Our Mental Health Collective

A Journey Through Somatic Sound for Black Bodies
2026-02-27 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
This is more than a sound bath—it’s a communal journey into presence, frequency, and healing.
Honoring Black Bodies: A Journey through Somatic Sound is a Black History Month healing experience led by Dr. Sun (Maime) Butler, DLLP (they/them) on February 27, 2026, from 6–8 PM in Grand Rapids, MI.
This immersive somatic sound experience is intentionally designed to honor Black bodies and address trauma and healing needs within the Black experience by drawing on cultural healing practices rooted in Black history, rhythm, and collective care. Through bowls, drums, and energy-infused instruments, participants are invited into grounding, release, and embodied restoration.
Guests need to bring their own mats; light snacks will be provided.

Event Details

Friday, February 27, 2026 | 6 PM – 8 PM

Cost: $10 donation appreciated

Registration: Waiver required at sign-up

In person meet (location will be sent to you after confirming registration).

Our Mental Health Collective events are dedicated, affirming spaces designed for Black, Indigenous, and communities of color (BIPOC). Our mission is to provide culturally responsive and affirming mental health and wellness care resources and support to these and other communities of color and providers.

Introduction to Ancestral Practices for Providers
2026-03-28 12:00 - 14:00 | Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Step into a restorative and community-centered learning experience designed for mental health and wellness providers.
In this gathering, participants will explore what it means to be in relationship with the natural world and how reconnecting with land, plants, and seasonal rhythms can support personal wellbeing and culturally grounded care for clients. Stacy Stout will share ancestral frameworks and nature-based practices providers can integrate into their work. The session will open and close with an experiential herbal practice, leaving participants with practical tools and renewed inspiration for nature-centered healing.

Event Details

Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Cost: $10 donation appreciated

Registration: Waiver required at sign-up

Location: In person meet (location will be sent to you after confirming registration).

Additional Information

Please dress comfortably for gentle movement and for the weather, as a portion of our time together may be spent outdoors (weather permitting).

In care for Mother Earth, participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle.

To cultivate a brave and trusting space for sharing, video and audio recordings will not be permitted.

You are encouraged to bring a notebook and pen for reflection, note-taking, and journaling.

About the Host

Stacy Stout (she/her)
Stacy Stout is the President and CEO of the Blandford Nature Center, where she leads nature-based learning, wellness programs, and community engagement across 264 acres of conserved land in Grand Rapids. A passionate community leader, she previously served as the inaugural Director of Family-Centered Philanthropy at the Steelcase Foundation and formerly led diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement efforts for the City of Grand Rapids. Stacy is also the founder of Yarrow Joy Wellness, where she offers coaching and nature-based healing experiences rooted in culturally grounded practices. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Grand Valley State University and lives in Grand Rapids with her family.

This event is a dedicated, affirming space designed exclusively for Black, Indigenous, and communities of color (BIPOC). Our mission is to provide culturally responsive and affirming mental health and wellness care resources and support to Black, Asian, African, Indigenous, Latine, and other communities of color and providers. To maintain the integrity of this centered space, all participants—including mental health care providers and wellness providers—must affirm that they identify as a member of one or more of these communities of color. This shared identity is essential to fostering the culturally specific environment necessary for this event’s purpose. You will be asked to affirm this identity as a required step during the registration process.

Healing Together Mental Health Fair
2026-05-02 12:00 - 17:00
Join Our Mental Health Collective for Healing Together, a vibrant community mental health fair bringing people, resources, and healing practices together in one place.
This free event is designed to help you connect with local therapists, wellness practitioners, and community organizations who are passionate about supporting mental well-being. Explore mental health resources, discover holistic wellness services, enjoy interactive activities, and meet others who care about building a healthier, more connected community.
Whether you’re looking for support, curious about wellness resources, or simply want to spend the day in a positive community space, Healing Together is for you.
Come learn, connect, and celebrate the power of community care.

Event Details

Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Cost: FREE

Location: Paul I. Phillips Boys & Girls Club | 726 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, 49503
