Episode 40 – Part Two: Celebrating Black History with Michelle and Pearl
We’re back with a second episode talking about the importance of celebrating Black History. In this episode, we talk about some lesser-known icons of Black history and issues of discrimination and stigma in healthcare.
Episode 39 – Integrating Physical & Mental Health with Michael and Janice
This week, Michael and Janice join Abby to discuss the importance of integrating physical and mental healthcare and how the Healthcare Home program at Independence Center supports members’ health goals.
Episode 38 – Celebrating Black History with Pearl and Michelle
This week I am speaking with two Independence Center members, Pearl and Michelle about Black History Month and how members and staff have been celebrating this month. Pearl and Michelle both participate in the member led group, The Conversation Stars Here. This group meets weekly, and their mission is to “promote unity, dialogue, action, and […]
Episode 37 – Damele on More Inclusive Mental Healthcare for the LGBTQ+ Community
Today I am talking with Damele Walton on his experience as a black male in the LGBTQ+ community. We discuss the importance of acceptance and some of Damele’s hopes for the future of mental healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community.
Episode 36 – Realizing Your Potential with DeAndra Smith
Today I am talking with DeAndra Smith. DeAndra is a member at Independence Center who first came to IC homeless and in need of a lot of support. Over time, DeAndra realized his potential, got involved with the kitchen unit at the Clubhouse, participated as the member dancer in Dancing with the St. Louis Stars, […]
Episode 35 – Putting Housing First with Chris Brannaman
Today I am talking with Chris Brannaman about her new role as the Housing Liaison at Independence Center. This new role focuses on supporting those with behavioral health diagnosis find housing in the community and get connected to resources in the community. She explains the role, some of the other housing supports Independence Center offers, […]
Episode 34 – How to Get Connected to Services at Independence Center
Today I am talking with Leah Sanders about the Independence Center Welcome Center. The Welcome Center is the first point of contact for people looking to enroll in services at Independence Center.
Episode 33 – A Conversation with Crowd Favorite George Brooks
Today I am talking with Independence Center member, Star Dancer, and winner of the Crowd Favorite award at Dancing with the St. Louis Stars 2022, George Brooks. We talk about George’s background growing up and how he learned he had paranoid schizophrenia. We also talk about Dancing with the St. Louis Stars, a special gift […]
Episode 32 – Abby & Marco Talk Dancing with the St. Louis Stars
Abby& Marco talking about Independence Center’s upcoming Dancing with the St. Louis Stars event happening on January 15th, 2022. The two discuss how the event got its start and why it is such an important event for Independence Center. Learn more about how fundraising at Dancing with the St. Louis Stars supports programs and services […]
Episode 31 – The Road to Recovery with Trenda Davis
This week we are talking with Independence Center member, Trenda Davis. Trenda struggled with her mental illness disagnosis for quite some time before seeking treatment and support. Listen to what she has learned along the way about herself and how she is reshaping the common misconceptions about mental illness in the Black community by sharing […]
