HEALING MINDS: A Mental Health Program for Sexual Abuse Survivors and Education for Students and Youth

Objective

Support survivors: Provide mental health resources, group counseling and peer support and groups for survivors of sexual abuse

Quick Facts:

Date: February 26,2025.

Location: Bravo Pizza

Organized By: Your Feelings Matter.

The event was attended by 17 people 10 sexual abuse survivors 3 guest who belong in the field of counseling and 4 trainers

Activities Therapy Event Summary – Activities Overview

The therapy event began with an introduction session, where participants shared their names and roles or experiences. This set the tone for openness, connection, and respect among all attendees.

We then transitioned into a story-sharing moment, where individuals reflected on what it felt like to be victims or survivors of emotional or psychological pain. This was followed by our first guided session on Trauma Awareness, led by a mental wellness coach.

In this session, we covered:

The definition and understanding of trauma
Signs of unhealed trauma
The distinction between coping and healing
A guided self-reflection exercise
The role and responsibility of a counselor in supporting healing

After an emotional yet empowering session, we enjoyed a light break with refreshments and snacks, allowing participants to recharge and informally connect. Our second session focused on “Connecting Emotions to What You Truly Want”—a powerful conversation on aligning emotional awareness with personal goals and inner needs.

Closing:

A photo session to celebrate presence and community

Distribution of mental health resource packages—each attendee received a gift bag containing a journal notebook, stress puzzle, affirmation cards, a marker pen, and other mental wellness tools

A heartfelt thank-you and farewell session, closing the event with gratitude, hope, and encouragement for continued healing. The event was a meaningful step toward emotional awareness, support, and restoration for everyone involved.

Financial Summary

Total fund collected:210$

Venue: 110$

Drinks and Bites: 50$

Stationeries for everyone: 30$

The rest of the money 20$ goes to our community outreach In a school and one community outreach program at the community with children.

Therapy Session Feedback Summary

Following the event, participants expressed deep gratitude for the safe, supportive, and empowering environment created during the session. Many shared that it was their first time openly speaking about their emotional wounds, and they felt truly seen, heard, and validated. Our survivors and attendees highlighted the importance of the trauma awareness session, noting how helpful it was to finally understand their experiences in a structured, informed way. The self-reflection exercises and discussion around coping vs. healing were especially impactful.

Several participants expressed a desire for ongoing sessions, emphasizing that one day wasn’t enough to unpack their healing journey. Many requested that this becomes a continuous program—a safe space where healing, connection, and emotional growth can continue over time.

There was also strong appreciation for the mental health gift packages, with participants sharing how meaningful and thoughtful the tools were, especially the journaling notebook and affirmation cards. The event left attendees feeling inspired, comforted, and more emotionally aware. The feedback was clear: this initiative matters deeply—and the community needs more of it.

THANKS GIVING

The HEALING MINDS A Mental Health Program for Sexual Abuse Survivors and Education for Students and Youth was successful it met its objectives, raising significant funds and increasing community awareness about mental health. Planning of the next session because our survivors still want to talk about more they asked for more sessions

Thank you for your generous support. Your contributions not only help us continue our mission but also foster a sense of inclusion and empathy within the community. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey and for believing in the power of compassion. To everyone who joined our therapy session—thank you for showing up for yourselves and for each other.

With deep gratitude to our amazing sponsors and supporters for making this safe, transformative space possible. Your belief in mental health work is a light for many. Asanteni sana.