Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Mainja.
Hi Kayla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us. To start, could you share some of your backstory with our readers?
Helen’s Project started as a vision born from my personal experiences and professional journey as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the lack of accessible mental health resources within the BIPOC community and the profound impact this had on individuals and families. This deeply influenced my passion for mental health advocacy and my commitment to making a difference.
After years of working in various mental health settings and seeing the persistent barriers that marginalized communities face, I knew something had to change. The idea for Helen’s Project took root from a desire to create a supportive and inclusive platform that provides affordable, culturally competent mental health care to those who need it most.
Starting a nonprofit was not easy. The initial stages involved extensive research, building a dedicated team, and securing funding. There were moments of doubt and numerous obstacles, from navigating the complexities of establishing a 501(c)(3) organization to ensuring we had the resources to support our mission effectively. However, the unwavering support from our community and the incredible dedication of our team kept us moving forward.
Today, Helen’s Project stands as a testament to resilience and community strength. We offer a range of services, including affordable counseling, cultural competency training, and collaborative partnerships to enhance mental health support. Our journey is ongoing, and we continue to evolve and adapt to better serve our community.
Looking back, I am immensely proud of how far we’ve come. The journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs, and each step has brought us closer to our goal of breaking down barriers and ensuring that mental health care is a right, not a privilege. Together, we are creating a future where mental wellness is accessible to all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey with Helen’s Project has not always been smooth. We have faced numerous challenges, from securing funding to ensuring our services are accessible to those who need them most. One of the biggest struggles has been breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health within the BIPOC community.
Additionally, building trust and creating culturally competent programs that truly resonate with our community has required constant learning and adaptation. Despite these obstacles, we remain committed to our mission. Each challenge has strengthened our resolve and has been a stepping stone toward providing better, more inclusive mental health care.
We are proud of our progress and grateful for the support of our community and partners, who have stood by us through thick and thin. Together, we continue to push forward, knowing that the road to mental wellness is one worth traveling.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Your Journey to Healing Starts Here: At Helen’s Project, we’re committed to walking alongside you every step of the way. Explore our resources, connect with our community, and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
Introducing Helen’s Project: Helen’s Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to revolutionizing mental health care within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community. Founded by Kayla Mainja, LCSW, a passionate mental health advocate, Helen’s Project strives to break down barriers and ensure that affordable and accessible mental health resources are available to underserved communities.
At Helen’s Project, we specialize in providing comprehensive mental health support tailored to the unique needs of the BIPOC community. We are known for our commitment to cultural competency and our dedication to making mental health care accessible to everyone. Our services include:
Affordable Counseling Services: We offer sliding scale fees to ensure that everyone has access to quality mental health care.
Cultural Competency Training: We train mental health professionals to better understand and address the needs of BIPOC clients.
Collaboration with Partners: We work with other organizations and community partners to enhance the reach and effectiveness of our services.
Helen’s Project stands out for its unwavering dedication to the BIPOC community. Our culturally competent approach ensures that clients feel understood and supported. We are proud of our ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have historically been underserved in mental health care.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the trust and positive impact we have built within the BIPOC community. Our efforts have led to increased awareness and acceptance of mental health support, breaking down stigmas and encouraging more people to seek help.
We understand that taking the first step towards mental health support can be daunting. You are not alone—we are here for you. Our mission is to provide a supportive and accessible platform to help you navigate your mental health journey.
At Helen’s Project, together we Heal.
Our Core Initiatives:
Affordable Counseling Services
Cultural Competency Training
Collaboration with Partners
Join us in our mission to create a healthier, happier, and more inclusive community.
What’s next?
We are excited to expand our services to include more specialized therapy programs, increase our outreach within underserved communities, and launch an online mental health resource platform.
Our goal is to continue breaking down barriers to mental health care and to support even more individuals on their journey to healing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.helensproject.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helensproject?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
