Transforming a Former School into a Mental Health Community Hub in Aurora, Colorado
In a significant move towards enhancing community well-being, a former school in Aurora, Colorado, is set to undergo a transformation into a vibrant mental health community hub. This initiative comes in the wake of school closures due to declining enrollment, with the Aurora Public School Board having made the difficult decision to close Sable and Paris Elementary Schools in 2022. While Sable Elementary has already been repurposed into the Sable Child Development Center, plans are now underway to breathe new life into the former Paris Elementary School.
A Vision for Community Wellness
The vision for the Paris Elementary School’s transformation is spearheaded by Daniel Sampson, the owner and founder of Driven by Our Ambitions, a company dedicated to providing mental health and therapy services to youth. Sampson emphasizes the importance of revitalizing an area that once thrived with joy and excitement. “We’re bringing life to an area that was full of joy and excitement,” he stated, highlighting the potential for the space to foster community engagement and support.
To actualize this vision, Sampson collaborated with Dr. Janiece Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Young Aspiring Americans for Social Political Activism, and D.L Pos Ryan and Andre Carbonell from the Peace Youth Organization. Together, they formed the ABC Collective, a coalition of three Black-owned businesses committed to transforming the former school into a comprehensive community hub.
A Multifaceted Approach to Mental Health
The ABC Collective aims to create a space that offers a wide range of services, including health and wellness programming, civic engagement, educational opportunities, and workforce development. Sampson envisions the hub as a resource-rich environment where community members can access vital services. “Resources around food and nutrition. Resources around child care. Resources around mental health. Resources around different trades and different career paths they could get access to,” he explained.
One of the innovative approaches Sampson is implementing involves repurposing nontraditional spaces within the school. By incorporating a barber chair, a weight room, and a boxing ring, he hopes to create informal settings that encourage open conversations about mental health. “This chair itself is like the wonder woman truth serum. As soon as a man from a certain culture sits in it, they feel welcomed. They feel like they can be vulnerable,” he noted. This unique approach aims to break down barriers and provide accessible entry points for adolescents and men of color to engage with mental health services.
Building Community Connections
The transformation of Paris Elementary into a mental health community hub is not just about providing services; it’s about fostering connections within the community. The ABC Collective envisions a space where individuals can come together, share experiences, and support one another in their mental health journeys. By creating an inclusive environment that prioritizes mental wellness, the hub aims to empower community members and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health discussions.
Looking Ahead
As the ABC Collective works diligently to prepare the building for its new purpose, they anticipate that the community hub will be ready to serve the North Aurora community early next year. This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing mental health needs in the area, particularly for underserved populations. By transforming a once-vacant school into a thriving center for mental health and community engagement, the ABC Collective is not only revitalizing a physical space but also nurturing the emotional and psychological well-being of the community.
In conclusion, the transformation of the former Paris Elementary School into a mental health community hub is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing community needs. With a focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and holistic support, this initiative promises to create a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in Aurora, Colorado. As the project unfolds, it serves as a beacon of hope and a model for similar initiatives across the country.
