Explore Your Indigenous Roots 11/21/24

Photos from our "Explore Your Indigenous Roots" event!

Thank you to everyone who attended—we can't wait to see you at our next gathering, where we'll focus on how we do business.

Special thanks to our incredible volunteers, CTCD staff, and especially Chef Nnakina Xi-Amaru Fears from the Aboriginal Ministry of Justice. Your contributions made this event unforgettable!

Community Engagement

Thank you for the invite from our Raham Detroit family(Phillip Sample) This picture features Brittney, Community Treehouse Center Detroit's (CTCD) Community Engagement Specialist, sharing information about our services and training programs at a community event.






"Finding the Light Within: A Tale of Youth and Depression"

Once upon a time in a quiet, picturesque town nestled between rolling hills, there lived a young girl named Lily. She was bright-eyed, full of potential, and had a heart as vast as the ocean. However, behind her radiant smile hid a deep, persistent darkness - depression. Lily was just one of the many youth who silently battled this inner demon.

Lily's story began during her early teens when she started feeling overwhelmed by life's pressures. She had always been an A-grade student, a talented artist, and a loving friend. But as the years passed, the weight of expectations from school, her parents, and even her friends seemed unbearable.

One gloomy evening, as the rain tapped on her windowpane, Lily found herself lost in a sea of despair. She felt like she was drowning in her own thoughts, unable to breathe. It was then that she decided to confide in her closest friend, Sarah.

Sarah, a beacon of empathy and kindness, listened intently as Lily poured out her heart. She realized that her friend was in need of help and support. She gently suggested that Lily talk to her parents about her feelings, and Lily reluctantly agreed.

With Sarah by her side, Lily approached her parents that very night. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to articulate her pain. Her parents, concerned and loving, embraced her and assured her that they were there to support her through this challenging time.

The next morning, they reached out to a therapist specializing in adolescent depression. The therapist, Dr. Mitchell, welcomed Lily with a warm smile and a reassuring demeanor. With Dr. Mitchell's guidance, Lily began her journey toward healing. They explored the roots of her depression, identified coping strategies, and started the process of self-discovery.

But therapy was just one part of the puzzle. Lily's school, a place that had once been a source of joy, had become a major stressor. With the support of her parents, Dr. Mitchell, and Sarah, Lily approached her school counselor, Ms. Davis, to discuss her struggles.

Ms. Davis was understanding and compassionate. She collaborated with Lily's teachers to create a personalized plan that allowed for more flexibility in her assignments, giving her the space she needed to heal. Her school also introduced mindfulness sessions and mental health workshops, normalizing conversations about depression among the students.

As Lily's journey continued, she learned to manage her depression better. She discovered the power of mindfulness, art therapy, and the importance of self-compassion. Her friends and family, educated about her condition, became pillars of support, helping her navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that came with depression.

Years passed, and Lily blossomed into a young woman filled with resilience and hope. She realized that depression was a part of her story, but it did not define her. She decided to share her experiences through a blog, hoping that her story would inspire other youth who were struggling in silence.

Lily's blog, "Finding the Light Within," became a sanctuary for those who sought understanding and solace. She wrote about her journey, shared coping strategies, and encouraged open conversations about mental health. Through her blog, she connected with countless young people who found strength and courage in her words.

Lily's tale is a testament to the power of support, understanding, and resilience. Depression in youth is a battle that can be won with love, patience, and a community that cares. And as Lily continued to write her story, she knew that she was not alone on this journey; she had become a guiding light for others struggling to find their way out of the darkness.

Story Written by Tammy Black LLPC ,Creative Empowerment Counseling Services Corporation

 

Building a Treehouse of Hope: Nurturing the Environment, Mental Health, and Community

Creating an Oasis of Growth and Healing through Gardening, Donations, and Inclusive Foundations

Introduction: In the bustling cityscape of Detroit, amidst the concrete and steel, there stands a beacon of hope—a Community Treehouse Center. This innovative haven blends the wonders of nature with the nurturing of mental health, fostering an environment where individuals can flourish. Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to green spaces and support, the Treehouse Center has become a sanctuary for individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusive experiences, gardening therapy, and community-driven donations.

Chapter 1: The Treehouse: A Haven in the Urban Jungle The Treehouse Center, inspired by the majestic beauty of nature, symbolizes growth, unity, and rejuvenation. Rising above the city, this architectural marvel offers panoramic views of the surrounding urban landscape, while its wooden structure emanates warmth and serenity. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of an urban jungle, a vibrant ecosystem can be nurtured, and mental health can be prioritized.

