In Miami’s District 5, mental health advocacy is taking a quieter, more consistent form, one rooted in presence rather than spectacle. For the Florida-based nonprofit SoMyPolar, that presence has meant returning year after year, working alongside local partners, and meeting families where they already gather.
SoMyPolar focuses on mental health awareness and early recognition, with an emphasis on making conversations around mental illness accessible, family-centered, and free from judgment. Rather than treating mental health as a topic reserved for crisis moments, the organization integrates it into everyday community life through outreach, education, and creative engagement.
That approach was on display in late December, when SoMyPolar partnered with Miami District 5 Commissioner Christine King and local organizations as part of an ongoing, multi-year community initiative. The gathering brought together families, youth, and local leaders in an inclusive setting designed to foster connection and visibility around mental health support.
The event marked the fourth consecutive year of collaborative programming in District 5. Activities centered on youth engagement, family interaction, and the distribution of community resources, reinforcing a sense of stability and continuity for residents. The emphasis was not on one-time awareness, but on showing up consistently within the same community.
Professional athletes from Inter Miami CF, including Tyler Hall and Israel Boatwright, spent time with children and families during the event. Their presence added to an atmosphere focused on approachability and shared experience, particularly for young attendees.
For SoMyPolar’s co-founders, the motivation behind this work is both personal and communal. Jihan Gabart, an interactive care advocate, reflected simply on why the organization continues its outreach, saying, “I think about the hardships others may be facing and want to help.” Melissa Duncan, a mental health advocate and nonprofit leader, echoed that sentiment, adding, “Our mission is to always give. Give small or big, just give.”
Those statements capture the organization’s guiding principle: that meaningful mental health advocacy does not always require grand gestures, but rather sustained acts of presence and generosity within the community.
Beyond events, SoMyPolar’s work includes accessible mental health education through workshops and outreach, as well as creative tools designed to support families early. Among these tools is children’s storytelling, developed to help parents and caregivers begin nonjudgmental conversations about mental health at a young age. The goal is to normalize these discussions within families before stigma takes hold.
Duncan and Gabart have previously been featured in national media discussing mental health representation and stigma within cultural narratives. Their commentary has consistently drawn from lived experience rather than abstraction, focusing on how mental illness is experienced within families, relationships, and everyday life. That visibility reflects a broader cultural shift in how mental health is discussed publicly, moving away from distance and toward familiarity.
Community collaboration remains central to SoMyPolar’s approach. Partners and sponsors involved in the District 5 programming included The Urban, the Stanley Gabart Foundation, MLK Economic Development Corporation, HTG, The Brown Law Group, and SoMyPolar. The range of partners underscores an effort to build durable support systems through shared responsibility rather than isolated programming.
Importantly, SoMyPolar’s leadership has emphasized continuity. The organization plans to continue its community-based programming throughout the year, reinforcing the importance of consistent engagement beyond seasonal initiatives. By returning to the same neighborhoods over time, the nonprofit aims to build trust, familiarity, and openness around mental health conversations.
District 5, like many urban communities, includes families navigating a range of social and economic pressures. SoMyPolar’s model addresses these realities by embedding mental health awareness into environments that feel familiar and welcoming, reducing barriers to participation and discussion.
Rather than positioning itself solely as a service provider, SoMyPolar acts as a connector, bringing together families, local leadership, and community organizations around shared goals. In doing so, mental health becomes part of a broader conversation about community wellbeing and collective care.
As SoMyPolar continues its work in Miami’s District 5, its approach serves as a reminder that visibility, consistency, and local partnerships remain powerful tools for changing how mental health is understood and supported.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of SoMyPolar or its partners. For specific mental health concerns, please consult with a licensed professional.
