CACEN's Role as Ambassadors in the Mental Health Community Ambassador Program
Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network (CACEN) is proud to serve as an ambassador in the Metro Denver Partnership for Health's (MDPH) Mental Health Community Ambassador Program. As part of this vital initiative, we are dedicated to reducing mental health stigma within the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and other communities experiencing disproportionate mental health outcomes.
What We Do
Our Commitment
In alignment with our mission to elevate AANHPI communities and address inequities through cultural exchange and education, we are committed to fostering a supportive environment where mental health can be openly discussed and understood. By integrating community voices, we aim to create culturally relevant and impactful strategies to combat mental health stigma.
Our Approach
As a Mental Health Community Ambassador, CACEN provides mental health education and resources to AANHPI communities through workshops led by AANHPI providers and therapists, connecting people to essential resources. We also work to reduce stigma by encouraging open dialogue about mental health and wellness through healing and sharing spaces, resilience training, and wellness activities. Our approach includes engaging in a variety of community touchpoints each month to disseminate mental health information and promote anti-stigma messages.
Our Vision
At CACEN, we envision a Colorado where AANHPIs of all generations feel valued, engaged, and socially connected to their communities. Our participation in the Mental Health Community Ambassador Program is a testament to our commitment to creating spaces where our community members can thrive as their authentic selves.
Join us in this journey towards a stigma-free future for mental health.
Recent Events:
To date, we have hosted numerous events aimed at promoting mental well-being within our community, including:
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Training Sessions on Responding to Anti-Asian American Harassment: Offering guidance on resilience and support in multiple languages.Tai Chi in the Park and Mindfulness in Nature, in partnership with Outdoor Asian Colorado: Encouraging mindfulness and mental wellness through physical activity and reflective practices.
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Workshops on Narcissism in Asian Cultures: Educating the community on identifying and healing from abuse.
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Discussion on Transforming Intergenerational Trauma: Sponsored event with the Wellness Emotional Alignment and Intergenerational Healing (WEALTH) research team for AANHPI students at CU Denver and MSU.
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Neurodiversity Workshop: Focused on understanding and embracing neurodiversity within our community, offering practical tools for mind-body health and building a sensory soothing toolkit.
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Mental Health Professional Meet-Up: Collaboration with Asian Vibes in Denver to facilitate networking and resource sharing among mental health professionals.
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Community Event Outreach: CACEN will be in community at events such as Colorado Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan’s Lake and the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Far East Center to interact with community members and provide mental health resources.