The words “imani” and “ustawi” are Swahili meaning “faith” and “wellness.” The Imani + Ustawi Initiative will provide a variety of opportunities for members to explore healing of trauma, achieve and maintain good mental, physical and spiritual wellness via several different healing modalities that employ ancestral healing wisdom. Imani + Ustawi Initiative will include:

• Workshops in African Dance Therapy, Art Therapy, Nutrition, Mindfulness and Meditation, Herbal Therapy, Acupuncture, Drum Circles and Group Talk Therapy for Men — all of which led by African and African American practitioners certified/licensed in their respective fields. These workshops will be free to Imani members (and community members as space permits).

• Individual therapy services for Imani members who desire therapy but are uninsured or under-insured and cannot otherwise afford it. Members in need will receive a referral to a licensed therapist. Imani will pay for the first session and subsidize a limited number of follow-up sessions as requested and as funds permit.

• Wellness Groups for members and community members to gather regularly to walk or hike trails around the East Bay as a means of connecting with nature and one another.

• The annual 3-day Institute for Christian Discipleship this summer will focus on mental health, wellness and relationships with Dr. Donna Battle.

• Mental Health First Aid Training for Imani’s pastoral staff and Congregational Care Givers (CCGs). This will equip the leaders with tools to recognize when members are experiencing crisis, lead them to appropriate services in the community, and reduce the potential for harm from the pulpit.

We hope that you will avail yourself to these and other events and activities as announced throughout the year.