Chapter 2: Nurturing the Environment, Nurturing the Soul The Treehouse Center is not only a physical space but also a catalyst for positive change. With an emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, the center incorporates rooftop gardens, vertical farming, and native plant species. Through gardening therapy programs, individuals are encouraged to reconnect with nature, cultivating not only plants but also a sense of inner peace and well-being.

Chapter 3: Mental Health: Branching Out to Support Within the Treehouse Center's walls, mental health takes center stage. The serene atmosphere and therapeutic activities provide individuals with a safe space to heal and grow. Trained counselors and therapists are on hand to offer support, addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. From group therapy sessions among the treetops to mindfulness workshops surrounded by lush greenery, the Treehouse Center strives to create an environment conducive to mental well-being.

Chapter 4: Gardening for Growth: Blooming Together Gardening serves as the cornerstone of the Treehouse Center's programs. Individuals of all abilities come together, donning gardening gloves and wielding trowels, as they embark on a journey of growth. The act of nurturing plants mirrors the process of personal growth, instilling a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and connection to the natural world. This shared experience fosters a strong sense of community and encourages collaboration among participants. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/960708?fbclid=IwAR24REHbmJraz2rKWPs1Ls-8MpKRA6uGNqwZfmq4S9s60jjBEs8t19z2LDo#vp_1

Chapter 5: Cultivating Donations, Cultivating Hope The Treehouse Center's vision extends beyond its physical boundaries. Through community-driven donations, the center ensures its sustainability and reaches out to even more individuals in need. Local businesses, philanthropic organizations, and passionate individuals contribute funds, resources, and time, enabling the center to expand its programs and extend its support to those who may not have had access to such services otherwise.

Chapter 6: Foundation of Inclusion: Embracing All Abilities Central to the Treehouse Center's philosophy is the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities. The center is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps, braille signage, and adaptive gardening equipment. Specialized programs cater to individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they can fully participate and benefit from the center's offerings. In this inclusive environment, individuals of all abilities thrive, breaking barriers and shattering societal stereotypes.

Conclusion: In the heart of Detroit, the Community Treehouse Center will stands tall, representing a place where the environment and mental health intertwine, flourishing together. Through the transformative power of gardening, the center nurtures not only the soil but also the souls of its participants. By cultivating a culture of inclusivity, fostering community support.

 

Easter Baskets Happy Easter / Halloween

Here are some of the Easter Baskets given to our youth. We have been having a Easter Event ever year since 2018. We would like to thank GFAGC for providing us with the easter baskets every year. Also there will be some pictures of Halloween 2023

Mindfulness Bike/Wheelchair Bike Riding Join Us

MCTC Presents Mindfulness Bike /Wheelchair Bike Riding- Join Us (families, Youth, Adults, Seniors, Individuals)

If you're interested complete form below.

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Mindfulness while cycling can help improve your workout and even motivate you to work out more often. It can help you enjoy the ride and always focus on the moment as you enjoy your surroundings.

Please complete the questionnaire at the link below

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9whW9JXGKPLdaXXU8R4340zx_1UjKKXlL-00aauxuopguaA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0T0t2BmJAy1PU4g0IQVKfig_NKNEphXhvk-soyoKnA1is96-rhOcEp7kw

Hello my Senior MCTC Year Round "Community Feel Good Physicals / Mental Health Program"

Starts in May our Yoga Instructor -Tee of Good Vibz Yoga & Well-Being

**Class starts May 11 , 2022 @ 2pm Every 2 weeks after- calendar coming soon

**259 Manistique Creative Empowerment Garden

Standing, Chair , Wheelchair this class is for all.(please bring your chair)

Benefits of Chair Yoga:

Increased Flexibility. The ability to bend, twist, stretch, and move freely is important for more than doing yoga

Improved Strength. Using your muscles to complete yoga poses builds strength

Improved Proprioception

Reduced Stress

Reduced Pain

Improved Pain Management Skills

Better Sleep

More benefits: Focusing on your movement, your breathing, and how your body is reacting to the exercise creates a kind of moving meditation that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves mental clarity. Like other forms of exercise, seated yoga may also help improve mood, your confidence and relieve anxiety and depression.

Who can benefit from chair yoga:

Chair yoga is an ideal exercise for those suffering from conditions, such as chronic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis. It may also benefit people over a certain age who have trouble moving through the up and down motions of traditional yoga. Chair yoga allows them to stay stabilized.

Let's create a space where our minds are free and clear from stresses. Practice starts from the inside out.- NAMASTE