Cultivating Futures

?? Advocating for Yourself or a Loved One in Healthcare: Use the "B.R.A.I.N.S." Framework ?? When faced with important healthcare decisions, it's crucial to feel empowered and informed. Here's a simple tool to help you ask the right questions and ensure the best outcomes for yourself, your family, or loved ones: B.R.A.I.N.S.. B – Benefit: What are the potential benefits of this treatment or procedure? R – Risk: What are the possible risks or side effects? A – Alternatives: Are there any alternatives, and what are their pros and cons? I – Intuition: What is your gut feeling about this decision? Trust your instincts. N – Nothing: What happens if we do nothing or wait? S – Second Opinion: Should we seek a second opinion for more clarity? OR S- Space: Time and space to think about the right decision for you or your loved one. Whether you're supporting yourself, a family member, or a friend, the B.R.A.I.N.S. method helps guide open, informed conversations with healthcare providers and ensures you're making the best choices for your health. ?? Knowledge is power. Advocacy is essential. #cultivatingadvocacy #cultivatingfutures

?? Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! ?? Cultivating Futures honors the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. From vibrant art to powerful stories, we celebrate the diverse voices that shape our community. Join us this month in recognizing and appreciating the creativity and resilience that inspire us all. Let’s continue to learn, share, and celebrate together! #HispanicHeritageMonth #CultivatingFutures #CelebrateDiversity

Celebrating Minority Mental Health Month: Finding Safe Spaces in People July is Minority Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by minority communities regarding mental health. It’s also a time to recognize the importance of safe spaces in nurturing mental well-being. Sometimes, a safe place isn't a location but a person who offers understanding, support, and a sense of belonging. For many, this person can make all the difference in navigating life's challenges. ?? ?? A Safe Place is a Person Who: Listens Without Judgment: Offering a compassionate ear and understanding without criticism. Validates Experiences: Recognizing and affirming the unique experiences and feelings of minorities. Provides Support: Being there during tough times, offering practical help and emotional support. Encourages Seeking Help: Guiding towards professional mental health resources when needed. As we celebrate this month, let's commit to being that safe person for someone in our lives. Whether a friend, family member, or colleague, your support can be a lifeline. Let’s break the stigma and build a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. Join the Conversation Share your experiences or thoughts on how we can create more safe spaces for mental health support within our communities. Together, we can make a difference. Resources: https://lnkd.in/gXewVyCy #MinorityMentalHealthMonth #MentalHealthAwareness #SafeSpace #SupportEachOther #MentalWellBeing #CultivatingFutures #CultivatingRelationships

Cultivating Futures Doula and Lactation Services Empowering Mothers, Nurturing Babies Why Choose Cultivating Futures? Experienced Professionals: Our team include certified doula and lactation consultant dedicated to your well-being. Holistic Approach: We support you through every step of your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Community Focused: Connecting you with local resources and support groups to build a strong support network.

Celebrating the Success of Our Creative Art Program (CAP): In May, Cultivating Futures successfully wrapped up our Creative Art Program (CAP) sponsored by the Kent County Health Department. This initiative, in partnership with Kentwood Public Schools: Brookwood Elementary and Bridge Street Ministries, provided a 1 day of wellness and creativity for 33- 5th grade students at Brookwood Elementary students and 6 sessions for Bridge Street Ministries for 8-10 middle school students. We are incredibly grateful to the guardians and families for their unwavering support, and we extend our deepest appreciation to the administration teams at both sites for their collaboration. A special thank you to: Georgia Moss, Affirmation Teacher: For empowering our students with positive affirmations and self-belief. Sarah_G Miller MS, BC-DMT, LLPC Miller, Dance/Movement Therapist: For inspiring our students through the transformative power of dance and movement. Wylea Griggs, Mental Health Counselor: For providing essential mental health support and guidance. Your dedication and expertise have been instrumental in the success of this program. We are proud of the impact we've made and are excited about the future possibilities. Together, we are cultivating brighter futures for our youth! #CultivatingFutures #CreativeArtProgram #CAP #YouthWellness #CommunitySupport #MentalHealth #KentCountyHealth #KPS #KentwoodPublicSchools #BridgeStreetMinistries

Celebrating Juneteenth: Black Liberation, Freedom for All, and Black Excellence Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This day symbolizes Black liberation and is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice. At Cultivating Futures, we honor the strength, resilience, and excellence of the Black community. Juneteenth is not just a reflection on the past but a celebration of the vibrant culture, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals to society. As we celebrate, we also acknowledge the work that remains to ensure true freedom and equity for all. Let's continue to uplift Black voices, support Black businesses, and educate ourselves and others about the significance of this day. Join us in celebrating Black excellence and fostering a future where liberation and freedom are realities for everyone. #Juneteenth #BlackLiberation #FreedomForAll #BlackExcellence #CultivatingFutures #CelebrateFreedom

?? Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month! ?? Throughout May, we honor the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in our communities and beyond. This month is an opportunity to recognize the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions that make up the AAPI community and to celebrate the incredible impact they have had on our society. From pioneering innovations to enriching our arts and culture, AAPI individuals have played a vital role in shaping the fabric of our nation. Their resilience, creativity, and leadership inspire us all to embrace diversity, foster inclusivity, and strive for equity in every aspect of our lives. As we commemorate AAPI Heritage Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with the AAPI community, amplifying their voices, and advocating for justice and equality. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Join us in celebrating AAPI Heritage Month and honoring the vibrant tapestry of cultures that enriches our society. #AAPIHeritageMonth #CelebrateDiversity #InclusionMatters #CultivatingFutures

??? Exciting News from Cultivating Futures! ??? We're thrilled to announce that our Creative Art Program Kickoff at Alger Middle School was a tremendous success on February 27th! Over the next 8 weeks, we'll be dedicated to providing invaluable support to students through a variety of engaging activities. Our program encompasses dance, sound therapy, affirmations, and group therapy sessions, all designed to foster creativity, resilience, and well-being among students. We believe in the power of the arts to inspire, heal, and empower young minds, and we're honored to embark on this journey with the incredible students of Alger Middle School. A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed partners, Comprehensive Therapy Center (Saraha Miller) and Quantum Mental Health and Wellness Center (Wylea Griggs), for their invaluable contributions and leadership in making this program possible. Together, we're making a meaningful difference in the lives of these students. We're also deeply grateful to our funders, the Kent County Health Department and Mercantile Bank, for their generous support and commitment to our mission. Without their belief in our work, none of this would be possible. Stay tuned as we continue to keep you updated on the progress of this transformative program! Together, we're cultivating futures filled with creativity, resilience, and endless possibilities. #CultivatingFutures #CreativeArtProgram #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityPartnerships #Thankful #ImpactfulPrograms

?? Cultivating Futures Celebrates Black History Month! ???? At Cultivating Futures, we believe that learning, acknowledging, and celebrating Black history is not confined to a single month. Black history is an integral part of the rich tapestry of U.S. history, and we are committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and dismantling systemic racism every day of the year. ?? Continuous Learning: Let's make a pledge to educate ourselves on the profound contributions of Black individuals throughout history. By understanding and sharing their stories, we can contribute to a more inclusive narrative. ?? Expanding Friend Circles: Diversity is our strength! Let's actively seek to broaden our networks, ensuring that they authentically reflect the beauty of our global community. Together, we can create spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and respected. ?? Dispelling Systemic Racism: Our commitment extends beyond words. We actively work towards dismantling systemic racism by fostering an environment that champions equality and equity. Let's challenge and change structures that perpetuate injustice. ?? Let's Do This Together: Join us in making a difference, not just during Black History Month but throughout the year. Share your favorite resources, stories, or initiatives that celebrate Black history and contribute to a more inclusive future. Together, we can create lasting change. #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusionMatters #DiversityandInclusion #CultivatingFutures #EndSystemicRacism #EducationForAll

?? Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare Settings: Empowerment for Better Care ?? In healthcare, your voice matters! Here are key strategies to empower yourself and ensure you receive the best possible care: Educate Yourself: Stay informed about your health condition, treatment options, and potential side effects. Knowledge is your greatest tool. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider questions. Seek clarification on diagnoses, treatment plans, and any concerns you may have. Express Your Concerns: Share your symptoms, concerns, or changes in your condition openly. Your insights are crucial to creating an accurate health profile. Request Second Opinions: If faced with a complex diagnosis or treatment plan, consider seeking a second opinion to ensure you explore all available options. Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your patient rights, including privacy, informed consent, and access to medical records. You have the right to be involved in your healthcare decisions. Bring a Supportive Advocate: Having a trusted friend or family member with you during appointments can provide emotional support and help ensure your concerns are addressed. Keep a Health Journal: Document your symptoms, medications, and any changes in your health. This information can assist healthcare professionals in making informed decisions. Be Assertive, Not Aggressive: Advocate assertively for your needs without being confrontational. Clear communication fosters a collaborative relationship with your healthcare team. Follow Up: Ensure you understand post-appointment instructions and follow-up procedures. Consistent communication is key to maintaining your health. Utilize Digital Health Tools: Explore healthcare apps and platforms that allow you to track your health metrics, schedule appointments, and communicate with your healthcare team remotely. Remember, your active participation in your healthcare journey contributes to better outcomes. By advocating for yourself, you play a vital role in shaping your health and well-being. ?? #HealthcareAdvocacy #PatientEmpowerment #HealthAndWellness #CultivatingFutures