May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and for us at LAHC (Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities), this month is about more than just raising awareness—it’s about demonstrating that mental wellness is achievable, practical, and personal.
In Wayne County, many people—especially those from Arab-American, immigrant, and first-generation communities—face mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, grief, and chronic stress. Life transitions, cultural pressures, and daily hardships can take a toll.
That’s why LAHC created Blooming Minds, a unique mental health program that uses recreational therapy to support emotional healing in a way that feels welcoming, creative, and culturally sensitive.
Why mental health needs a fresh approach in Wayne County, Michigan
Mental health isn’t just about how we feel—it affects how we live. It shapes our relationships, work, family life, and even physical health. When left unaddressed, emotional stress can become overwhelming.
In Wayne County, many adults are struggling silently with:
- Chronic stress and burnout
- Depression or prolonged sadness
- Anxiety or panic
- Grief or loss
- Low self-esteem or body image issues
- Bullying or past trauma
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to deal with it alone. LAHC’s Blooming Minds program was created to meet people where they are—and help them start healing.
LAHC’s commitment to mental wellness
LAHC has been serving the community for over 40 years, providing education, health, and social services to families across Wayne County, with a particular focus on underrepresented and immigrant communities. Mental health is one of LAHC’s core focus areas.
With programs like Behavioral Health Services and Blooming Minds, LAHC is breaking down barriers to therapy by offering services that feel accessible, respectful, and empowering.
What is recreational therapy?
Recreational therapy, also called therapeutic recreation, is a type of treatment that uses organized activities to help people with their mental and emotional health.
These activities are not just for fun—they are carefully planned to help people feel better and heal in a healthy way.
Benefits of recreational therapy:
- Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
- Boosts confidence, self-expression, and creativity
- Encourages social connection and teamwork
- Supports spiritual growth and mindfulness
- Improves physical and cognitive function
- Helps build a balanced and healthy lifestyle
Unlike traditional talk therapy, recreational therapy uses movement, art, music, and games to help people open up, express emotions, and reconnect with themselves in safe, meaningful ways.
Inside LAHC’s Blooming Minds Program
Blooming Minds is LAHC’s signature Recreational Therapy Program, led by a certified professional known as a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist). The program is based on evidence-based practices, meaning that the activities and interventions have been tested and proven to be effective.
What you can expect in Blooming Minds:
Participants take part in group sessions that may include:
- Stress management workshops
- Therapeutic art and music activities
- Gardening (horticultural therapy)
- Mindfulness and movement (such as yoga or breathing exercises)
- Creative expression through journaling, painting, or storytelling
- Games and physical activity to boost energy and connection
These sessions are designed to be interactive and healing, helping individuals rediscover joy, express their feelings in healthy ways, and build skills to manage everyday stress.
Who can join the program?
- Residents of Wayne County, Michigan
- Adults over 18 years old
- People dealing with depression, stress, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, or bullying
- Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by other LAHC programs
You do not need a formal diagnosis to join. If you are feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or anxious, Blooming Minds may be the right place to start your journey toward healing.
Participants can refer themselves or be referred internally from another LAHC service. The program is free and open to community members who want to prioritize their mental well-being in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Building community wellness, one session at a time
In Wayne County, many people are hesitant to seek therapy because it feels unfamiliar, clinical, or disconnected from their culture. That’s what makes Blooming Minds different.
This program meets people where they are, blending culturally sensitive care with creative, low-pressure activities that feel familiar, even joyful.
Especially during National Prevention Week (May 11–17), LAHC highlights the importance of preventing substance use and promoting mental wellness. Blooming Minds is one of the many ways we make that mission real—by helping people build strong minds, strong bodies, and stronger communities.
How to join Blooming Minds
Getting started is simple; Blooming Minds is open to all eligible community members.
Here’s how to enroll:
- Self-referral: Contact us directly to ask about joining. You must be 18 or older and live in Wayne County
- Internal referral: If you’re already in another LAHC program, staff can refer you
To register or learn more, contact:
- Marci Mahfouz, MS, BCBA, LBA, CPS
Behavioral Health Director
[email protected]
313-254-2660
How you can support LAHC and Blooming Minds
Even if you are not joining the program, there are many ways to support LAHC’s mental health work:
- Volunteer your time to help with events or activities
- Share information about Blooming Minds with someone who might need it
- Donate to support LAHC’s mission and services
- Follow LAHC on social media or visit their website to stay updated
Your help can make a difference for someone struggling in silence.
Wellness is for everyone: Mental health services in Wayne County
Mental wellness is not a luxury—it is a basic part of living a healthy life. In May and throughout the year, programs like Blooming Minds show us that there are many paths to healing, and that therapy can be creative, joyful, and deeply human.
If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, sadness, or emotional pain, don’t wait. LAHC is here to help with compassionate, community-based care through recreational therapy.
Support LAHC’s mission by donating or following us on Facebook to stay connected and make a difference all year.