The Underground Wellness Network
The Underground Wellness Network is a term coined by our Executive Director Yolo Akili Robinson. The Underground Wellness Network is the informal network of healers and healing strategies that sustain Black communities rooted in African and Indigenous American practices. This network is filled with numerous lineages; Christian pastors, hoo-doo practitioners, herbalists, root workers, doulas, house mothers, shamans, teachers, coaches, hair stylists, babalowose’s, barbers and big mama’s; who keep ceremonies and rituals alive that have for generations sustained the wellness and mental health of our people.
Our network of funded partners represents that network.
Black Wellness Innovation Fund
2024
- Cactus in Bloom - Pasadena, CA ($10,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant supported development of a new kind of prenatal and 4th trimester/infant care course that centers CSA survivors who are LGBTQIA+ and folks of African descent. - Aging & HIV Institute - Palm Springs, CA ($10,000)
Joseph Beam Legacy Grant awarded for General Operating support - Advance OC - Tustin, CA ($10,000)
Advance OC empowers marginalized communities through data-driven storytelling and research. Joseph Beam Legacy Grant supported "Hues in Harmony," wellness workshops for Black gay men 50+ living with HIV/AIDS in LA and OC. - Black Being - Inglewood, CA ($10,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant supported the Being in Practice program, a comprehensive array of daily and monthly classes, workshops, and sessions designed to foster the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of the South LA and Inglewood residents.
2023
- WalkGood LA - Los Angeles, CA ($10,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant supported WalkGood LA and its mission “to bring people from all walks of life together to heal in solidarity through the arts, health, & wellness.” - Brothers of the Desert & Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs - Palm Springs, CA ($10,000)
Joseph Beam Legacy Grant awarded to support this partnership to host wellness groups and launch a summit and speaker series empowering Black gay men 50+ with HIV through support, connection, and stigma-free spaces. Grant Support: Funding supports paying facilitators and programmatic costs
ProjectQ - Los Angeles, CA ($10,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant awarded to support Introspection; a Black-led workshop series reconnecting Black families with thriving Black trans/nonbinary adults. Funding supports facilitators and program costs to foster healing conversations and understanding.
2024
- The Gatekeepers Collective - New York, NY ($10,000)
Joseph Beam Legacy Grant awarded for General Operating support - chosen•kin - Phila, PA / NYC, NY ($10,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant awarded to support Healing Circle honoring Black Parenthood
2023
- The Dinner Table Doc - Brooklyn, NY ($10,000)
Black Girls’ Wellness Grant awarded to support the Beyond the Table Book Club designed to positively impact Black girls’ social and emotional development via peer community-building through reading - Sober Black Girls Club - New York, NY ($5,000)
Grant awarded to support SBGC’s annual retreat to celebrate and highlight Black girls, women, femmes, and gender non-conforming - Native Son - New York, NY ($10,000)
Grant awarded to support Native Son’s mission to empowers Black, gay men through visibility and community. Your Silence Will Not Protect You will foster vital mental health discussions for Black, gay men ages 50+ living with HIV
2022
- Reuniting of African Descendants (ROAD) - Brooklyn, NY ($10,000) Black Trans Women’s Wellness Grant awarded will help reinstate the ROAD Artivism Program, which provides TLGBQIA+ artists with opportunities for expression and mentorship from more experienced artists to promote wellness & positive self-perception.
- Sober Black Girls Club - New York, NY ($10,000) Grant will support SBGC’s annual retreat to celebrate and highlight Black girls, women, femmes, and gender non-conforming
2024
- Silver Lining Project - Atlanta, GA ($10,000)
The Silver Lining Project supports Black SGL men over 50 living with HIV, fostering connection and well-being. Joseph Beam Legacy Grant awarded to aid with advocacy and collaboration to amplify voices and improve inclusive care strategies.
2023
- North Atlanta DBT & Revolution Psychotherapy - Atlanta, GA ($10,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant awarded to support DBT Skills Group for Black Women to learn new ways to cope with the cognitive, emotional, physical, and relational impacts of daily oppression and to learn how to live a more full and effective life.
2022
- Yakinii's Love Mentorship Program - Atlanta, GA ($10,000)
Black Trans Women’s Wellness Grant awarded to support a mentorship and rites of passage program for young Black trans women between the ages of 14- 22.
