The Sparkfund Donates $200,000 To Support Mental Health For Black Men In Atlanta

by Jameelah Mullen November 15, 2024 ‘By supporting mental health, we can help break the stigma around seeking help and promote emotional well-being within our community.’ The Spark Fund, a collaboration between the Global Fund for Children and The Imperative, launched a youth-led initiative to donate $200,000 in grants to support Atlanta-based organizations focusing on Black male mental health.  The initiative comprises a panel of Black men ages 18-30 who received educational tools to guide them through grant writing and equity training. The men then researched and selected five organizations to each receive a $40,000 grant. The recipients: Black Male Initiative Georgia, Close Ties Leadership Program, Silence the Shame, and The Counseling Brothers of Atlanta.  “As a 21-year-old Black man, I feel it is important to support the mental health of young Black men and boys because they face unique challenges related to systemic racism and societal expectations,” said Kenneth Jones, a Spark Fund participant. “By supporting mental health, we can help break the stigma around seeking help and promote emotional well-being within our community.” Dr. Avery Rosser, president and CEO of The Counseling Brothers of Atlanta, expressed gratitude for receiving the grant.  “These funds will allow us to provide...