Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Moore.
Hi Cynthia, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My journey began as a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), where I regularly supported clients grappling with mental health challenges and substance use issues. Despite teaching coping mechanisms, I realized there was more to be done. This realization prompted me to pursue a master’s degree in social work with a focus on mental health. As a social work student, I delved into understanding why individuals with mental illness faced barriers to community access and experience a poor quality of life. I was determined to uncover the root causes rather than merely addressing the symptoms. It became evident that communities with high poverty rates experienced elevated rates of both mental illness and poor physical health. This insight fueled the inception of Be Natural, driven by a commitment to enhance the well-being of these communities by addressing mental and physical health outcomes.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. When our nonprofit was established, it was a time before the pandemic, and occurrences of mass shootings were rare. Mental health wasn’t in the spotlight; it wasn’t “a thing”. Nonetheless, we persisted in our mission. With the onset of COVID-19 and subsequent mass shootings, mental health suddenly became a focal point, “the thing”. This shift placed us in a favorable position. However, as a small and relatively new nonprofit, securing funding has remained a persistent challenge. Without an extensive and proven track record, obtaining grants has proven to be difficult. Like many other small nonprofits, sustainability is an ongoing struggle for us. Initially, networking posed its own challenges, but as we cultivated relationships and formed partnerships, these obstacles began to diminish.
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?
We are a 501c3 organization dedicated to serving southern Dallas and its surrounding regions. One of our initiatives is advocacy and education, primarily through adult and youth mental health first aid (MHFA) training. One of the things that distinguishes us is our second initiative, a holistic approach to teaching stress management strategies like qigong/tai chi. Additionally, our third initiative focuses on the use of evidence-based and trauma-informed activities such as drumming, slam poetry, rap, and songwriting, tailored for both adults and at-risk youth. Personally, I take immense pride in our overarching mission: to enhance the mental and physical well-being of underserved populations- one individual, one family, and one community at a time.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
The dark brown girl with the long pigtails that loved music. Music has been my lifelong passion, igniting a desire to move and dance alongside its rhythms. Beginning with piano lessons and bass clarinet in the 6th grade, I eagerly participated in piano recitals to showcase my musical talents. Transitioning into high school, I found myself drawn to the marching band, relishing every moment spent in its vibrant atmosphere. I also found joy in symphonic band performances and lived for UIL competitions, where classical music took center stage. Additionally, my love for singing and piano playing led me to explore the world of pageants. For me, music was and still is more than just a hobby—it was a deep-seated commitment that I embraced wholeheartedly.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.benaturalwellness.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benaturalwellness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Benaturalmusictherapy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-moore-058ba96b/
Image Credits
Niyography
