An interview with Crystal Young of C.L Whole You Foundation
C.L. Whole You Foundation is hosting “Celebration of Rhythms” on February 24th, 2024, coinciding with Black History month. This is the first event of its kind in Leduc, and is set to be hosted annually. In honour of the event, Erika interviewed Crystal, counsellor and therapist at Whole You, to get more informtaion on the foundation, and the upcoming event.
Posted February 21, 2024
Tell me about the C. L. Whole You Foundation. When did it start? Why? Where is it going?
The C. L. Whole You Foundation is an organization deeply committed to fostering resilience and success in individuals through culturally relevant practices. It was established with the vision that every person has the inherent capacity to thrive when they engage in a journey of self-attunement, attending to, and amending their inner selves. The foundation's inception was motivated by the recognition of a profound need for accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive mental health services and support systems that cater to the holistic well-being of individuals.
From 2020, the foundation has aimed to be a space where recovery begins with the crucial step of self-awareness, embracing one's identity, current state, and aspirations. It offers a spectrum of services, including counselling, community support, educational courses, group workshops, and life coaching services, all designed to empower individuals by weaving together the incongruent pieces of their lives into a harmonious whole.
The backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated the demand for mental health services, especially within the BIPOC community. This surge in demand brought to light the critical role of mental health care as an integral component of overall health and wellness, acknowledged by social sectors, governmental bodies, and the health insurance industry in Canada. In response to the growing need for mental health support, the foundation has assembled a team of master's level clinicians, trained counsellors, coaches, and consultants. These professionals are not only culturally sensitive but also deeply versed in the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusivity. This enables them to provide holistic support tailored to each client's unique journey, helping them achieve and sustain optimal mental well-being.
Managed by women of colour and operating virtually from Leduc, Alberta, the C. L. Whole You Foundation is on a trajectory toward expanding its reach and deepening its impact. As it continues to evolve, the foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to changing lives by fostering meaningful connections and supporting individuals in tapping into their full potential, thereby nurturing the "whole you." Through its work, the foundation not only addresses immediate needs but also sets the stage for a future where mental health and overall community wellness are accessible and prioritized for all, particularly for marginalized communities that have historically been underserved.
In regards to "Celebration of Rhythms", why Leduc, and why now?
Choosing Leduc as the venue for the "Celebration of Rhythms" event is both a strategic and personal decision. As the new home for the C. L. Whole You Foundation, Leduc presents an untapped opportunity to foster cultural appreciation and inclusivity within a diverse community yet has offered limited events celebrating such diversity. This observation, made within a year of the foundation's relocation to Leduc, sparked the initiative to host an event that would highlight African, Caribbean and Canadian cultures and bring the community together in a vibrant and inclusive manner.
The timing of this event, coinciding with Black History Month, is deliberate, aiming to enrich Leduc's cultural landscape by introducing an educational and engaging celebration of African and Caribbean heritages. Through an immersive experience of music performances across genres like Junkanoo, Reggae, Soca, and drumming, and a cultural food fair, "Celebration of Rhythms" seeks to elevate the community's appreciation for diversity. The event notably supports local businesses, thereby contributing to the economic vitality of Leduc. This initiative aligns perfectly with the foundation's mission to build inclusive communities. By providing a platform for cultural education and celebration, the event aims to foster a sense of belonging and connectivity among Leduc's residents, enhancing the area's social fabric. The goals and objectives of the "Celebration of Rhythms" are clear: to provide educational outreach about African and Caribbean cultures, engage the community in a meaningful and spirited manner, and offer an economic boost to local businesses and artisans. In doing so, the event adds to Leduc's inclusivity and unity, reflecting the foundation's commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering understanding across different cultures.
What is the goal of this celebration?
The goal of the "Celebration of Rhythms" event, hosted by the C. L. Whole You Foundation in Leduc, is multifaceted, aiming to:
Celebrate Black History Month: By showcasing the rich cultural heritage of African and Caribbean communities, the event honours Black History Month, providing an opportunity for education and reflection on the contributions and history of these cultures.
