Mental health has long been a concern for society, but the past decade has seen it become a hotter topic with more people growing aware. When the world succumbed to the global pandemic, health protocols required people to stay at home, away from friends and loved ones. As a result, mental health became a primary concern for millions, and Kristal Clark went out to develop a solution. Next month, she will be holding the second “Break the Silence – Mental Health Check-In” event with sponsor PUSH for DREAMS.
Kristal Clark (also known as Coach Kristal Klear) has made it a point to take the lead amid these difficult times with her voice and platform. She is the CEO and founder of the Rock Paper Scissors Foundation or RPS. The foundation was built to equip people going through various difficulties, including abuse, addiction/addictive behaviors, COVID isolation, and struggles with mental health issues.
RPS lends its services to men, women, and children of all ages and cultural and social-economic backgrounds. However, the foundation mainly focuses on minorities as they overcome mental health issues stigma within the communities. RPS is designed to provide a healing roadmap and provide the necessary tools to live productive, whole lives.
Coach Kristal Klear is familiar with the pain, trauma, mental battles, and healing associated with being a survivor of abuse. Yet rather than allow the experience to overcome her, she dedicated her life to helping others break their silence and walk the often-rocky road to healing and recovery.
Rock Paper Scissors Foundation recently partnered with PUSH for DREAMS, created by founder and president Dr. John “PUSH” Gaines and powered by rIDEALS. The latter addresses the systemic effects of racism and offers hands-on support on how to design a healing future with compassionate leadership.
PUSH for DREAMS is a non-profit organization that collaborates with schools to focus on service-leadership, DE&I, and culturally responsive teaching. In addition, the organization empowers, supports, and mentors students with specialized and customized, highly structured, and comprehensive group mentoring.
“We focus on a group mentoring model, emphasizing social-emotional learning, leadership, character development, and basic life skills curricula,” said the PUSH for DREAMS team.
rIDEALS is a hub that comprises consultants and trainers who collaborate to provide individuals with professional learning opportunities that center around racial Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Leadership, and Services, all of which make up the acronym rIDEALS.
Rock Paper Scissors Foundation believes that inclusion and diversity are essential when dealing with mental health. The organization has decided to tackle the mindset that most minorities have regarding help. They are working to even the playing field regarding prevention and education.
On May 7, 2022, RPS will be holding its second “Break the Silence – Mental Health Check-In” program in Tacoma, Washington. It will be handled by WA neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf, who will grace the stage with big names, including former NFL player and mental health therapist Jay Barness of Dallas, Texas, mental health advocate and national recording artist Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, and national recording artist Jessica Reedy. They will be speaking to thousands to help combat the epidemic head-on.
Participants interested in joining can get their tickets virtually or in person. Those unable to make it to Tacoma will get the opportunity to join the Rock Paper Scissors Foundation’s tour as they visit more cities to shake the world of mental health awareness.