2024
- Hand to Hold - Houston, TX ($10,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant awarded to support Hand to Hold (H2H) Support Group for Black NICU Parents to find a community of belonging from peers with lived experiences
2023
- T.R.U.T.H. Project - Houston, TX ($10,000)
Joseph Beam Legacy Grant awarded to support “Phase II” retreat for Black SGL men 50+ with HIV, featuring wellness practices and peer-led support
2024
- MashUp! Nashville - Nashville, TN ($10,000)
Joseph Beam Legacy Grant awarded for General Operating support
2023
- The F.I.N.D. Design - Nashville, TN ($5,000)
Black Wellness Innovation Fund Grant awarded to support program F.L.Y. Girls program for Black and brown girls (11–17) through healing-centered, culturally relevant learning that fosters growth, empowerment, and reconnection with the school system
2022
- Black Birth Wellness Grants - Memphis, TN
Black Wellness Innovation Fund Grant awarded to six Black families for local doula and a $750 wellness stipend to support their birth journey
2023
- BACH’s CROPs - New Orleans, LA ($7,000)
Grant awarded to aid to continue mission "to cultivate, empower, and support the capacity and skills development of vulnerable populations and the people or organizations serving these important populations - improving people's self-efficacy, wellness, and well-being.
2024
- Darkness RISING Project - Raleigh, NC ($15,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant awarded to support REBUILD, which supports people who are formerly incarcerated with getting access to Black therapists to support their healing journey.
2023
- Darkness RISING Project - Raleigh, NC ($20,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant awarded to support REBUILD, which supports people who are formerly incarcerated with getting access to Black therapists to support their healing journey.
2023
- A Long Walk Home, Black Girls Healing Retreat - Chicago, IL ($10,000)
Black Girls’ Wellness Grant awarded to support a Healing Retreat and publish an artistic anthology based on participant reflections from the event.
2023
- Hitha Healing House - Detroit, MI ($10,000)
Black Girls’ Wellness Grant awarded to support enrichment program promoting self-worth, stress management, strong support networks, informed choices, and success skills—while empowering Black girls and addressing colorism.
2024
- Black Space HQ - Milwaukee, WI ($10,000)
Joseph Beam Legacy Grant awarded to support the Black Space Group Experience, monthly facilitated group sessions designed for individuals interested in therapy, anchored by community healing
2024
- Peel Dem Layers Back - Cleveland, OH ($10,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant awarded to support Holding Space—a peer support program that engages Black men in the Cleveland community, ages 21-50, to build supportive networks that cultivate emotional vulnerability, open communication, and tools for self-regulation.
2023
- Sankofa HIV Initiative - Sandusky, OH ($10,000)
Joseph Beam Legacy Grant awarded to a healing retreat for Black gay men 50+ with HIV, promoting self-love, wellness, and care engagement
2024
- Dade County Street Response - Miami, FL ($10,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant awarded to support the Life Wellness Peer Support Group in Liberty City, offering a safe outdoor space to address mental health needs of Black, unhoused individuals in Miami.
2024
- Black People Die By Suicide Too - Hughesville, MD ($10,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant to support The Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group—a dedicated initiative designed to provide a safe and supportive space for Black individuals who are dealing with suicidal thoughts or have been affected by suicide.
2023
- Ballet After Dark - Baltimore, MD ($10,000)
Peer Support & Community Care Grant awarded to support mission to offer somatic interventions, trauma-informed care, dance therapy, and other holistic methods to encourage survivors of sexual assault and various levels of trauma to heal their bodies using movement.
2022
- TAKE Resource Center - Birmingham, AL ($10,000)
Black Trans Women’s Wellness Grant awarded to allow the TAKE Center to expand their services and wellness resources and will sustain their mental health groups led by therapists.
2024
- Role Models Academy NPC - Western Cape, South Africa ($500)
Black Wellness Innovation Fund Grant awarded for General Operating support
Southern Healing Support Fund
2024
- Sweet Hearts Inc - Atlanta, GA ($8,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded to provide culturally competent care for Black mothers grieving the loss of children due to gun violence and offers financial help for burial services.
