Programs and Initiatives
At EastMind Collective, we are committed to raising mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and creating safe spaces for healing within the East African diaspora.
Our programs and initiatives focus on storytelling, creative expression, and community engagement, ensuring that mental wellness is accessible and culturally relevant.
📖 JAMII Digital Wellness Toolkit
A self-guided mental health and wellness resource designed to support healing and self-reflection. Designed for individuals, community groups, and educators looking for culturally aware mental wellness tools.
The JAMIl Digital Wellness Toolkit was created to provide individuals with practical tools for navigating mental health, self-care, and collective well-being. Recognizing that traditional mental health resources are not always culturally relevant to the East African diaspora, this toolkit offers approachable, self-guided wellness activities that reflect our lived experiences, identities, and challenges.
Here's What's Inside our Toolkit:
Reflective Exercises - Inspired by thought leaders like Audre Lorde's A Questionnaire to Oneself to encourage introspection and self-discovery.
Book & Podcast Recommendations - Curated resources that speak to mental health, identity, and personal growth from diverse perspectives.
Wellness Activities - Practical self-care exercises, journaling prompts, and techniques to navigate stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.
🖋️ Misaan Creativity (Coming Soon)
A creative wellness program designed to foster mental well-being through artistic expression. Stay tuned for updates! If funded, we will be launching soon.
"Misaan" —meaning balance in Somali-is a program we hope to launch soon, providing Black youth in the Jane and Finch area with a space to explore mental wellness through creativity.Funded by the City of Toronto's Ignite Grant, the program is currently in the development phase. If additional funding is secured through the SPARK Grant.
We aim to bring this vision to life through four engaging workshops:
🎨 Customizing Blank KAWS/Bearbrick Figures - A hands-on session where participants personalize art pieces to express identity, emotions, and personal stories.
🖋️ Community Slam Poetry Event - A poetry slam designed to provide a healing space through spoken word and storytelling.
📷 Photography/Videography: "Shot on an iPhone" - A creative session where youth learn visual storytelling using smartphones.
🕯️Incense-Making Workshop: Crafting Scents of Safety - Participants create their own personalized incense blends, evoking memories, emotions, and cultural ties.
👗 Abaya Swap & Drive (Happening Now!)
A community-led initiative ensuring everyone has access to Eid attire.
The Abaya Swap & Drive is officially live! This initiative allows community members to donate, swap, rent, or receive abayas for free, making Eid more accessible for all.
Here’s how it works:
👗 Donate an Abaya – Drop off gently used abayas to support the community.
🔄 Swap for a New One – Exchange your abaya for another.
🤲🏾 Pick Up an Abaya – No donation? No problem—you can still take one for free.
📍 Rent an Abaya – Borrow an abaya for Eid and return it after use.
Join us in fostering community care and ensuring everyone has something beautiful to wear this Eid!
Email us to Get Involved!
EASTMINDCO@GMAIL.COM