Men gathered at the Minden Recreational Center on June 20 for the Father’s Day Wellness Fair, an event focused on mental health, emotional healing, personal growth, and building stronger communities.
Presented by Healing from the Hearts LLC, the daylong event featured speakers, workshops, breakout sessions, and group discussions designed to provide men with practical tools and resources for navigating life’s challenges. Participants included members of the Youth Challenge Program at Camp Minden, who joined community members for the program.
Event organizer Javelin Hardy, proprietor of Healing from the Hearts LLC, said the fair was created to address issues that are often overlooked among men.
“The Father’s Day Wellness Fair is to create a platform for men to come and learn how to address their mental health, learn about types of trauma, and gain the tools to heal,” Hardy said.
The event featured presentations from several speakers, including Dr. Antwan Butler, Rashad Bristo, and Derek Ward.
“Dr. Butler understands how being resilient helps us heal. Rashad Bristo and Derek Ward spoke on what it takes to be a man in today’s world,” Hardy said.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in discussions centered on mental wellness, overcoming adversity, healthy relationships, and personal responsibility. Organizers said the event sought to create a supportive environment where men could openly discuss challenges and learn from one another’s experiences.
Hardy said organizers view this year’s gathering as the beginning of a larger effort.
“This is just the start,” she said, noting plans are already underway to expand the event in the future.
Organizers hope the wellness fair will continue to grow and provide opportunities for men and young men throughout the area to connect, heal, and develop skills that contribute to healthier families and communities.
