A pioneering initiative by The Kazembe Foundation
The YESS to Resiliency initiative was created to be a beacon of hope for countless families struggling with the challenges of mental health. Its primary aim is to educate, support, and advocate for families navigating the intricate intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system.
The initiative is born out of a deep understanding of the struggles faced by individuals with mental health challenges, particularly young people who find themselves entangled in the justice system due to unaddressed or inadequately addressed mental health issues. Access to mental health resources can be a hurdle, with scarcity and difficulty in obtaining the support needed for recovery.
The YESS to Resiliency initiative was born through our founder Annika Kazembe’s personal challenges she experienced with a goal to create positive change, illuminating a path towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
The journey of “A Mother’s Resiliency,” marked by numerous challenges and struggles, has shaped a powerful narrative that can serve as a beacon for mental health advocacy and awareness. Through these trials, the founder and their family have emerged as advocates, striving to make a difference in the lives of those grappling with similar battles.
In her latest written work, “A Mother’s Resiliency”, she shines a light on the resilience of the human spirit, even in the darkest of times. This work serves as a reminder that amidst the complexities of mental health struggles, there is hope, strength, and a way forward.
Our Ultimate Goal
“YESS to Resiliency” recognizes this critical gap and endeavors to bridge it. By forging partnerships with the mental health criminal justice system, the initiative aims to foster a stronger alliance.
The ultimate goal is to dismantle the barriers and hurdles that the criminal justice system often presents for individuals grappling with mental health illnesses. By pushing for legislative reforms, “YESS to Resiliency” aspires to create a more compassionate and understanding society—one that embraces and supports those struggling with mental health challenges.
This collaboration is fundamental in ensuring that individuals with mental health challenges receive the comprehensive care and support they need, minimizing their involvement with the criminal justice system.
But the vision of “YESS to Resiliency” doesn’t stop there. The initiative is committed to raising awareness and advocating for necessary legal changes.
Help and Support
Annika’s story “A Mother’s Resiliency” stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact that can be achieved through advocacy and compassion. It invites us all to stand united, to educate ourselves, and to work towards a world where mental health is treated with the empathy, care, and urgency it so rightfully deserves.
If you or someone you know is grappling with mental health challenges, remember that reaching out for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.
Learn more on how we can support
The brave sharing of personal journeys is a crucial step towards mental health advocacy. By openly discussing experiences, they are helping to destigmatize mental health issues and shed light on the reality of living with such conditions.
The founder and their family are involved in various mental health awareness campaigns. These campaigns help in raising awareness at a larger scale, reaching communities and individuals who might be uninformed about mental health challenges.
