Mental Health Awareness Month is here, and at LAHC (Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities), we believe mental health should be more than just a conversation—it should be part of everyday life.
If you’re living in Wayne County, especially as a member of the Arab-American or immigrant community, you know that mental well-being isn’t just about therapy.
It’s about real-life needs: having a job, being able to use a computer, preparing healthy meals for your family, and feeling connected to your community.
That’s why LAHC takes a holistic approach to mental wellness, embedding support into everything we do—from job coaching to nutrition classes. When we help people build stability in their lives, their mental health naturally improves.
How mental health and community go hand-in-hand
When you’re worried about how to pay the bills or how to send an email for a job application, it’s hard to focus on your emotional well-being.
That’s why LAHC integrates mental health into all our community programs.
Here’s what we know:
- A stable job lowers anxiety.
- Digital skills give people confidence.
- Knowing how to cook and eat well can improve both your body and mood.
- Feeling supported and connected reduces isolation and depression.
LAHC’s model doesn’t separate mental health from daily life—it makes it part of it.
LAHC’s vision for holistic and community support
As a Dearborn-based nonprofit, LAHC serves thousands of individuals in Wayne County through programs that focus on education, employment, family health, and wellness.
Mental health is included in all of these areas—not just as an add-on, but as a key part of success.
LAHC’s Behavioral Health Services, Recreational Therapy, and Community Programs are all designed around the concept that mental well-being is enabled when individuals have access to the necessary tools, skills, and support in their daily lives.
Bridging the Gap: Our programs that support minds and lives
WayneLINC: Supporting Employment and Mental Health Together
Looking for a job can be stressful. WayneLINC, a partnership between LAHC, Wayne County, and SEMCA, helps people not only find work but build the confidence and structure they need for success.
This free program provides:
- One-on-one job coaching to set and achieve career goals
- Personalized career planning with expert advice
- ESL (English as a Second Language) support for non-native speakers
- Behavioral health services, so emotional support is always available
- Childcare and transportation help, so barriers don’t block progress
- Digital and financial literacy classes, because job success takes more than just a résumé
By offering mental health services alongside job training, WayneLINC recognizes that emotional well-being and career success are closely intertwined.
It’s simple: People feel better when they feel capable, supported, and financially secure.
Digital literacy courses that teach skills to reduce stress and open career opportunities
For many adults, especially ESL learners, technology can be overwhelming. But not knowing how to use a laptop, email, or online tools can limit your ability to work, communicate, or even manage your health.
That’s why LAHC offers free Digital Literacy Courses, available in Arabic and English, to help adults feel confident and capable in today’s digital world.
Each course teaches:
- Basic computer skills: how to use a laptop, navigate browsers, and find information
- Email and communication: how to write professionally, stay safe online, and build your digital presence
- Job search tools: how to apply for jobs, write resumes, and set up online profiles
- Safety online: protecting personal information and avoiding scams
And yes—laptops are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own!
Sign up for Digital Literacy Courses here!
Community outreach and education that supports adults
LAHC doesn’t stop at job and tech training. Our organization offers Programs for Adults that support mental wellness through wellness education, fitness programs, and cooking classes—all of which contribute to a balanced, healthy life.
Women’s Fitness and Nutrition
This program teaches women how to stay physically active and make healthy food choices. Sessions are fun and interactive, and include:
- Yoga and strength exercises
- Nutrition label reading
- Meal planning and food budgeting
- Hula hooping and jump rope activities
Being physically active is one of the best ways to reduce stress, boost mood, and support long-term mental health.
Adult Cooking Classes
These hands-on sessions focus on:
- Healthy cooking habits
- Smart grocery shopping
- Portion control
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Reducing added sugars
Food and mood are deeply connected. When people eat well, they feel better, physically and emotionally.
Public Health Campaigns and Education
Throughout the year, LAHC also hosts workshops and shares resources on:
- Stress management
- Substance use prevention (especially during National Prevention Week)
- Mindfulness and self-care strategies
- Healthy living for families
These workshops are part of LAHC’s public health commitment and often take place in schools, community centers, or online.
By educating the public in both English and Arabic, LAHC ensures these messages are understood and respected across cultures.
Future plans and community involvement at LAHC
We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re not stopping here.
LAHC is actively working to expand mental health support through:
- More recreational therapy options
- New cohorts for digital and ESL learners
- Greater outreach for behavioral health services
- More public education campaigns across Wayne County
But we need your help to keep growing.
How you can get involved
Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a working professional, there are many ways you can help LAHC promote mental health in the community:
- Volunteer your time to help run programs
- Refer someone who could benefit from LAHC’s services
- Sign up for free courses or workshops
- Share resources with family and friends
- Partner with LAHC through your school, business, or nonprofit
Make an impact today—follow LAHC on Facebook, give a donation, or volunteer to support our programs and stay updated throughout the year.