United Is the Way to Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
by Angela Ventura
When people have access to trusted information, supportive connections, and culturally relevant resources, entire communities become stronger. This fact is the driving force behind Koze Sou Sante Mantal, United Way Broward’s annual Creole-language symposium dedicated to mental health, wellness, and community empowerment.
Broward County is home to one of the larger Haitian-American populations in the U.S. More than 110,000 Broward residents identify as being of Haitian ancestry, making our county a vibrant center of Haitian culture, entrepreneurship, faith, and civic leadership. Haitian Creole is a widely spoken language in Broward, underscoring the importance of providing healthcare resources and community services in culturally and linguistically accessible ways.
Every year, Koze Sou Sante Mantal mobilizes together hundreds of community members, healthcare professionals, educators, faith leaders, advocates, and service providers for a day of engaging activities and presentations on topics such as mental health, substance-use prevention, family wellness, and community support. This event creates a great space where people openly discuss issues that often have carried stigma as well as connects people with organizations ready to help.
This spirit of connection continues this month. On Saturday, July 25 from 11:30 am to 4 pm, United Way Broward is proud to host the 3rd Annual Koze Sou Sante Mantal Symposium at the Pompano Beach Cultural Arts Center.
This free event is presented through United Way Broward’s Creole Initiative Action Team (CIAT), part of our Coalition on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention. Working with community partners, CIAT empowers Broward’s Haitian and Creole-speaking communities by promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing awareness of behavioral health resources, and reducing stigma surrounding mental health and substance use.
For many families across all backgrounds, discussing mental health can be uncomfortable. Cultural expectations, misinformation, and fear of judgment often prevent individuals from seeking support when they need it most. Koze Sou Sante Mantal Symposium is one way to overcome these obstacles.
Throughout the day, attendees will hear from elected officials, community leaders, behavioral health professionals, educators, and advocates who understand the unique experiences of Broward’s Haitian community. In addition to serving as an educational conference, Koze Sou Sante Mantal is a celebration of the rich cultural traditions and lasting contributions of Broward's Haitian-American community.
Guests at this free event will experience Haitian-inspired music, performances, presentations, Haitian cuisine and refreshments, and expressions honoring the community’s resilience, heritage, and enduring spirit.
The day’s programming begins with registration, networking opportunities, and music from a live DJ, followed by opening remarks from local dignitaries and United Way Broward’s leadership. The morning also features a keynote presentation from community leader Success Jr., who will share his personal story and highlight the importance of addressing mental health.
One of the event’s highlights is the first panel discussion, focused on health, wellness, and stigma reduction. Moderated by Dr. Marie Florent-Carre, the panel brings together experts from healthcare, youth services, higher education, and the faith community to discuss practical strategies for supporting emotional well-being and connecting individuals with available resources. Panelists include representatives from Memorial Healthcare System, youth advocates, behavioral health professionals, and faith-based leaders who work directly with families throughout Broward County.
Following the health discussion, attendees will enjoy refreshments before participating in an engaging mental health awareness performance presented by Success Jr. and his team. Through storytelling and theatrical presentations, the performance explores lived experiences that encourage audiences to recognize the importance of seeking help and supporting loved ones facing challenges related to emotional or behavioral health.
The afternoon continues with a special activity by media personality Guylene Berry and then moves to a second panel discussion examining several factors that influence overall well-being beyond healthcare alone. Moderated by Guylene Berry, the panel will address financial stability, housing, domestic violence, immigration, internet safety and digital well-being — topics significantly affecting mental health and quality of life. Community experts will share practical resources and guidance as well as discuss how individuals and families can access support throughout Broward County.
In addition to the educational sessions, attendees will have opportunities to visit community resource tables, meet local organizations, and connect with providers offering services in Haitian Creole. The conference will help participants leave with valuable information and develop connections to people, programs, and resources to support themselves and their families long after the event concludes.
Koze Sou Sante Mantal Symposium reflects United Way Broward’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every member of our community has access to the tools and resources needed to thrive. By mobilizing collaboration among healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, educators, government agencies, and faith-based leaders, the conference helps bridge gaps in care and strengthens trust within the community.
Whether you are a healthcare professional, educator, community leader, parent, student, or simply someone interested in supporting healthier communities, Koze Sou Sante Mantal offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and become part of an important conversation.
Join United Way Broward on Saturday, July 25 at the Pompano Beach Cultural Arts Center for this free event dedicated to education, empowerment, and community wellness. Together, we can continue building a Broward where conversations about mental health are met with understanding, support, and hope and where every individual knows help is available.
Click here to learn more about United Way Broward’s Coalition on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention and all of its life-saving, community-building initiatives.