About us:
Established in 2012, Lifted by Purpose (LBP) is an innovative trauma-informed creative enterprise with a focus on mental health and wellness.
“We believe that everyone has a gift that can benefit themselves and share with the world. Self-awareness, access to resources, sharing stories, and empathy are the foundation for connected communities, wellness and solving problems. Engagement through the arts, education, social gatherings, and giving back helps to build relationships and practice humanity. When people unite to address a problem, change and innovation often happen.
‘Thank you to everyone on this journey with us to make an impact.”
– Arifah Yusuf, Founder of LBP
Mission
We are dedicated to inclusive spaces to increase access to diverse and equitable mental health and wellness information, resources, and support within different community sectors.
Vision
An innovative, creative enterprise bringing together the arts and mental health through transformative methods grounded in people’s external and internal reality; to truly impact lives.
Values
Promote and practice wellness
Use strengths-based approach
Respect and value diversity, equity and inclusion
Provide access to alternative programs and services
Open to innovative ideas
Support and build capacity
Explore possibilities
Our Team
Administrative Support / Collaborative Partner
SKETCH
Steering Committee
Tasha Anderson
Stephen Linton
Shrinder Bal
Nicole Shockness
LBP Team
Arifah Yusuf (Founder/Executive Director)
Stephanie Marshall (Director of Administration)
Kimberly Miller Pryce (Creative Director)
Angellika “Jelly” Smith (Art Program Facilitator)
Volunteers / Mentors/ Artists
Funded, Supported & Certified by
Community Partners
As featured in
Testimonials
“The program has helped me to be calm and changed my life.”
“Got a lot going on. I don’t talk much, I just try to deal with my situation. But in this program, I felt comfortable to share a few things, I like that we learn how to use music, cause it’s all we do really in real life, listen to music to pass time and feel better. [It] Don’t feel like a program, just a cool space we can talk, listen to music and get the help we didn’t know really existed”
“I’ve never been apart of something so meaningful. This project helped me to see how far i’ve come on my journey of self care.”
“Amazing night. The hard work definitely showed. Great energy, vibes and important messaging.”
“I was a shy guy and very introvert, but being around people that had the same experiences and goals; this program made me open up and feel comfortable.”
“By providing real world and first hand experiences the instructor brought the material out of the text to ensure that we as workers could understand within our lens of practice.”
“Lifted is family! It’s the thing that truly gave me purpose. Even now, nothing has given me what Lifted has. It got me outside of myself. To see others. To get me out of bed. So thank you for investing in me.”
“I found the information and lived experiences shared through activities helpful. The knowledge, skills, and tools during the workshop regarding empathy, trauma-informed care, and cultural humility. The origin
story for LBP was moving and powerful. And emphasized the impact that one person can have on another’s life.”
“A lot of people will brag about their visual presence, engagements, and how amazing “they” are in mental health awareness. But I’ve yet to see evidence of the achievements like Lifted By Purpose has achieved. The creative elegance, ability to engage, (all) allow a platform of healing.”
“I loved learning about mental health and how different coping mechanisms affect the brain, improving our overall mental health with music”
The music therapy was great because it’s very interactive and interesting.”
“This course gave me the tools, and resources, to assist my clients, family and friends who might be witnessing mental health problems before receiving professional treatment. I am approaching my work from an empowered standpoint.”
“The trainer needs an award! I normally wouldn’t give out a rating like, but due to her enthusiasm and passion for the topic, it made a heavy subject enjoyable and craving to learn more.”
