Healing in Action at the Hayward Mental Wealth Block Party
- bossbayarea
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
On May 14, 2025, BOSS lit up Hayward with joy, movement, and healing at our Mental Wealth Block Party held at the South County Homeless Project. It was a powerful reminder of what happens when community comes together with purpose.
From the moment guests arrived, the energy was palpable—smiles, hugs, and reunions flowed freely. Music played as people danced in the courtyard, shared meals prepared with love and intention, and connected with a wide array of wellness resources.
We welcomed partners from across Hayward and the greater Bay Area including 2nd Chance Hayward, Zeta Phi Beta Hayward, New Door Oakland, and PEERS of Oakland. Each partner brought services, compassion, and tangible resources—from job training and behavioral health support to healing circles and community empowerment.
There were chess games and domino matches, giveaways of socks, coats, hygiene kits, and gift cards. Our tenants from South County came out in full force, sharing space, stories, and solidarity. BOSS staff showed up strong—offering program info, wellness check-ins, and guidance on everything from housing to recovery support.
Dr. Nichole Pettway, BOSS' Deputy Director of WERC & TRC, shared:
At our Mental Health, Mental Wealth Day in Hayward, I had the privilege of connecting with so many incredible BOSS employees and community partners. The energy, commitment, and heart I witnessed today affirmed everything BOSS stands for—healing, empowerment, and opportunity.
Meanwhile, as Hayward celebrated mental wellness, another team was simultaneously hosting a job fair in Berkeley—proof that BOSS is showing up on both sides of the Bay to make an impact.
Perhaps one of the most moving moments came when Jeannette from 2nd Chance shared her testimony—how she rose from rock bottom and now helps others do the same at 2nd Chance Hayward. Her story, like so many we heard that day, was a reflection of the deeper work: building trust, creating access, and sustaining community.
This block party was one of two of our May Wellness Activations, for healing, connection and collective resilience.
Thank you to the incredible sponsorship and partnership from to everyone who showed up with heart, healing, and joy—thank you.
Thank you to Ava Energy. They provide clean energy at lower rates and reinvests in our community through programs, grants, and sponsorships. Learn more at AvaEnergy.org!
Thank you to the City of Hayward, Kaiser Permanente and Supervisor Elisa Marquez.
This is what Mental Wealth looks like.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, BOSS is bringing healing, resources, and hope directly to the block.
In both East Oakland (May 14) and Hayward (May 28), BOSS will host Mental Wealth Block Parties—community-powered events that center trauma recovery, mental health care, and culturally rooted wellness for those most impacted by poverty, incarceration, violence, and systemic inequity.
Your donation brings care to the people who need it most.
Funds raised will support:
Healing circles, sound baths, and wellness activations
Free resources like self-care kits, therapy referrals, and reentry support
Stipends for local practitioners and wellness leaders
Safe, joyful space for families, youth, and survivors
Give today to support wellness with purpose—and power.
Together, we’re building systems of care that our communities deserve.