health, and we hope that this bench will always serve as that reminder,” said Christy Cornwall, Manager of Community Health Investment, Providence. “We hope that the entire TGR Foundation community, whether they be students, staff, family members or visitors, utilizes this bench.”
The green bench at the TGR Learning Lab is one of 17 across Orange County.
“It was the first time that I heard about the green bench and learned how important it is to spend time listening and not just to another person, but also to nature and what’s around you,” added Moreno. “I really liked [this event] and I’m thankful for this opportunity.”
In addition to information, students walked away with mental health tools and resources created during a session on do-it-yourself mindfulness tools including stress balls and mind jars.
“I went to the DIY Mindfulness Tools workshop, and it was fun,” said Braulio Trujillo, TGR Learning Lab student. “I don’t always feel comfortable talking and I liked how they used everyday tools or things you can use to calm yourself.”
TGR Foundation and Providence plan to continue offering resources and opportunities for students and families to support mental health and wellness beyond Mental Health Month.
“After today’s workshops, I want to talk to my parents more about myself,” said Christopher, TGR Learning Lab student. “I feel like I should be more open about how I feel and what I do. Overall, this event was very fun. I hope there are more like these in the future.”
The Empowered Health Wellness Fair and green bench are an extension of the partnership between TGR Foundation and Providence centered on three pillars including health education, health equity and workforce development.
Visit TGRFoundation.org/partnership to join TGR Foundation in its mission to empower youth through education. For mental health resources visit GreenBenchOC.org.
