In 2020, we began discussing our shared vision for wellness in the Black community. With an unnamed dream and unfounded organization at the time, we simply referred to the initiative as “The Collective.” Soon after, we were connected with a local media personality, community leader, and founder of a youth-serving non-profit who partnered with us to address a growing need for mental health services for young Black and Brown teens in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area.
With the introduction of this community therapy program also came the official establishment of Kinnect Wellness Network, Incorporated, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. “Kinnect,” is a combination of the words “kinship” and “connection,” speaking to our mission for increasing wellness for marginalized racial and ethnic groups as well as our values of community and collaboration.
We are proud to say that through our therapy program’s partnership with another community organization, we have helped provide over 300 free therapy sessions to Black and Brown individuals in the community. In alignment with our values of equity for clinicians, the contracted therapists in our network were paid a reasonable fee per session for their services. The cost to run the first three phases of our program has totaled $36,140 financially, in addition to our leaders' countless volunteer hours of dedicated time.
Kinnect is a 501(c)(3) organization working to shift the culture of wellness in the Black and Brown communities by (1) connecting people of the global majority with wellness professionals who look like them and (2) emphasizing (financial) equity for the wellness professionals in those communities.
Our organization requires funds to establish accessible and culturally sensitive mental health services for the BIPOC community. These funds will support the recruitment and training of wellness professionals who share similar backgrounds, ensuring relatability and fostering a sense of trust. Additionally, resources are needed to create safe spaces, raise awareness, offer educational programs, and facilitate community engagement to promote holistic mental health and well-being within the BIPOC population.
At Kinnect Wellness Network, we are unwavering in our commitment to equitable mental health services for the BIPOC community. Through culturally sensitive care and representation, we strive to redress disparities, ensuring that every individual's well-being is honored and uplifted, regardless of background. Our value to the importance of fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and empowerment, where the diverse voices and experiences of the BIPOC community are not only acknowledged but also celebrated.
Organization name
Kinnect Wellness Network Incorporated
Causes
Mental and Behavioral Health
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall, Tarrant
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American
BIPOC Leadership
Both the Executive Director/CEO and Board Chair
Address
1901 KNIGHTSBRIDGE RD APT 4311