Building Bridges of Self-Awareness: Take

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Take My Hand is a nonprofit organization that has been building bridges of self-awareness and empowerment within communities since its establishment in 2019. With a mission to inspire and unite individuals of all ages, Take My Hand has been instrumental in fostering community unity and making a tangible impact through its diverse range of programs and events.

The organization is dedicated to addressing pressing issues that are often overlooked or underserved. Mental health, transportation, youth community engagement, and community involvement are just a few of the areas where the organization focuses its efforts. By recognizing and responding to the needs of these marginalized areas, Take My Hand aims to create lasting change and improve the overall quality of life for individuals and families in need.

From her early days as a volunteer at summer camps to her current role as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Founder Tia Russell has dedicated herself to making a

Unity and Impact

serve as guiding principles for their work.

positive impact in her community. With a focus on mental health, psychological trauma, economic crisis, and substance use, she has been actively involved in helping individuals overcome their struggles and find a path towards empowerment.

Russell firmly believes that everyone has the power to be the change they want to see in the world. Her extensive experience in serving communities for over seven years has taught her that the most valuable resources are often found within the community itself. Recognizing this, she has made it her mission to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and advocate for the rights of those who lack basic necessities.

At the core of Take My Hand’s philosophy is the principle of defending the rights of the poor and needy. Tia understands that true leadership is not about exerting control or dominance but rather about leading through kindness and compassion. She believes that by fostering a culture of empathy and support, lasting change can be achieved.

The organization’s three core values— Motivating, Supporting, and Assisting—

Take My Hand recognizes the importance of motivation in inspiring individuals to step forward and take action. By encouraging individuals to embrace their potential and seize opportunities to make a difference, the organization strives to increase volunteer rates and empower future generations to become leaders in their communities.

Since its establishment, Take My Hand has achieved significant impact. Through collaborations with over 20 organizations, they have made tangible improvements in the community. From distributing diapers to low-income families, providing COVID19 personal protective equipment packages to youth and families, to organizing holiday initiatives such as distributing turkeys and adopting children from low-income families for Christmas, Take My Hand has positively touched the lives of many.

The organization has made substantial progress in improving access to mental health services, distributing bus tickets to those in need, and providing resources that enhance the overall quality of life for

DTE Peak Hours

From page A-5 structure within Black communities plays a significant role in how peak hour pricing affects residents. Older housing stock or apartments with limited energy-efficient features may result in higher energy consumption, making it harder to reduce usage during peak hours. This situation can disproportionately impact the financial well-being of individuals and families residing in such properties.

The introduction of peak hour pricing by DTE brings both opportunities and challenges for Black communities. While affordability and energy inequity pose significant concerns, addressing these issues through targeted policy interventions, awareness campaigns and education can help mitigate the potential negative impact.

To navigate the peak hours and mitigate the impact on your electricity bills, consider the following strategies: mental impact and financial expenditure. Replace traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives, unplug electronic devices when not in use to prevent energy “vampires,” and regulate your thermostat to conserve energy. These small adjustments can yield substantial savings over time. from DTE regarding peak hours and rate adjustments. Being aware of the latest developments enables you to make informed decisions and adapt your energy consumption patterns accordingly. optimize your utility bills. DTE also offers a program which offers a free consultation and free energy saving products which can help consumers lower their energy costs, visit dteenergy.com

Strategic Power Consumption: Evaluate your energy consumption habits during peak hours and identify opportunities to shift certain activities to non-peak hours. By delaying the use of major appliances or energy-intensive tasks until after 7 p.m., you can capitalize on lower rates while still accomplishing necessary tasks.

Embrace Off-Peak Hours: Make the most of non-peak hours and weekends, as they offer more favorable rates. Schedule energy-intensive chores or activities during these periods to optimize cost savings without compromising your daily routines.

Prioritize Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is crucial for reducing both environ-

Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on any communications or announcements

Take My Hand

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The organization’s, Sow Your Seed: Breaking The Silence of Depression and Anxiety event, marked its third year as an impactful platform during Mental Health Awareness Month. This transformative gathering aimed to create a safe and inclusive space for open discussions on mental health, featuring a diverse range of elements. Russell received a Spirit of Detroit award, presented by City Council President Mary Sheffield for their incredible impact in the city.

Life experience speakers took center stage, bravely sharing their personal stories and shedding light on the challenges of depression and anxiety. Their experiences resonated deeply with attendees, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy within the community. The event embraced the power of artistic expression, with poetry readings that eloquently conveyed the intricate emotions associated with mental health struggles. Through the heartfelt words of the poets, participants found solace and solidarity, realizing they were not alone in their experiences.

Russell’s journey and her commitment to serving others are an inspiration to us all. Her belief in the power of kindness, coupled with her passion for defending the rights of the less fortunate, serves as a reminder that each of us can make a positive impact in our own communities. Take My Hand, continues to build bridges of self-awareness and empowerment, creating a better world one step at a time.

By familiarizing yourself with the changes in DTE’s peak hour pricing and implementing smart energy practices, you can effectively manage your electricity usage and

Stay proactive, stay informed and embrace energy-conscious habits. Together, we can navigate the peak hours and ensure a sustainable and cost-effective energy future. individuals. Their dedication and commitment have led to real and meaningful change within the communities they serve.