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Play Equity to Advance Mental Health (sponsored by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative

We aim to address the lack of play equity and its impact on mental health and access to inclusive services for underserved communities. Play inequity disproportionately affects under-resourced areas, limiting recreation and well-being. Consequences include increased stress, isolation, and higher rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Limited providers, stigma, and systemic barriers hinder access to inclusive mental health services. Urgently addressing this issue mitigates negative impacts, empowers individuals, and promotes well-being. Disparities exist, with underserved areas lacking parks and facing higher mental health challenges. Our focus on play equity enhances well-being and resilience in underserved communities.

The Therapeutic Play Foundation aims to address play equity and provide culturally inclusive mental health services for under-resourced communities. Our strategies involve increasing the representation and training of Black mental health providers and play therapists. We recruit and support individuals from Black communities interested in mental health careers, offering scholarships, mentorship programs, and culturally competent training to enhance the availability of inclusive services. We establish community centers as accessible and inclusive healing spaces, offering expressive arts activities and ensuring access to green spaces for outdoor engagement. Community engagement includes awareness campaigns, collaboration with influential figures, and culturally sensitive workshops. We strengthen education and career pathways through mentorship programs, scholarships, and diverse curricula. Success is measured by increased representation, utilization of healing spaces, community engagement, and reported improvements in mental health. We aim to create a supportive environment, foster resilience, and promote a healthier, more equitable future.

Our goal is to address play equity and promote mental health in Los Angeles County. With this grant, we aim to create a future where everyone has equal access to play and culturally inclusive mental health support. We will establish community programs, train Black mental health providers, and develop partnerships to expand our reach, increasing access in under-resourced communities. In the long term, we envision a county prioritizing play and mental health, resulting in improved well-being and stronger communities. We will scale our initiatives, collaborate with stakeholders, and advocate for systemic change. Through our efforts, Los Angeles County will become an inclusive, equitable, and mentally healthy environment where the joy of play is accessible to all.

As a proposed pilot effort, we'll evaluate our project comprehensively. We'll use qualitative and quantitative methods to measure success. Qualitatively, we'll collect feedback from participants, stakeholders, and the community through surveys, interviews, and focus groups to understand their experiences and perceptions. Quantitatively, we'll track metrics like individuals served, access to play spaces, and mental health service utilization. Pre- and post-assessments will measure changes in mental health outcomes, including well-being and reduced disparities. This evidence will demonstrate our project's effectiveness in addressing play equity and promoting mental health. It'll guide decision-making, program adjustments, and potential scaling in the future.

Painted Brain will train our staff, enhancing their skills and supporting participants. First AME Church will provide space for our workshops, creating a nurturing environment. These partnerships empower us to deliver impactful experiences and promote inclusivity in our community.