The Jamaica Women of Florida, Inc. (JWOF) will host its 4th annual Health and Wellness Forum on Saturday, September 17 titled “To Your Mental Health”. The event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at the South Regional Broward College Library in Pembroke Pines.
The three-hour conversation will look at mental health – a subject that has long been a taboo topic for public consumption. A team of four panelists will look at the emotional, psychological and physical as well as clinical effects of the disease while information will also be provided on the legal aspects of guardianship, estate planning and elder care.
A four-member panel of experts will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in their individual study of the related topic. They include Dr. Karen Carpenter, Florida Board Certified Psychologist, Sexologist and Author; Dr. Stacey Brodie Walker, Florida Licensed Psychologist and former head of Psychology Unit at the University of the West Indies; Florida Attorney, Georgia Robinson, Law Offices of Robinson Law & Mediation; and Paul Jaquith, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida.
As mental health could affect any member of the family, all family members are invited to the event which is free to the public. The discussion will also include a question and answer period. Information booths will provide clinical and legal advice and guidelines on all aspects of care and prevention of the damages associated with mental health.
“Health and Wellness Conversations have become an annual agenda item on the JWOF’s mission of community outreach because of the need to keep our families informed on varying topics affecting our everyday lifestyles”, according to Dahlia Walker Huntington, Esq., JWOF President and Florida attorney. “We have assembled an experienced panel and hope that through an open discussion program, we will provide information and offer hope to persons still treating mental illness as a shameful disease whether as victim or as caregiver,” she added.
The event as with all others hosted by the JWOF members is known for the signature shopping gallery where retailers showcase a variety of items including personal items, accessories and Jamaican art and craft, and giveaway items.
This year’s Health and Wellness Forum is sponsored by The Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Victoria Mutual Building Society; Law Offices of Dahlia A. Walker; Robinson Law & Mediation; Jamaica National Building Society; Goldson Spine & Rehabilitation Center; SouthFloridaCaribbeanNews.com; Jamaicans.com; Wild Child; Floral Group; and Riddims Marketing.
JWOF was launched in April 2013, as a Florida Not-For-Profit and an IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt corporation that has continued to provide an outlet for Jamaican women in Florida to empower themselves through charitable and educational endeavors, personal development and mentoring.
Through their ongoing commitment to engage and assist in the development of leadership and personal skills of Jamaican women in Florida, JWOF members continue to give back to the next generation of young women through scholarship and mentorship programs including their annual renewable “Powerful Women…Next Generation Scholarship.” Through this program, three Jamaican-American female students are currently enrolled in US tertiary institutions charting individual careers through a four-year degree program. Under the guidance of JWOF members, these young women are mentored by the members in leadership and personal skills as they prepare to operate in a global environment.
The organization of vibrant professional women has made several strides through fundraisers, networking sessions and collaborative efforts. One feature is the adoption of young female residents at Melody House Girls’ Home in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Coming up for the holiday season Thanksgiving through Christmas JWOF members will continue their third annual Food Drive Donations to benefit the LifeNet4Families of Broward County. This year, members will also partner with Boys & Girls of Broward to continue the drive benefitting those in need. For the past two years, through donations from corporations, community groups, churches and individuals, more than 1,300 lbs. of food were provided for homeless and needy families in Broward. “We have been able to achieve these milestones because of the support of our members and the community” stated President Walker Huntington.
press release from JWOF
