SAGINAW, MI — Charles Allen needs a coloring book.
To calm his anxieties, the community activist from Saginaw likes to sit down with his child for a coloring session. It’s a trick he learned in recent years that allows him to settle his nerves while simultaneously engaging in family time.
Allen hopes others find their own anxiety-reducing strategies — and learn secrets to their own happiness — during a free-to-attend event he’s calling the first annual Mental Health Awareness Rally, scheduled from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at YMCA of Saginaw, 1915 Fordney in Saginaw.
Planned in an outdoor setting on the YMCA property, the gathering will feature several workshop stations, familiar names as guest speakers and activities to keep busy the young children of attendees, said Allen, who will organize the event in collaboration with several organizations.
The theme of this year’s event: Identifying triggers.
Attendees will participate in professional-led activities tailored to soothe anxieties — including painting and yoga — while listening to guest speakers talk about mental health challenges and solutions, Allen said.
“Our main focus is providing connection to care, and actually giving people tools they can use for their day-to-day mental health,” said Allen, also known in the region as a vocal musician who once appeared as a contestant on “American Idol.”
The rally will include live entertainment. Both Allen and his mother, Saginaw vocal sensation Sharrie Williams, plan to perform at the venue.
Allen, who coordinated the event in collaboration with several organizations, said he also will serve as a moderator, guiding the guest speakers who will take center stage throughout the 4-hour event to talk about their struggles with mental health.
Among the featured guests are Williams; Saginaw City Council Mayor Pro Tem Annie Boensch; Brian Pruitt, founder of the nonprofit Power of Dad; Carly Hammond, a political activist and 2020 state House candidate; Elisa Urtiaga-Medina, a community organizer and yoga therapy instructor; and Ken Whittaker, executive director of Michigan United.
The gathering also will include free food and drinks as well as a raffle giveaway.
Allen said, to organize the rally, he teamed with local representatives from nonprofits and organizations such as The Ezekiel Project, Black Voters Matter, Power of Dad, Youth Development Corp., Planned Parenthood, Garden of YOUTH, YMCA of Saginaw, McDowell Healing Arts Center, Sharrie’s International Cuisine, Prem Yoga and Wellness Studio, and Community Alliance for the People (CAP).
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