Supporting Sista Afya

For June’s donation, Hav Healthy Hair and Virtue is supporting Sista Afya - a social impact businesses provide mental wellness support and education for black women. For CEO Kami Wills, helping to overcome the stigma of mental health within black communities is something she promotes throughout her business.

Sista Afya takes a community support approach to mental wellbeing. Beneficiaries of their work are welcomed into their community to access quality mental health services. They focus on supporting one another and providing the right resources so individuals living with mental health conditions can heal, grow and feel free. They primarily serve black women aged 18-38 in the Chicagoland area, but also work with women who are older than 35 and teens between the ages of 13- 17.

Overcoming mental health conditions and being able to ask for help is a huge problem in the black community. In many families and cultures, well being is not a topic that is openly discussed, and that lack of empathy and awareness makes it difficult for these conversations to happen. However, support networks such as Sista Afya offer a non-judgmental space where women can speak about their feelings and experiences as well as reach affordable wellness services.

The organizations help in the following ways:

• Mental Wellness Education: Mental wellness workshops, professional development, & online resources.

• Resource Connection: Large events that bring service providers and community together.

• Community Support: Individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, and holistic healing events.

• Mental Wellness Merchandise: African- American & mental wellness-themed coloring books, journals, greeting cards, apparel, and more.

Sista Afya offers low-cost monthly support groups, group therapy & workshops under $35/session and free community-wide events that support black women throughout their healing journey. ​

At Hav Healthy Hair and Virtue, we’re passionate about mental health and helping those in the black community focus on positive well being. To find out more about the organization, access their services or make your own donation, check out their website today.