Roots of Resilience Collective Newsletter: September
Suicide Prevention Month and Kinship Care Month
September is both Suicide Prevention Month and Kinship Care Month—two deeply relevant observances for the Black community. This month, we’re sharing toolkits, resources, and stories that highlight the importance of mental health and the role of kinship networks in preserving family bonds.
We invite you to join us by:
- Following us on social media
- Sharing and reposting our content to raise awareness
- Taking action to support your own well-being and the families in your community
Helpful Resources and Toolkits
As we know, the black diaspora is not a monolith. However it is important to understand that there are different traumas and historical contexts that will affect the larger black community as a whole, and therefore, there are different approaches that should be taken when it comes to addressing the mental health and kinship care assistance of the black community.
Mental Health
Black communities face unique mental health challenges rooted in systemic racism, generational trauma, and inequitable access to care. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among Black youth and young adults, yet stigma often prevents open conversations about mental health. Seeking support is not weakness—it’s strength.
Resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dedicated support for Black mental health with culturally relevant resources.
🔗 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/black-mental-health - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Offers education, advocacy, and community-based programs focused on saving lives.
🔗 afsp.org/letssavelives
Kinship Care
Kinship care—when grandparents, relatives, or close family friends step in to raise children—has always been central in Black communities. It keeps children connected to their heritage, prevents unnecessary foster placements, and strengthens intergenerational ties. Despite its importance, kinship caregivers often face financial, emotional, and legal challenges with little support.
Resources:
- Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network: National hub for resources, policy updates, and caregiver assistance. You can also find a Kinship Care Toolkit for this month here!
🔗 gksnetwork.org
Other Important Dates
· National Grandparent’s Day – Sept. 7
Grandparents are pillars in Black families—passing down culture, resilience, and love. Many are also kinship caregivers, stepping up to ensure children remain connected to their roots.
· Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week – Sept. 9–14
While child welfare workers often go unrecognized, we must also acknowledge systemic inequities in the system that have disproportionately harmed Black families. ROFRC exists to address these barriers while honoring those striving to create equity from within.
· Tradesman Day – Sept. 19
Generational wealth can be built through more than one path. Trades careers open doors to stability, independence, and entrepreneurship. ROFRC believes Black youth deserve access to college and trades—empowering them to choose their future.
· Desegregation of Little Rock Central High – Sept. 25
68 years ago, the Little Rock Nine bravely faced hate to claim their right to an equal education. Their courage reminds us that educational equity is not just history—it is our ongoing fight today.
Community Tool Highlights: Stay Informed
Recent federal changes are set to impact us all — but Black communities will feel the effects most deeply. Cuts to civil rights protections, DEI and accessibility efforts, Medicaid, healthcare, and SNAP will only compound the injustices many already face.
At Roots of Resilience, we won’t shy away from the truth: existing racial inequities, combined with these rollbacks, will lead to fewer supports and greater strain on Black families.
But knowledge is power. We've gathered tools and resources below to help you stay informed and prepared. Together, we can continue to advocate, protect, and build systems that truly serve our communities.
🏛 Executive Order Tracker by CBC Foundation
Stay up to date on federal policy changes that impact Black communities. This tool provides:
· Legal status of executive actions
· In-depth impact analysis
· Congressional Black Caucus responses
NY Times Interactive tool: “How Will Trump’s Big Bill Affect Your Wallet”
· Shows how the new tax code changes income taxes based on your income level and family structure
· Highlights how low- to middle-income households may see fewer benefits or increases in tax burden
· Helps estimate personal financial changes in real time based on your situation
KFF: Health Provisions in the 2025 Federal Budget Reconciliation Bill
· Tracks key proposed Medicaid cuts and their effects on low-income, elderly, and disabled populations
· Breaks down changes to home and community-based services (HCBS), affecting people who rely on in-home care
· Analyzes how communities will be disproportionately impacted by health policy rollbacks
Have a favorite resource or tool? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to share it!
Our Board is FULL!
While our board is now complete, our work is ever-growing! We’re always seeking support—whether through fundraising, networking, or resource building. If you or someone you know is passionate about our mission, we’d love to connect. Email us at [email protected].
Building the Future of ROFRC
At Roots of Resilience, we’re laying the foundation for sustainable change—creating systems that meet real needs, amplify Black voices, and protect future generations. Here’s a look at where we are:
✅ Incorporation & Nonprofit Status
We are now officially registered in Iowa and awaiting IRS approval for nonprofit status. This milestone allows us to move forward with structure and vision.
📆 School Year Planning
We’re developing a calendar of in-school events and programs designed to create consistent, affirming spaces for youth.
🤝 Community Partnerships
By collaborating with trusted organizations in Siouxland and beyond, we ensure our work is grounded in local needs and strengthened by collective impact.
📚 Program Development
From historical trauma and juvenile justice advocacy to child welfare education and suicide prevention, our programs are being built to address urgent challenges while uplifting resilience.
We want our work to reflect your priorities—email us at [email protected]
ROFRC in the Community
Once we secure nonprofit status, we’ll be increasing our presence at community events. If you’re planning something and think our mission aligns, we’d love to connect.
📧 Email: [email protected]
Stay Connected: Follow Us on Social Media!
We’re active on Facebook and LinkedIn! Follow us to stay updated on programs, opportunities, and cultural highlights.
📌 This month: Suicide Prevention & Kinship Care
📌 Next month: Domestic Violence Awareness
Take Action with ROFRC
This September, we invite you to take small but powerful steps that save lives and strengthen families:
- Talk About It – Break the silence on suicide by checking in with loved ones, especially youth. Share resources like 988 and remind them they are not alone.
- Support Kinship Caregivers – Offer tangible help to grandparents or relatives raising children: meals, rides, or simply listening. Advocate for policies that give them financial and legal support.
- Challenge Stigma – Share stories and resources on your social media to normalize seeking help for mental health and highlight the strength in kinship care.
- Invest in Community – Donate to or volunteer with Black-led organizations that focus on suicide prevention, child welfare, or caregiver support.
Every action—big or small—helps save lives and preserve families.
With gratitude,
The Roots of Resilience Collective Team