The People's Money (2024-2025)
Play your part: Your Money, Your Community, Your Vote!
Emotional + Mental Wellbeing Fair
- Do you have specific Neighborhood(s) in mind?
- The Hub, Morrissania , Tremont, Crotona Park,
- Which group(s) does your idea focus on? Select as many as apply.
-
YouthOlder AdultsPublic Housing ResidentsJustice Impacted PeoplePeople with DisabilitiesLimited English SpeakersImmigrants/ MigrantsVeteransLGBTQ+ PeopleParentsUnhoused PeopleLow Income PeopleBlack, Indigenous and/or People of ColorPeople with Limited Education, Sexual Assault Victims, People Recovering from Substance Abuse
- Describe the challenge you want to address:
- The Bronx is home to over 1.3 million people, with a large portion of the population of Latinx and Black descent earning between $25,000 and $78,000 annually. However, the cost of living in New York City is 41% higher than the state average and 77% higher than the national average, with costs continuing to rise. This economic strain means that many in the Bronx are caught in “survival mode,” struggling to meet basic needs while missing out on opportunities for education, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles. When people are just trying to survive, they lose sight of living fully. I see this in my community daily. Many of my friends and neighbors are financially literate but still struggle to save or invest, feeling like they’re always falling behind. Immigrants waiting for green cards can feel worthless and powerless. Parents constantly choosing between food, diapers, or basic hygiene products often experience guilt and stress, leading to mental health struggles. A criminal record can block job opportunities, pushing individuals toward depression and further hardship. Living in poorly maintained housing, with hazards like mold, rodents, or poor sanitation, creates chronic stress and worsens overall well-being. Chronic stress has serious health consequences: irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and physical symptoms like headaches or chest tightness. These conditions are not just personal struggles—they are the result of a system that doesn’t meet the needs of its most vulnerable.
- What is the solution to the challenge?
- We Are Budd is committed to reaching out to those who feel disconnected or lost in the struggle, to remind them that they are not alone. We believe that by fostering connection, care, and support, we can help those in our community rediscover their strength and potential. Our vision is to host a bi-seasonal Emotional & Mental Wellbeing Fair for Bronx residents, and eventually, for all New Yorkers. These fairs will take place during the Spring (April–June), just before summer arrives, and in the Fall (September–November), before the winter months set in. By timing these events around the seasons, we aim to preemptively address the challenges of Seasonal Depression, ease the stress of back-to-school and holiday pressures, and connect people with the resources they need. This includes local mental health providers, mutual aid organizations, food pantries, financial literacy educators, and most importantly—each other. The importance of community and support for mental wellbeing cannot be overstated. Studies show that having a supportive network has a profound effect on our physical and emotional health. When we feel connected, our bodies release oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which reduces stress and lowers blood pressure, promoting overall heart health. In contrast, isolation and chronic stress can increase the risk of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, while also weakening our immune systems. Creating spaces where we can relax, have fun, and let go of our burdens is not just enjoyable—it’s essential for our health. Joyful moments, like those we will experience at our fair, have scientifically proven benefits: they reinforce positive emotions, boost our brain’s ability to learn and retain information, increase motivation and resilience, improve sleep, and elevate focus and attention. These moments of joy not only contribute to better mental health but also help us bounce back from life’s challenges with renewed strength and a clearer mind. Our fair will offer fun, free activities for everyone—rides, popcorn machines, face painting, and giveaways from local organizations in the health and wellness industries. More than just an event, this is a celebration of who we are as a community—a chance to connect, unwind, and tap into the power of solidarity and support. By coming together, we foster better self-esteem, healthier relationships, and greater mental clarity, which empower us to make better choices and build a more resilient future. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and wellbeing that extends beyond the fair. When people feel seen, supported, and valued, they make better choices for themselves and their families. And it’s through that collective strength that we will transform lives—not just for today, but for generations to come.
- Please provide your Zip Code
- 10460
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