Caring Causes: MyGood.org

Grammy-award winning singer Macy Gray and her foundation MyGood.org recently launched a three month journaling challenge in support of mental health awareness, and to promote the importance of self care. 

My Good is highlighting the importance of self care and promoting the importance of physical, mental, and emotional health. Self-care is essential for building resiliency toward those issues in life that cause stress, and taking steps to care for your mind and body, can empower one to be better equipped to handle the pressures and stressors that everyday life can bring.

Founded by Macy Gray, Grace Blake and Charyn Harris, My Good is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that helps to ensure that families directly impacted by police brutality get the much needed emotional and financial support as they heal their broken hearts. This year has been a defining moment, with unparalleled levels of grief, trauma, change and conflict on multiple fronts and now more than ever, My Good wants to help people learn to become more engaged and proactive in their own mental well being.

In addition to the challenge, My Good also partnered with Twins for Peace to create a genderless, limited-edition sneaker line, co-created by Gray. Twins for Peace is supporting My Good through the three month mental health challenge by giving back a percentage of proceeds from the sales through July.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

Why was My Good created?

 Co-founder Macy Gray was inspired to create My Good as a response to the wave of police brutality that has been plaguing our communities.  Gray's first thought was the mothers of the victims, as she noted that mothers are first responders.  Gray, Grace Blake (My Good co-executive director/founder), and I are all mothers ourselves. These men and women were children who were loved… they were sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, sometimes parents themselves.  They had dreams and aspirations that were cut short due to the insensitivity of others.  These families are left with an empty seat at their table, clothes that will never be worn again, laughter that they will never hear.  Unfinished melodies that will never be completely heard.  Because of this, My Good was created to help these families cope as best they can.  We can't bring their loved ones back, but we can help point them towards mental health resources, life coaches, provide emergency funds, and sometimes just listen to them.  

 

What sets this foundation apart from other organizations?

We see many cases highlighted in the media, but what happens when the media, lights, and cameras go away?  What happens to families that don't get a settlement and are left to struggle without support? Every time we hear of another victim, there is a re-occurring trauma, and many of these families are triggered.  The residual effect not only affects the families but also the communities.  What sets us apart is that we hear them, we see them, we empathize with them. We are building resources and brokering partnerships to support the 1000+ families a year who experience these tragedies. My Good's primary focus is to provide mental health tools to navigate through recurring traumas. 

 

Why is it so important to reflect on mental health and selfcare strategies?

The mind can be a powerful tool to build us up and tear us down.  Some can find strength in tragedy while others may feel victimized. Mental wellness is also stigmatized in many communities.  We believe selfcare leads to self-preservation.  Depending on the various culture of a community or family, there may or may not be coping mechanisms available or even recognized.  Individuals who can recognize and exercise self-care are then able to be more effective to those around them.  This is especially critical in cases where children and caregivers are involved.  As they say on airplanes, "Put the Oxygen Mask on Your Face First."  We wrap around the concept of providing care for physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. 

To join the My Good Mental Health Challenge visit My Good on Instagram. To make donations please visit MyGood.org.