Brooklyn Center Nonprofit To Invest in Wellness with “Rest Up” Award
A Brooklyn Center nonprofit director who supports the health of her community is getting a chance to take care of her own mental health.
Melissa Nambangi, executive director of the Minnesota African Women’s Association, or MAWA, helps educate African women and girls in topics like reproductive health, education and civic engagement.
Nambangi said many African families come from environments vastly different from American culture. She said that adjustment can be difficult and shocking.
Her group often responds to cultural concerns and differences by connecting women and girls together. Nambangi said those connections combat loneliness and isolation.
The Minnesota African Women’s association offers excursions for girls, including college visits across the state.
More than 40 women-led businesses received $10,000 to rest up and take care of their mental health. MAWA was one of them.
The “Rest Up” awards were given by the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. A release from WFM said giving leaders an opportunity to pause and take care of themselves will strengthen the work they do.
Nambangi said she is grateful to receive the grant. Her nonprofit has functioned since 2002 and kept her busy ever since.
“It was a very welcome offer,” Nambangi said. “Wow! Somebody is going to actually pay for me to take a break with my staff.”
Nambangi said her staff are passionate. It can be hard for them, including her, to take time for themselves.
She said she plans to use the money for her and her staff to take wellness days.
