Updated: July 5, 2023
In Chicago, a city known for its vibrant culture, captivating skyline, and culturally-rich communities, the importance of mental health has emerged as a pressing and critical issue. As one of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago grapples with unique challenges that often take a toll on its residents’ mental well-being. From the fast-paced lifestyle to the impact of socioeconomic disparities, violence, and access to mental health resources, the city faces a complex web of factors influencing its residents’ mental health. Recognizing the significance of mental well-being in connection to every facet of living, SocialWorks created My State of Mind to foster a healthier and more resilient Chicago, where individuals can find much-needed resources to not only live but thrive.
My State of Mind launched during MSOM Launch Week. This week encompassed a series of events that concluded with a SocialWorks Summit talk led by Chance The Rapper. SocialWorks’ launch week aimed to give community members experiences with wellness through the modalities represented in the My State of Mind website – arts, mindfulness, community, technology, movement, and clinical. To date, My State of Mind has over 2.4k wellness programs and counting. With the launch of My State of Mind, the SocialWorks team hopes to inspire individuals to, rethink how can wellness be incorporated into one’s life and how My State of Mind can be a tool.
My State of Mind Launch week hosted 122 guests and 27 volunteers who contributed over 84 hours with the SocialWorks team. You can view a recap of the launch week along with specifics below and view My State of Mind here!
ABOUT THE EVENTS
Community Bike Ride w/ Black Joy Ride & G Herbo’s Swervin’ Through The Stress – Sat., May 20th • 12pm
Saturday, May 20th, SocialWorks, Black Joy Ride, and Swervin’ Through The Stress partnered to facilitate the My State of Mind community bike ride. Participants met at the Harold Washington Cultural Center at 12 and ride through Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood, riding past wellness shops! Once riders return to the Harold Washington Cultural Center, individuals enjoyed a yoga session facilitated by Swervin’ Through The Stress, food, and participated in a raffle to win a new bike!
OpenMike w/ SocialWorks – Monday, May 22nd • 4:30pm
OpenMike is SocialWorks’ longest initiative, bringing high school students together to share, express, and network with like-minded individuals. This OpenMike marked SocialWorks’ 65th OpenMike and, as usual, presented youth with a non-competitive space that randomly showcases selected students to present a 3-minute piece of their choice. After the students performances, OpenMike brought a sound healer who communicated the healing properties of sound and meditation.
A Winning Mindset: A Conversation About Athletes & Their Mental Health – Wednesday, May 24th • 5:30pm
In partnership with The Chicago Bears, A Winning Mindset addressed the intersection of mental health and athletes and how perspective has the power to define our future. This conversation between influencer-clinician Rwenshaun Miller and Alkeme Health Founder, Ryan Mundy, provided insight into how our speakers’ Division 1 and NFL careers, led them to be leaders in the mental health space. After the conversation, the Chicago Bears mental health specialist shared how the Bears view wellness and Rwenshaun facilitated a group breathing exercise.
SocialWorks Summit: SocialWorks & My State of Mind with Chance The Rapper – Thurs., May 25th • 1pm
SocialWorks’ Founder and Chairman, Chance The Rapper, gave the public an update on all things SocialWorks. Chance spoke on the state of Chicago, SocialWorks’ intentionality and growth within its programming, and what’s next for SocialWorks as the organization enters its 8th year! View the talk above!