I am, I stand for and I co-create strength, devotion, passion, inclusion with the voices of my community. My name is Vanessa Johnson, Community Fellow at the Family Justice Center in the City of Pride and Purpose, Richmond, California.
After graduating from California State University, Long Beach, I wanted to dive into my Richmond community. I am currently working at the Counseling Department at Contra Costa College. I plan on pursing higher education by seeking a Master’s Degree in Social Work. I see myself bring awareness of mental health issues to break negative stigma, offer support and spark conversations regarding interpersonal violence.
My mission as a Community Fellow is to transform a bare, cement and largely unoccupied outdoor space at the Center, which is known as Project Backspace “Roots“. Imagine the time our clients spend indoors reliving their traumatic experiences. Now, imagine an outdoor sanctuary where clients, their children, partners and staff could gather, play, de-stress and heal.
I envision that Project Backspace “Roots” will be an environment that will not only foster people to come together to find peace regarding interpersonal violence experiences, but will also offer another form of healing. My hopes are that Project Backspace “Roots” will inspire people to heal in a safe and creative outdoor environment.