The Empowered to Heal Project Has Officially Launched: A New Chapter in Mental Health Access and Equity

We are proud to announce the official launch of The Empowered to Heal Project (EHP) — a nonprofit initiative born from the heart of Inspired & Free, designed to bridge the gap between emotional healing and access to care for Black, Brown, and marginalized communities.

EHP is more than an organization — it’s a movement rooted in Love, Inspiration, Freedom, and Empowerment (L.I.F.E.), built to dismantle barriers to therapy and create sustainable pathways for healing, education, and community connection.

Why The Empowered to Heal Project Was Created

For over a decade, we’ve witnessed firsthand how many people suffer in silence due to a lack of access to quality, culturally responsive mental health care. From high out-of-pocket costs and long waitlists, to the absence of therapists who truly understand their lived experience, the mental health system has left too many behind.

EHP is here to change that.

Founded by Dr. Dalesa Rueda, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and the CEO of Inspired & Free, EHP was created to fund therapy services, host healing events, and build trauma-informed programs - all grounded in cultural sensitivity and deep community care.

“We created EHP because healing should not be a luxury. Our communities deserve access to therapists who get them, spaces that feel safe, and tools to thrive - not just survive.” — Dr. Dalesa Rueda

What EHP Will Do

With your support, The Empowered to Heal Project will:

• Subsidize Therapy for individuals and families who cannot afford out-of-pocket care

• Expand Sliding Scale Capacity through our partnership with Inspired & Free

• Host Healing Events & Conferences that promote mental wellness, joy, and education

• Create Safe Spaces for BIPOC communities to unpack intergenerational trauma and reclaim their narratives

• Support Early-Career Therapists of Color with training, mentorship, and funding opportunities

• Develop Culturally-Relevant Resources such as journals, courses, and group programs

Our first major event, Ignite: the Empowered to Heal Launch Celebration — will take place on November 1, 2025, and we can’t wait to share more soon.

How You Can Help

This work cannot be done alone. Here are a few ways to join the mission:

• Donate: Every dollar goes toward healing someone who might otherwise go without care.

• Sponsor: Corporate and individual sponsorships help us expand our reach and impact.

• Partner: We welcome collaboration with therapists, educators, creatives, and community leaders.

• Share: Follow and amplify our message on social media @empoweredtohealproject.

Healing, Together

The Empowered to Heal Project is a love letter to every person who was told therapy wasn’t for them. It’s a bold declaration that healing is not only possible — it’s a right. And it starts with us, together.

We are here. We are ready. And we are committed to healing our communities from the inside out.

Follow us on Instagram @empoweredtohealproject