The Shine Initiative presented on the Trauma of School Disruption at the start of the pandemic school year. Four years later, they still believe one of the most important things you can do is Make Time for Your Mind through ongoing action and conversation. They provide knowledge and information to both young people, and adults to reduce stigma, encourage conversations and increase mental health literacy.
Shine Initiative
At Shine Initiative, we believe one of the most important things you can do is Make Time for Your Mind through ongoing action and conversation.
By providing knowledge and information to both young people, and the adults in their lives, in an approachable and accessible way, we reduce stigma, encourage conversations and increase mental health literacy to improve school and workplace environments.
Ike McBride, Program Director
Ike is a native of Worcester, MA and likes to consider himself 1st generation urban renewal because he was born into one of the Nation’s oldest housing projects. He is a product of Worcester Public Schools but chose to pursue college out of state. Upon his return to Worcester, he began working with youth, from a Summer camp counselor, school-aged childcare professional, secure treatment facility staff, DSS open door program staff until eventually landing with the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester. He spent over 20 years with the club and considers himself blessed to be a part of the lives of some of this city’s best and brightest athletes, entertainers, professionals and leaders. During the COVID period, Ike worked with an organization called EforAll (Entrepreneurship for All) which was also a great experience to help people from underserved communities realize their dreams of business ownership. All of those experiences have led Ike to where he is today. He has garnered several awards and accolades for his service to youth in this city. Ike is fortunate and blessed to be the father of 3 awesome young people, have a supportive partner and career that he is proud of, and still building.
Marissa Young, Program Associate
Marissa is a loving dog mom (who is pretty convinced her dog is the cutest) and enjoys spending her free time going for long walks with her family, at the gym or sitting on the couch with a good book. Marissa also spends her weekends traveling all over New England as a wedding photographer.
Marissa graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is very passionate about mental health. As someone who has battled with anxiety, her goal is to support others in similar situations, as well as teach family & friends what they can do to help their loved ones.
Julia Freitas, Program Associate
Julia is a bilingual coffee lover and foodie whose love of trying new cultural dishes and international travel come from her own Brazilian roots. She is “Titi” to her nephew and enjoys spending her free time with friends and family, going on long walks, and binge watching Netflix.
Julia graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health and is passionate about engaging with youth. As someone who has battled anxiety and depression, she advocates for individuals to feel their emotions because there is no shame in not feeling ok at all times. Through her own journey, she has learned to teach family and friends what they can do to support someone in need of extra care.