Akea’s Heart Inc. has been providing therapeutic and self-care services to members of the Reuniting Family Bail Fund, the Participatory Defense-Montco Hub and the Montgomery County chapter of the Prison Aid Society since 2021. Not only is it imperative that support is provided for families who have contact with the criminal legal system, but it is critical to support the mental health of those providing the support. This project aims to expand and fund therapeutic services for children of color and their families in Montgomery County who have experienced trauma, gun violence, or parental incarceration; it gives an opportunity for holistic measures to replace punitive consequences. This funding will bridge a service gap by providing free therapy delivered by therapists of color, reducing the stigma around mental health care, and offering additional support to families involved with the criminal justice system. This initiative intends to assist over 30 families and gather data to advocate for sustained funding for culturally competent mental health care.
