Past
Events
2023
Get ready to lace up your shoes and join Mind and Wellness Foundation (MAWF) on Saturday, November 25 for our 2nd annual flagship event 2023 Mental Break 2k/5k and Virtual Walk’. Whether you prefer to walk in person or virtually, as an individual or as part of a team, this event is for everyone who believes in the power of mental health and wellness.
The purpose of the ‘2023 Mental Break 2K/5K’ and Virtual Walk’ is to garner awareness for barriers surrounding access to mental health care, including lack of knowledge and access to providers, insurance, and financial limitations, among other challenges that young men and women in the U.S. experience, particularly those in communities of color.
Not only will you be supporting a worthy cause, but you will also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for mental wellness. The Foundation Walk is a chance to come together as a community, celebrate our collective efforts, and inspire each other to continue advocating for mental health.
Race Location
Browns Chapel Park
1686 Browns Chapel Rd
Reston, VA 20194
The Mental Break Run/Walk is family-friendly; wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. Please use caution as the paved running trail is fairly narrow.
Saturday, November 25, starting at 8:30 am.
Registration fee:
5K Timed Run/Walk: $50 through Friday, November 24, then $55 on Race Day
2K Untimed Walk: $50 through Friday, November 24, then $55 on Race Day
Virtual Walk: $56* through Race Day (Includes drop shipment of t-shirt)
In-person participants, please be sure to register by October 16 to be guaranteed a shirt!
Packet pick-up will be =PR= Reston Store on Friday, November 24 from 1:00-5:00 pm. Then at Browns Chapel on Saturday, starting at 7:15 am.
Awards will be given to the overall top three (3) male, female and youth finishers in both the 2K and 5K walk/race.
​
Together, we can make a lasting and meaningful impact on mental health and wellness. We look forward to seeing you there!
Funds raised from the 2023 Mental Break Walk will be put to good use.
-
A portion of the funds will be used to help us fulfill our mission of supporting young people by providing access to culturally competent mental health therapists and wellness practitioners. We believe that everyone deserves quality care, no matter their background.
-
Additionally, the funds will also contribute to our scholarship and grant programs, allowing us to empower more individuals in pursuing their dreams in the field of mental health and wellness.
-
We'll also be using the funds for to plan and deliver mental health and wellness awareness programs, wellness tools activities and events along with initiatives and campaigns.
.jpg)
Mental Break 2022 2k/5k Walk photo highlight
Are you interested in sponsoring?
Our 2023 Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
Stacy Tucker
In-Kind Partners
.png){kind=logo}
Our 2022 Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
In-Kind Partners
The Nest Egg
123Junk
Oak Steakhouse
Unravel You
Kim's Kloset
Dick's Sporting Goods (Fair Oaks Mall)
​
Organization & Wellness Partners
​
Know Competition
DrinkAFavor
​
Balance and Birth
Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 4:00 PM EST | 1:00 PM PST
Spring, the in-between of hot to cold, is about maintaining balance in the midst of change, blooming flowers, and rebirth. We maintain the balance in our bodies by eating well, meditating, spending time in nature, and exercising to release tension and attract positivity.
SLTGP2456
In this session, we will focus on balance and giving birth to the hope and dreams that are waiting to be shared with the world.
​
Register Today!
The Healing Power of Writing:
Creative Writing & Journaling Session
Thursday, May 10, 2023
Journaling and creative writing are some of the best ways to promote and support self-care. Frequently putting pen to paper can help you discover the best parts of you; reflect and give you the assurance your need to take the next steps in your own personal growth, development, and spiritual journey.
These powerful sessions offer women a safe space to be vulnerable and authentic as well as to leverage a therapeutic way of communicating our experiences, reflecting on the past and setting intentions for the days ahead.
Join creative writing facilitator, Chana Brissett Shinegba for this guided session on Thursday, May 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM EST/6:00 PM CST/ 5:00 PM MST and/4:00 PM PST
​
Within this guided session, writing prompts will give you a chance to reflect, ask yourself important questions, and create a supportive environment with like-minded women.
Limited space is available for this intimate group.
2022
Shatter the Stigma:
A Conversation on Mental Health
Mind and Wellness Foundation (MAWF), in partnership with the nationally streamed, ‘What Keeps Us Together’ podcast; hosted an in-depth discussion entitled 'A Critical Conversation on Mental Health' featuring Clinical Therapist, LaTasha Pennant with our very own CEO & Founder of MAWF, Deneen Vaughn. In addition to learning more about the newly launched Mind and Wellness Foundation created in memory of Chris Vaughn who died by suicide late in 2021-- viewers and listeners tapped in to learn some healthy coping mechanisms, ways to stop that overly critical voice in your head, and how to know if you or a loved one may need
some support.
This special episode brought to you by:
​
Mental Break 2K/5K Walk
The inaugural, flagship fundraiser 'Mental Break 2k/5K and Virtual Walk' held November 2022 at Brown's Chapel Park in Reston, VA was a huge success!
With nine core sponsors, six In-Kind Sponsors, more than 180 total participants nationwide, and nearly $20,000 raised -- it was a good
We look forward to the 2023 Mental Break Race and Walk with a few new elements, like 'Teams' and a 'Wellness Fair'!
For many of us, our mental and emotional well-being are positively impacted by exercise and fitness, nutrition and healthy eating, and mind-body practices - but many people seeking help for mental illness are not often offered these options as part of their treatment plan. In addition to traditional therapy, we aim to expand our approaches to address the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. Profits raised during the Mind and Wellness Foundation's Mental Break 2K/5K will go toward treatment for young men and women in need of therapy and access to resources that will help support their journey toward overall mental wellness in addition to our all new scholarship program.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 26, 2023 at 8:00 AM to walk with us!
Our Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
In-Kind Partners
The Nest Egg
123Junk
Oak Steakhouse
Unravel You
Kim's Kloset
Dick's Sporting Goods (Fair Oaks Mall)
​
Organization & Wellness Partners
​
Know Competition
DrinkAFavor
​
Breathe. Healing Our Heart.
w/ Elethia Gay
Breathe. Healing our Heart was a 45-minute-long yoga class led by Elethia Gay that included virtual participants from all parts of the world. From Los Angeles to Silver Spring, Maryland and from Fairfax, Virginia to Costa Rica. Novice and experienced yogis alike engaged in poses that helped facilitate the breathing process that aid in the reduction of tension in the body. Taking this yoga session helped many participants free up their energy flow and find a place of peace, even if for a short while.
We'll be partnering with Elethia in 2023 for Slay the 5K -- a program designed to prepare participants for upcoming races and walks to include our fall Mental Break Race and Walk in addition to her leading a few other short yoga sessions. Learn more about Elethia, Alexander Q, and wellness programs and events by visiting the calendar page or Resource Hub of our website