2023
- THRIVE SS - Atlanta, GA ($2,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded for General Operating support - For Her - Atlanta, GA ($2,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded for General Operating support - Queen Moon Child Consulting - East Point, GA ($2,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded for General Operating support - ERP Kaleidoscope - Atlanta, GA ($7,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund awarded to support healing circles for Black people living with OCD
2021
- Alphonso Mills, Counselor & HIV Advocate - Atlanta, GA ($4,000)
Honorarium awarded to support Positive Impact Health Centers - Crystal Monds, Healing Practitioner - Atlanta, GA ($4,000) Honorarium awarded to support development of holistic fitness and yoga community center — Osatyam Wellness
- Emanuel H. Brown, Wellness Practitioner - Newton, GA ($4,000) Honorarium awarded to support the expansion of community garden and help develop herbal remedies for people who attend the Acorn Center for Restoration and Freedom
2020
- Historic Mableton Community Garden - Mableton, GA ($500)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded to increase access to locally grown green foods
2018
- Dionne Hills, Herbalist - Atlanta, GA ($1,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded to support Community Roots Clinic
2023
- Daughters of the Yam - Austin, TX ($5,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded to support Ancestral Healing Retreat and Sweet Communion virtual space
2020
- Alliance for African American Health - Austin, TX ($500)
Honorarium awarded to support an effort to increase access to locally grown green foods and their wellness and gardening series.
2024
- The Social Justice Center - Charlotte, NC ($8,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant award to support Empowering Mamas Doula Program, an initiative supporting Black birthing individuals—including trans and gender nonconforming mamas—with culturally affirming care and resources.
2021
- Julia Sangodare Wallace, Preacher and Filmmaker - Durham, NC ($4,000)
Honorarium awarded to support conversion of sermons, conversations, and Sunday services into podcasts and expanding services to music therapy
2018
- Ratasha Elise, Healing Justice Facilitator - Durham, NC ($1,000)
Honorarium awarded to support a multi-faceted project that centers the healing, restoration, and liberation of Black cis and trans women, femmes, and gender non-conforming people
South Carolina (SC)
Emanuel H. Brown, Wellness Practitioner – The Acorn Center for Restoration and Freedom
South Carolina – $4,000 (2021)
2021
- Kayla Gore, Organizer - Memphis, TN ($4,000)
Honorarium awarded to support My Sistah's House, the tiny home community founded to create long-term solutions to housing crisis for Black trans women
2018
- Miajenell Peake, Birth Doula - Memphis, TN ($1,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded to support The Melanated Birth & Yoga Retreat
2024
- Zepp Wellness Center - Orlando, FL ($8,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded to support their mission to train therapists to better support survivors and offer therapy and support groups to those navigating sex work, trauma and healing.
2025
- BACH’s CROPS - New Orleans, LA ($10,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded to support PRIDE Wellness Program through therapeutic counseling sessions tailored to the specific needs of Black gay and bisexual men who may be navigating issues related to HIV status, sexual orientation, depression, substance abuse, or other mental health challenges. - Black Women DO Heal - New Orleans, LA ($10,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded for General Operating support
2023
- Dream House Lounge - New Orleans, LA ($2,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded for General Operating support
2018
- Lorenzo Lewis, Mental Health Advocate - Little Rock, AR ($1,000)
Southern Healing Support Fund Grant awarded for The Confess Project
Parent Support Fund
“Got diapers and wipes and food for my one year old.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“I was able to comfortably fund their Christmas, we used the funds for activities and presents!”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“I was able to feed my son and stock the fridge up”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“My daughter was recently diagnosed with Autism and has a lot of sensory needs. I was able to buy her some items to help with her sensory needs”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“Thank you BEAM! My son has been registered for his first therapy appointment.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“Yes, it came right on time by my daughter’s birthday I am forever grateful.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“I took my girls out to dinner and bought them gifts stress free of spending bill money.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“My son was in need of a stroller and I was able purchase one and a few other educational toys for him.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“I was able to purchase uniforms for my daughter and a few grocery items to assist with feeding my house hold.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“It helped me with a child care payment.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“Allowed us to keep the power on.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“I was able to catch up on past due therapy bills.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“I was able to get a few toys to support my sons development while he’s in the NICU.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“I am now able to do at least one activity for spring break for my son.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“I was able to pay off sports fees.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“Extra assistance to get winter clothes for my daughter.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“I was able to buy some needed food, buy my son some clothes he wanted, and get my daughter some clothes and I few other things I wouldn't have been able to buy.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“I was able to utilize the funds to get everyone new shoes for the school year thankful and grateful.” -Parent Support Fund Recipient
“Used to pay for medicine.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“My son missed the bus several times this week and I was able to get him to school without worrying about gas.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“I was able to buy two dressers and some sheets for our bed and i thank you!”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
“Needed a new mattress so I used the gift card for groceries and was able to get the mattress.”
-Parent Support Fund Recipient
