A Holistic Approach to Wellness

Black LGBTQ+ Chicagoans face a syndemic of violence, poverty, substance misuse, and HIV crises that are deeply rooted in systemic racism, economic disenfranchisement, and inequitable access to resources. These challenges are not isolated; they compound and intersect, creating urgent barriers to health, safety, and economic mobility.

We developed a Holistic Wellness Model that informs all of our programming to break this cycle. Grounded in research and community insight, this model is built on three interconnected domains:

• Economic Wellness: Economic Wellness is key to our long-term stability. Through workforce development, skill-building, and entrepreneurial support, we create pathways to financial security and empower our community to drive systemic change.

• Spiritual Wellness: Healing and connection are essential to our liberation. We create spaces that combat social isolation, address religious trauma, and promote mental well-being, helping us reclaim spirituality on our own terms and build strong, affirming communities.

• Physical Wellness: We face systemic barriers to healthcare and safety. Our programs provide access to affirming medical care, violence prevention resources, and sexual health services, including HIV/STI testing, prevention, and linkage to care, ensuring we can thrive physically and holistically.