BuildaBridge International

DID YA KNOW? BaB Exec Director has been helping build out a small farm venue that an old friend of his owns, Morning Dew () For the last few years, some local and not-so-local music groups have been convening to build community WHILE raising a bit of funds for BuildaBridge. This year's concert is on Saturday, June 13, from 2-7 PM in Lumberton, NJ. You can buy tix via the link in our profile or surf over to: https://partiful.com/e/WEWlkxyW7fzAlTj3jYc5?c=4Ec-bvX3 -- Here's what to expect:

Every year, we get a little bit better at this, a little bit more organized, and even more energized by making the farm a little hub for community.

Presale tickets are super friendly at $15 and we'll have deals on food as well that'll be friendly on your stomach and pocket.

Featuring:

- Jason Ager
- Neal Stephens
- Lia Menaker
- Ami Yares
- Bethlehem & Sad Patrick
- Eric13 & the Pinheads

We've also got plenty of space for people to sell their arts and wares. Hit us up If you'd like to be a part of that. Follow the link to the tickets and hopefully we'll see you on the farm on June 13th!

Northwest Victim Services, a BuildaBridge neighbor, has requested to share the story of Sue Quackenush whose daughter Danielle Lopez disappeared in the New Jersey Pine Barrens two years ago:

The Power of One: Searching for Missing Daughter #0801 It's been over two years since Danielle Lopez went missing in the New Jersey Pine Barrens while camping. On The Power of One, host Melany Nelson talks with D...

June is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, reflect on decades of history and progress, and recommit to greater unity and equality for all.

Swipe through for a few Pride Month facts that might surprise you — from the story behind the rainbow flag to the world's biggest parade.

Our team hopes you have a joyful Pride Month!

In celebration of Mother’s Day, we want to take a moment to honor the mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures who enrich our lives with love, wisdom, and unwavering support.

We hope your day is filled with the appreciation, warmth, and joy you so richly deserve.

Happy Mother's Day!

And we're back at it, we're welcoming a new cohort of BuildaBridge Teaching Artists today! Six hours of applied practice, theory, healing and hope-raising!

Consider joining BuildaBridge in-person or online for our program, the Arts of Self-Care. This professional development session incorporates BuildaBridge’s Safe Spaces Model and self-care practices. The trauma-informed, strength-based and person-centered pedagogy of the Safe Spaces Model is the foundation of all BuildaBridge programming and provides a therapeutic structure as a vehicle for learning. Experiential activities through various mediums of art-making and dialogue will open participants up to accessible and achievable strategies to inspire and maintain self-care in and around challenging environments. Art-making includes: music, drawing/painting, movement and/or writing. Participants will develop personal strategies for self-care and tools to share within their communities and networks.

This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we are highlighting an important distinction: the difference between mental health and mental health conditions.

Many people think these terms mean the same thing, but they don't. Understanding the distinction can help us take better care of ourselves and support others more effectively.

❤️Mental health is universal - Everyone has mental health. It includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how you think, feel, and act in daily life.

❤️Mental health conditions are specific - These are diagnosable disorders like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). More than 50% of people will receive a mental health diagnosis at some point.

❤️Good mental health and mental illness can coexist - Many people living with mental health conditions have periods of strong mental well-being through treatment, support, and self-care.

❤️Poor mental health does not always mean mental illness - You can experience poor mental health due to stress, burnout, grief, or life transitions without having a diagnosable condition.

❤️Simple ways to care for your mental health - Find coping skills that work for you. These could include journaling, deep breathing, moving your body, or spending time with loved ones.

❤️Professional support is available - Therapy can benefit anyone, not just those with diagnosed conditions.

If you need support, please reach out to a health care professional. Help is available, and you're not alone.

❤️

BaB

Happy Star Wars Day! We couldn't let the day pass without joining the celebration.

May the 4th (...er, the force) be with you! And if you’re a Star Wars fan like we are, tell us your favorite part of the Star Wars universe.

This weekend, BuildaBridge kicked off our Visual Arts Studio & Music Studio Workshops at Penrose Recreation Center. Pictured are some of the results from the Visual Arts Studio. Participants were invited to make an "Identity Hand" to introduce themselves. While working on hand prints, conversations about interests sparked ideas to include. Handprints are displayed at the rec center, with plans to add more as new participants join the art studio. We're big fans of Penrose and can't wait to continue our programming into the summer camp AND Summer Night Lights.

There's still plenty of time to register and join both workshops.

The Music Studio, Saturdays, 1:30-3:00 PM: May 10, 17, 24, 31 & June 7
https://bit.ly/BaBMusicPenrose

The Visual Arts Studio, Sundays, 1:30-3:00 PM: May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 5
https://bit.ly/BaBVisArtsPenrose

PIC ID: Children's hand pictured with makers and paper alongside hand-drawn pictures of their hands.

cc: &

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month!

This month, we celebrate and honor the rich histories, diverse cultures, and invaluable contributions of the AANHPI community.

We hope you join us in celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month throughout May.