Choniece Stevenson, a local mental health advocate, wants to empower the community to learn ways to take care of themselves mentally by providing access and tips to a holistically healthy life.
Stevenson is originally from Hemet, California, but now lives in Owensboro. She recently won the title for the Ms. Voluptuous International pageant, where her platform was mental health awareness.
Hosted through her title, Stevenson is leading a “Self-Care Day” on Saturday at 4225 Benttree Drive. She plans to have activities for all ages, from bracelet affirmation word making, yoga, numerology readings, and other activities.
“My goal for this particular day is to show the community how they can take care of themselves and also give them access to the resources that are available in Owensboro,” Stevenson said. “Especially in the African-American community, mental health is not a very common topic and there are not a lot of people talking about it that look like me.”
She hopes the day also allows homes and youth centers to become more welcoming of discussion about mental health issues.
In addition to the activities, Stevenson said a licensed psychologist will attend Saturday’s event, as will a crystal vendor.
This isn’t the first local event for Stevenson, as she has been working with different organizations through her company Empowering You — where she provides mental health coaching in the community at places such as Girls Inc.
Stevenson said at Girls Inc. she offers one-on-one and group sessions with students to help them process their own mental state.
“I’m trying to work on and really focus on making mental health conversations a topic for our youth because early intervention is key,” she said.
