Sis, we’re here for you always.
Being a caretaker, whether for your kids, family, or community, is demanding. Between managing it all—appointments, work, relationships—there’s little room left for you to breathe.
But sis, we see you, and it’s time to remind you: your mental health matters.
This Counseling Awareness Month, we want to highlight something vital: non-police intervention during mental health crises.
As Black mothers and caretakers, we must focus on solutions that don’t involve further harm, especially when dealing with crises that are better handled by trained professionals.
That’s where The Right Response comes in—when we have access to the right mental health resources and professionals, we’re protecting ourselves and our communities from unnecessary risks.
If you’re feeling grounded and ready to stand up for change, take the pledge to shield our village and learn how else you can help us share life-saving information and ensure our communities are supported with the resources they need to stay safe and thrive.
“Self-preservation is a full-time occupation.”
— Ani DeFranco
Sista Spotlight
(Voice Note from Terence’s Mom, Ms. Annie)
Terence Richardson was released from prison on March 5th after over 20+ years of wrongful incarceration. 1M4 provided his legal team with a microgrant in August 2020 and has been standing with his family, advocating for his release since then.
The Biden Administration granted him clemency in January 2025.
His mother, Ms Annie, called to thank us (you) for helping free him.
Get Involved
Your Expertise is Needed!
We’re completely revamping The Right Response Directory and need your input to ensure it meets our community’s needs.
This critical resource connects you to alternative first-response programs offering compassionate support through peer responders, clinicians, and trained EMTs for calls like welfare checks, noise complaints, traffic incidents, and mental health crises.
Your feedback is vital for us to improve. Please take a few minutes to complete our confidential survey. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Things You Can Use
As the current president’s “pen-happy” approach continues, a surge of executive orders and presidential actions are reshaping policies affecting our communities.
To keep up, we’re sharing the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Executive Order Tracker. This tool tracks key actions, their impacts on Black Americans, and responses from lawmakers.
A Mental Health Tip For You!
Let’s keep it simple, Sis! This is something you can easily fit in between dropping the kids off, getting ready in the morning, and all the other tasks on your list.
Try deep breathing: Inhale slowly for four counts, hold for four, then exhale for four. Just a minute or two of this can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and give you the clarity to keep moving forward.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so take those small moments for yourself. You deserve it!
Spread Some Blessings!
The consequences of police violence extend far beyond the loss of life. For families affected, it’s the loss of income, the sacrifice of basic necessities, and the start of a high-cost legal fight. If you have the capacity, consider donating to 1M4. Proceeds help support impacted families and sustain the work of 1M4 toward ending police violence for good.
|
We know it’s tough to find time for yourself when life and the kids are pulling you in every direction. But, if you take away anything from this message, it’s this: Your body and mind deserve the time. So, when you can, lean on your community and don’t be afraid to ask a family member or friend for help! Whether it’s carving out time for a quick check-in with your doctor or finding a few minutes to breathe, every little bit counts. You don’t have to do it all at once—just remember to show yourself the care and love you so freely give to others. You’ve got this, Sis. |
|
|
Our Founder, Tansy, will lead a training for the state of California THIS Tuesday April 15th at 1:30p EST centered on Culturally Responsive Crisis Care in the Black Community.
Tune in virtually to participate in this much needed training and conversation.
Register now to place it on your calendar.
You Got Your 1M4 Merch Yet?
Visit the 1M4 merch store to make sure you’re representing at court support, protests, or in line at your favorite coffee spot. We want to see YOU in your 1M4 gear. Every purchase goes directly to funding the work of 1M4 increasing access to safety and wellness.
