Thank you for supporting Black History Month Community Wellness Fair! We couldn't do it without our planning team and our sponsors!

Black History Month Community Wellness Fair, 2024!

For the last three years, Cross Cultural Community Services (CCCS), in partnership with many community based organizations, has planned the Black History Month Community Wellness Fair. The fair was first established in 2020 to educate black indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) about COVID and how we, as a community can support each other during the pandemic. This year’s theme is Trauma, Grief, Hope and Joy: Exploring the social determinants of mental healthcare.

We will have four panel sessions per day, and a resource fair component where health-related materials and supports will be available. As in years past, we’ll show a welcome video in languages spoken in Maine and play it at the beginning of each session, as well as ASL interpreters.

February 29th, 9-3:15 at Gateway Community Services in Portland: Panel discussions from field experts on topics including Mental Health & Race, Hope & Joy, Trauma and Grief, and Substance Use.

March 1st, 9-3:15 at The Royal Oak Room in Lewiston: Panel discussions from field experts on topics including Mental Health & Race, Hope & Joy, Disability Justice, and Reproductive Justice.

Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

This event is co-sponsored by Northern Light Health, The Nature Conservancy, Sister’s Deli, Forage Market, The Permanent Commission: On The Status Of Racial, Indigenous, And Tribal Populations, Gateway Community Services, Maine Family Planning, MaineHealth, Frannie Peabody Center, Children’s Oral Health Network, Maine Health Access Foundation, and the State’s Office of Behavioral Health StrengthenME Program.

Commemorating Five Years of Success: A Recap of Our 5th Anniversary Celebration

We had an absolutely amazing celebration on November 2nd celebrating our fifth year anniversary! The night was absolutely perfect, from the mouthwatering food provided by Chef Louis Pickens at Black Betty's Bistro, the breathtaking photos captured by John Ochira at Ochira Photography to the non-stop tunes from Dennis Ross from WJZP.

The night was filled with so much joy and gratitude. Our board members, both past and present, truly deserve the awards they received for their dedication and commitment. They have put in countless hours of hard work and we owe so much of our success to them. Additionally, we had the privilege of acknowledging individuals and organizations who have partnered with us and played a vital role in our achievements. Their support has been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions.

We cannot emphasize enough how grateful we are to our incredible community for showing up to help us celebrate and for their continued support! We truly could not have achieved this without you.

As we reminicize over the last five years, we can see how far we’ve come, and we’re excited for the journey ahead. Let's continue to thrive side by side!

Special thanks to our sponsors Maine Family Planning, Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine, Maine Initiatives, cPort Credit Union, and Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition.

If you are interested in donating to support our organization’s work, please follow our link here!