The Village of Park Forest will hold its second annual Awakening Wellness Fest on May 17 at the Village Green, starting at 11:30 a.m. This collaborative event is organized with The Place of Impact and Byrd Chest Fitness, free for the community.
Tateanna Foster, founder of The Place of Impact, aims to use the event to enhance community wellness. Foster highlighted, “Whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental wellness, all of it is interconnected.” She emphasized the desire to create an inclusive space that is “open, welcoming, and easily accessible,” ensuring no barriers for those seeking guidance on wellness.
The festival will feature a roundtable discussion led by Foster, other health professionals, and keynote speaker Jasmin Ford, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and Park Forest native. Various resources for wellness promotion will be shared with attendees.
Foster encourages participation in activities like yoga, meditation, and dance fitness, advising, “Please bring your own mat.” She stressed the importance of self-care and its discussion during the event.
A licensed clinical social worker, Foster notes an increase in mental health issues among clients, particularly within BIPOC communities. According to Foster, factors like systemic racism and socioeconomic disparities contribute to stress and mental health challenges, highlighting the need for culturally competent mental health care and tailored support.
“I feel like we historically have always had things thrown at us that challenge our mental and emotional wellness and our physical wellness, honestly,” she said, emphasizing her intent to make the event accessible and free to eliminate barriers to community members.
The free Awakening Wellness Fest is open to the public and will be held on the Village Green, Park Forest, on Saturday, May 17, at 11:30 a.m.
