America's Psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere Leads COVID-19 Mental Health Panel Discussion Hosted By CACAF

ATLANTA - May 14, 2020 - PRLog -- The Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation (CACAF) is working to help the community through COVID-19. CACAF is launching a free virtual series and outreach campaign called, Solace. Solace, which means comfort and consolation during a time of distress or sadness will connect the community to resources from professionals in mental health, financial management, government, education, and tourism. The program will include practical information and artistic content to keep artists, personalities, and professionals empowered and engaged.  The virtual series is being rolled out over a six-week period and coincides with outreach events for frontline workers in Atlanta. The virtual content will be presented every Saturday at 3p.m., beginning on May 16^th and will culminate on June 20^th toward the end of Caribbean American Heritage Month.

The first panel on mental health will feature nationally and internationally recognized experts: America's Psychologist, Dr. Jeff Gardere, Dr. Nicole Craigwell-Syms, Deputy Commissioner of Public Health, US Virgin Islands, Shaana Wilson, LMHC, Founder of Revolutionary Change Counseling LLC, Apollo Beach, FL, Semikah Yisrael-Johnson, LMFT, Founder of Committed to the Journey LLC, Largo, Maryland and Chris Scott, Master Life Coach, Founder of Coaching Forward International & the COVID-19 Coaching Support Helpline.

The series will kick off with motivational and uplifting presentations by Author & Poet, Artemis Skye McNeil, Electric Strings Artist, Wadadli Strings, Jazz Instrumentalists, Joe Gransden and Kenny Banks.

The outreach portion of the campaign kicked off on Friday, May 8^th, 2020 when the community engagement team at CACAF delivered warm authentic Caribbean meals to doctors and nurses at Emory University Hospital Midtown. The food prepared by Tassa Roti in Marietta, GA met all CDC guidelines for food preparation and social distancing. CACAF also donated handmade lanterns made by students from Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy in Atlanta. They wanted to thank healthcare workers for their sacrifice and hard work.

Michael Thomas, Chairman of CACAF said, "We are committed to our culture, community and any opportunity to show the connection and that we care. This is the direction we want to go," he continued "Our frontline workers are our national heroes and we want them to know the Caribbean community has benefited from their diligence and courage. We simply wanted to say, 'Thanks.'"

The virtual series and outreach are part of CACAF's long-term COVID-19 plan to provide support, engagement, and information to the community. The organization, which is known for cultural awareness, educational mentorship and aiding disaster relief efforts following hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, is now focused on helping during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about the Solace initiative and to reserve your spot, please visit www.culturaltickets.com.

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https://kennybanks.com/