Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in trauma and stress related incidents as well as substance use that has occurred in the city of St. Louis. With an increase in crime statistics, racial tension, poverty, homelessness and the impact of losses due to COVID19, many families have experienced some additional stressors and circumstance that impact their lives.

Many minority communities, are more likely to experience socioeconomic disparities that may contribute to an exacerbation of mental health outcomes. Misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment and lack of cultural competence by health professionals causes distrust and may  prevent BIPOC communities from seeking or staying in treatment. Many continue to hold stigmatizing beliefs about mental illness. Talking about problems with behavioral health professionals may be negatively viewed as a sign of weakness and some may feel that discussions about mental illness would not be appropriate even among family.

Ignite Hope was born out of a vision to support communities who are significantly affected by trauma, substance use, poverty, and other disparities. Dr. Lekesha Davis, Teresa Brandon, and Zaundrea Young have worked in under resourced communities their entire careers. They have witnessed first had, the need for expanded and comprehensive support for communities of color.

These visionaries have combined their passion and experience to create Ignite Hope!