The energy in the room was contagious!
On February 28th, CCC celebrated the grand opening of Karibu (pronounced “kah-REE-boo”). Celebrating Black History Month and the opening of Karibu, CCC couldn’t be more grateful.
The celebration marked the expansion of CCC’s culturally specific programs. Karibu provides individualized stabilization and treatment services for Black and African American men who are involved or at-risk of involvement with the criminal justice system and who may have behavioral health needs. Karibu also offers 14 beds of transitional housing. Up to 20 beds will be available by the end of 2023.
“With the opening of Karibu, CCC is following through on our commitment to serving our neighbors and community members who’ve been historically and disproportionately affected and chronically underserved within our region.” said President and CEO Dr. Andy Mendenhall. “Clients always feel safer when treated by experts who have shared backgrounds, cultural experiences and who have both overcome and continue to navigate similar challenges. These challenges include simply being treated with dignity and respect as full members of our society. We couldn’t be more honored to open our Karibu program and celebrate this tremendous milestone.”
Faith
CCC is also moving the Imani Center into the building, which has been providing mental health and addiction treatment for the Black and African American community since 2015. Imani will be moving from Old Town and housed alongside Karibu, creating a hub for culturally specific support. The Imani Center provides culturally specific and responsive Afrocentric approaches to mental health and addictions treatment, peer support and case management. Imani connects participants to all CCC services, including employment, benefits support, transitional housing and natural support systems.
“Knowing the process of this day was very challenging at times. It allowed for us to hold on to the Imani, which means faith in Swahili,” said Program Manager Tori Hatter-Smith. “So, each of you take out the time to embrace such a spectacular moment in a community where our Native ancestors once stood. Let’s [also] not forget the Black men and women we are currently helping and will help to establish healthy and prosperous life back in society. Once again I welcome each of you to our new Karibu home and our relocation of the Imani Center.”
Together
In Swahili, Imani means “Faith.” In Swahili, Karibu means welcome—which is how we want all clients to feel as they step inside the door. In Swahili, Pamoja means “Together.”
