Reflection, Creativity, and Connection
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Herren Project hosted a Prevention Wellness Series throughout May, bringing community members together through a variety of free virtual workshops and conversations centered on mental wellness, prevention, creativity, and connection. Each event offered participants meaningful opportunities to reflect, learn, and engage in supportive dialogue while gaining practical tools to support overall well-being.
One featured workshop, Mandala Poetry, a PeaceLove workshop, encouraged participants to explore mindfulness through expressive arts and writing. During the session, attendees created mandalas as a tool for focus and reflection before expressing their thoughts and experiences through poetry. The workshop fostered creativity, calmness, and self-expression while also reminding participants of the importance of slowing down and taking time for reflection.
Another impactful event featured a virtual screening of The First Day, a documentary in which Chris Herren shares his recovery journey through powerful storytelling and honest reflection. Following the screening, parents, caregivers, educators, and teens participated in a guided conversation focused on substance use, mental health, and self-harm.
Presented in partnership with Herren Project, Spark Hope Scar Revision Project, and 2tametheshame, the discussion created space for open and honest conversations around topics that can often feel difficult to address. Panelists shared professional expertise, lived experiences, and practical strategies to help families and communities better support young people while encouraging dialogue without fear, stigma, or shame.
Participants were reminded of the importance of listening without judgment, recognizing signs that someone may need support, and creating environments where individuals feel safe asking for help. The event reflected the power of storytelling and community conversations in helping reduce stigma and strengthen connection.
Watch a recording of The First Day screening and guided conversation here.
To conclude the Prevention Wellness Series, participants engaged in Sand Art of the Soul: A Reflective Practice for Wellbeing & Connection, a calming and interactive virtual workshop grounded in whole-person wellness and positive psychology. Through storytelling, appreciative journaling, creative reflection, and small-group connection, participants explored a single guiding word that reflected what they most needed during this season of life.
The experience emphasized the value of intentional pause, meaningful connection, and self-awareness as pathways to personal growth and resilience. Participants were encouraged to reflect not only on their own wellness journeys but also on the importance of supporting one another through empathy, creativity, and connection.
Together, these events reflected the mission of the Prevention Wellness Series: to create accessible spaces for learning, healing, creativity, and connection while supporting the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Throughout the month, participants were reminded that wellness can take many forms and that small moments of reflection, creativity, and conversation can have a meaningful impact.
Herren Project is grateful to all who participated in this year’s Prevention Wellness Series and helped create supportive spaces centered on wellness, prevention, and community connection.
We hope you’ll join us this September for our next Prevention Wellness Series. Together, we’ll continue exploring topics that support mental wellness, prevention, and connection while creating welcoming spaces where individuals and families can learn, grow, and support one another. More details will be shared soon, and we look forward to connecting with you.
