Program areas at HCN
Ma'at: Ma'at is a groundbreaking, revolutionary program that annually provides over 5,000 hours of Afri-centric, culturally affirming mental health care. Black therapists work with Black children, youth, and families to address the historical legacies of intergenerational racism, inequity, and trauma from a healing-centered approach. Ma'at Youth Leadership: The Youth Leadership Program provides an empowering peer group for Black/ African American youth from various high schools across San Francisco by focusing on mental health and leadership. Youth receive mentorship and learn valuable skills in community building, communication, teamwork, advocacy, storytelling, self-care, and planning for the future they deserve.
Mental Health Services:Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT): The general EPSDT program serves over 75 children, youth and families through individual therapy, family therapy, collateral support, and case management. Therapists provide strength-based, trauma-informed, and family-focused mental health services and referrals.Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC): We partner with over 60 different sites throughout San Francisco to ensure the psychological well-being of young children ages 0-5 and their families. We support the city's youngest residents through individual and group consultation, workshops and support groups for families, training and support for providers, and observation and groups for children. Amani Mental Health Training: The Amani program provides new education and employment opportunities for at least 25 Black/African American city residents each year. We are re-imagining and challenging conventional mental health education and employment pathways by growing the number of peer support and mental health professionals trained to meet the urgent need for an Afri-centric, culturally responsive mental health and wellness approach. Kuamka Community Healing Arts: "Kuamka" means "to awaken" in Swahili, and the program trains and supports Black artists and therapists in awakening a new healing, both within themselves and the community, thereby empowering them to then facilitate over 50 healing arts groups over the year throughout San Francisco. Brighter Futures: The Brighter Futures program ensures mental health services for the Black/African American community are accessible regardless of insurance, ability to pay, or familiarity with a mental health system that often alienates and pathologizes them. The Community Therapist in this program provides a wide range of services for individuals, families, groups, and community partners, including consultation, training, workshops, groups, healing circles, and individual and family therapy.
Africentric Programs:Community Innovations Mini-Grants: Grantees receive an average of $5,000 per award through innovative, streamlined pathways to access urgently needed funding. Mini-grant proposals aim to promote joy and wellness in the larger Black community, and advance social justice endeavors for marginalized community members, including Black youth, LGBTQ+ community members, and those who are homeless or experiencing housing instability. Afro-Cultural Preservation Mini-Grants: Grantees receive an average of $10,000 per award to support and fund events centering marginalized communities, especially the Black/African American LGBTQ+ community, in order to promote and preserve the history and legacy of historically Black neighborhoods in San Francisco.