Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Brenda Richardson Rowe.
Dr. Rowe, before we jump into specific questions about the organization, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always loved serving people. Following in the foot-steps of my mother, I choose to become a Registered Nurse and practiced nursing for 26 year. I was then called to full-time ministry as a Commissioned Minister of Counseling; focusing on providing services to those living with mental health issues and their families. Because of the great need in communities of color for Mental health awareness and education, I also focus on treatment and training. I have served with various organizations in the community such as MetroCare, NAMI, and Best Southwest Partnership. and CASA Faith committee, I am a member of American Association of Christian Counselors and American Counseling Association, I was awarded Mental Health Provider of the Year by NAMI Dallas in 2015 and the Faces of Hope award by the Halliburton Foundation in 2017.
I have an intimate love servicing within the faith community: Women of all ages Clients with relationship issues Clients with conflict and mediation issues Clients living with depression, anxiety, bipolar, generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but it has been a very rewarding road. Mental Health is not a topic the most people embrace due to stigma and fear. Getting individuals to trust me enough to receive information and treatment was one of the major obstacles. Focusing on people of color and faith was another challenge. I have been blessed to be supported by my pastor, Rev. Bryan Carter who provided ongoing support to my mission and paved the way in many ways in the faith community.
We’d love to hear more about the organization.
Harmony Community Development Corporation was established as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization in 2001 by Concord Church under the leadership of Dr. E. K. Bailey. We were organized to stimulate the development of affordable housing, create business ownership, and increase social services. Dr. Bryan Carter reestablished Harmony in 2007 in order to make strides towards impacting the community through resources, social services, and programs.
Today, Harmony provides services through its three major programs: Counseling, Resource Center and Food Pantry. Harmony targets residents of the South Oak Cliff area of Dallas, with additional concentration throughout the southern sector of Dallas, including the Best South cities of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, and Lancaster.
I am most proud of the focus of our mission: To Advance God’s presence by strengthening families and revitalizing neighborhoods through community-driven and solution-oriented approaches.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was always interested in helping others. I helped the elderly in our neighborhood and would assist my mother in caring for others who were sick. I enjoyed reading and listening to music. I played both the piano and organ and participated in various recitals. I presented in various oratorical contest reciting various speeches and poems. I always knew that I wanted to be a Nurse… following in my mother’s footsteps and God knew that he also had an additional assignment for me in helping individuals heal through emotional and mental health issues. I grew up attending church with my Uncle James and assisted him as he cared for the Pastor who was blind. I enjoyed growing up in a family and extended family filled with love. My father always made sure that his family was safe and well taken care of.
Pricing:
- Average cost $50.00/session
Contact Info:
- Address: 6969 Pastor Bailey Dr. Suite 250
Dallas, Texas 75237 - Website: www.harmonycdc.org
- Phone: 214.751.3932 (Counseling) / 214.467.6770 (Information line)
- Email: brichardsonrowe@harmonycdc.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/harmony_cdc
- Facebook: facebook.com/HarmonyCDC
- Twitter: twitter.com/harmonycdc
Image Credit:
Harmony Counseling Center Staff
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