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NEIGHBORHOOD BENCHES, Inc.
Transforming People and Building Community
Our Logo
Young people encounter numerous challenges related to relationships, work, and education. The founder of Neighborhood Benches experienced the loss of his mother at the age of 9, which led him to carry the weight of family secrets and struggles that hindered his personal development and pushed him towards violence as a coping mechanism. The children represented in our logo embody the founder’s voice and vision, aiming to raise awareness about illnesses affecting families and fostering discussions around these issues and their associated decisions. The colors used symbolize awareness ribbons for various illnesses impacting our communities.
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Bench Talk
Talk Therapy
In 2015, following extensive research on the effects of trauma on young people, Neighborhood Benches (NB) initiated a focused effort to provide talk therapy as part of a comprehensive mentoring initiative aimed at underserved neighborhoods. This launch was not merely an isolated program; it represented a critical response to the pressing need for mental health support in communities that often lack access to such resources.
Through his firsthand experiences, Evans came to understand that talk therapy is instrumental in assisting individuals in processing and unpacking their traumatic experiences. By establishing a safe and brave space for open dialogue, both young people and their families were encouraged to discuss barriers and traumatic events without the fear of judgment or stigma. As a certified trainer, Evans began offering training sessions on topics such as “Recognizing Trauma and Cultivating Wellness” and “Psychological First Aid,” alongside foundational talk therapy techniques. These training programs are meticulously designed to empower both youth and adults, while simultaneously enhancing adult leadership within the community. This dual focus not only equips young individuals with essential coping skills but also cultivates a supportive network of dedicated adults who actively participate in identifying and addressing pressing social issues. The overarching goal is to create an environment where healing can occur collectively, fostering resilience among youth while strengthening community ties.
The Impact of Bench Talk
The training incorporates various tools such as Mental Health First Aid, Safe Talk, and Group Dynamics, which have distinguished it as an effective resource for mentors seeking to make a meaningful impact.At the heart of Neighborhood Benches’ approach is the innovative use of Talk Therapy combined with physical benches as safe spaces for dialogue and reflection. This method has proven particularly beneficial for young people grappling with the complexities of making healthy choices amidst various community challenges. Through our work, we have uncovered a significant number of individuals burdened by feelings of guilt, shame, hurt, pain, and confusion while navigating parental responsibilities and family health concerns. Our findings indicate that many young people carry these emotional weights, which can hinder their development and well-being. By utilizing local benches as therapeutic environments, we provide a sanctuary where young individuals and families can dismantle barriers to healing and access vital support systems necessary for their recovery journey.
The phenomenon of experienced individuals returning to their communities is increasingly recognized as a vital component in efforts aimed at enhancing community safety. This group includes not only those who have been incarcerated but also individuals who have relocated due to various socio-economic challenges, including a pervasive sense of hopelessness regarding systemic change. Despite their expressed desire to contribute positively to their communities, these returning citizens often encounter significant barriers that hinder their reintegration and ability to serve as mentors.
Neighborhood Benches: A Blueprint for Development
Neighborhood Benches serves as an innovative model for addressing the needs of both returning citizens and at-risk youth. Our blueprint outlines a comprehensive approach for locating, recruiting, vetting, and training returning community members as mentors. By providing immediate support upon their return, Neighborhood Benches helps these individuals remain focused on personal development while preparing them for future employment opportunities. This proactive strategy not only empowers returning citizens but also enriches the community by fostering positive relationships between mentors and mentees.
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