Self-care: mental health training for you and your staff

In 2020, the Foundation team heard that many nonprofit leaders and staff were struggling with higher than “normal” levels of stress as staff continue to work to respond to people and families impacted by COVID-19 and respond to the emotional toll of police brutality that has led to the current racial justice movement. As society continues to address its historic racial injustices and as the virus and its impacts persists, the emotional toll felt by nonprofit staff endures.

The Foundation committed to offering a series of virtual trainings in partnership with nonprofits that have mental health and wellness expertise for six months, with the final two months of trainings currently planned in March and April. While these virtual trainings are not meant to replace mental health services, our hope is that they will provide nonprofit leaders and staff with tools and resources that help them maintain their own mental wellness. Caring for nonprofit staff members is critical to ensure they are able to continue to support communities during this time. Please feel free to share this resource with your colleagues in the sector. Below are some quotes from nonprofit peers who have participated in some of the sessions:

There is no health without mental health so it is important we break the stigma and become educated – no silence, no shame, no stigma, no suicide.

Very informative – great tips for getting out of that negative thinking.

Such wonderful information, great reminders and ways to reframe.

This training helped me think about how trauma and resilience show up not just for clients, but for ourselves and our colleagues.

Compassion Fatigue! Eye opening.

The sessions are first come, first served and the sessions have limited availability. You can find the updated training calendar and additional information on how to register by visiting the mental health trainings page of our website. For any questions, reach out to Alyssa Cobbs or Felix Rodriguez. If you have attended any of these trainings and would like to share your experience, we would love to hear from you as we explore ways to continue to support nonprofit staff mental health and wellness.