Educational Outreach: Enhance the community's knowledge and appreciation of African and Caribbean cultures. Through music, food, and other cultural expressions, the event seeks to educate attendees about the diversity and richness of these traditions, fostering a deeper understanding and respect.
Community Engagement: Foster a spirit of community and connectivity among Leduc residents of diverse backgrounds. The event aims to bring people together, encouraging interactions and conversations that bridge cultural gaps and promote a sense of belonging and unity.
Economic support: Support local businesses and artisans by allowing them participation and exposure during the event. This celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit within Leduc and encourages local spending.
Overall, the "Celebration of Rhythms" seeks to build an inclusive community in Leduc by embracing diversity and encouraging cultural education and appreciation. Through this celebration, the foundation aims to strengthen the social fabric of Leduc, making it an example of inclusivity, unity, and cultural vibrancy.
Do you plan on hosting more events in the near future?
Yes, the intention is to establish the "Celebration of Rhythms" as an annual event that is free for the community. This decision underscores a commitment to fostering ongoing engagement, education, and appreciation of cultural diversity within the community. By making it a regular fixture on the calendar, the hope is to not only celebrate African and Caribbean cultures each year during Black History Month but also to cultivate a tradition that continually enriches the social and cultural fabric of Leduc.
The success and sustainability of making "Celebration of Rhythms" an annual event hinge on the support and collaboration of the community. This involves partnerships with local businesses, volunteers, cultural groups, and participants who together can contribute to the vibrancy and inclusivity of the event. Through collective efforts, the aim is to create a lasting impact that not only highlights the importance of cultural celebration but also strengthens community bonds and promotes a sense of unity and belonging among all residents of Leduc.
5. Why should Leduc support this foundation?
Leduc should support the C. L. Whole You Foundation for several compelling reasons, each contributing to the well-being and enrichment of the community as a whole:
Promotion of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion: The foundation's initiatives, particularly through events like the "Celebration of Rhythms," are crucial in promoting cultural diversity and inclusion. By creating spaces where the rich cultural heritage of African and Caribbean communities is celebrated, the foundation aims to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of diversity among Leduc residents. This commitment to celebrating diversity is essential for building a more inclusive, welcoming, and empathetic community.
Community Engagement and Unity: The foundation's efforts in organizing annual, community-centered events serve as a catalyst for enhancing community engagement and fostering unity. These events bring together people from various backgrounds, encouraging interactions that break down cultural barriers and promote a sense of belonging and community spirit. Supporting the foundation means investing in initiatives that strengthen the social fabric of Leduc.
Educational Outreach: Through its cultural celebrations and other activities, the foundation provides invaluable educational opportunities for the residents of Leduc. These initiatives offer insights into African and Caribbean cultures' histories, traditions, and contributions, enriching the community's knowledge base and promoting cultural literacy. Supporting the foundation aids in continuing and expanding these educational outreach efforts.
Economic Benefits: The foundation's events, especially those that showcase and support local businesses, contribute to the local economy. By providing platforms for these businesses to gain exposure and attract customers, the foundation not only supports entrepreneurship but stimulates economic activity in Leduc. Supporting the foundation is an investment in the economic vitality and diversity of the local business landscape.
Enhancement of Leduc's Cultural Landscape: By backing the C. L. Whole You Foundation, Leduc has the opportunity to enrich its cultural landscape significantly. The foundation's activities introduce new events, arts, and cultural expressions to the community, making Leduc a more vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and visit.
Alignment with Community Values: Supporting the foundation aligns with the broader community values of inclusivity, respect for diversity, and the desire for a cohesive community. The foundation's work in promoting understanding and appreciation across different cultures resonates with the aspirations of many in Leduc to create a more inclusive society.
In summary, supporting the C. L. Whole You Foundation is a strategic and good choice for Leduc, promising to enhance the community's cultural and social vitality and foster economic growth, educational enrichment, and a more robust, more united community fabric.
