SC Connecticut News

Over the weekend of April 19-21, 2024, a collaboration between the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) and Dixwell Q House launched a new mental health workshop series titled Brothers for Change. Developed by YCSC second-year social work fellow Christian Edwards, LMSW, the series aims to address the needs of Black male adolescents in an unprecedented manner. This initiative is part of Edwards' role as a Viola Bernard Social Justice and Health Equity Fellow at YCSC.

“The idea behind the series was simple yet profound—to tackle the unique challenges that young males of color face in their mental wellness and overall well-being,” commented Edwards. He shared that his motivation stemmed from his passion for working with Black male adolescents, aiming to empower them to be their best selves. “As a Black male myself, I reflected on the themes that I recall in my adolescence, and what I continue to observe in the young men I work with, seeking to address their needs with tailored programming,” he continued.

Teaming up with Dixwell Community House, known as the “Q House” and a significant institution in New Haven, the series offered workshops designed to meet the challenges faced by youth and their adult caregivers. Topics included mental health stigma, social media's impact on masculinity, using music to navigate difficult emotions, and mastering wellness and self-care.

Edwards emphasized the importance of representation among professionals present at these workshops. Consequently, he convened an all-Black panel of mental health providers with ties to YCSC. Youth attendees engaged with Ayotunde Ayobello, MD; Durrell Snow, LCSW; and Edwards himself; while caregivers were supported by Taryn Anderson, LCSW; Kristian Washington, MEd; and Belinda Oliver, MS. The event also featured an all-male panel discussion on men and mental health facilitated by Tara Davila, LCSW.

“The Viola Bernard fellows have each met the call of the fellowship in unique and important ways,” said Davila. “Chris's vision to serve a consistently under-resourced group was actualized in collaboration with Q House and those they serve... It was a joyful event.”

Carolina Parrott, director of YCSC’s advanced social work fellowship program added: “Brothers for Change was an impactful and empowering event that kindled meaningful dialogue... I hope this work will continue!”

This event marked the first collaboration where a clinic ventured into the community to facilitate such a program—an important step in building bridges within New Haven. The original Q House opened in 1924 as a settlement house for African Americans moving north during the Great Migration. Although it closed its doors in 2003, it reopened in 2021 through community activism. Today it serves various age groups in New Haven.