💖 Lead with Heart • Align with Purpose • Inspire Hope 💖
May 2026 • Mental Health Awareness Month ✨
Dear Rotary Family & Friends 💛
As we step into May—Mental Health Awareness Month—I’ve been reflecting on this season of growth and all that has unfolded over the past few months.
There’s been so much movement… so much heart… and so many moments of connection that remind me why this work matters.
If the beginning of the year felt like a time of renewal, this moment feels like a time of momentum—where intention is turning into action, and connection is becoming impact.
And through it all, one thing keeps coming back to me: Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in community.
✨ MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS IN ACTION
April’s focus on Child Abuse Prevention and May’s Mental Health Awareness Month feel deeply connected.
Both invite us to look a little closer—with compassion, with awareness, and with a willingness to create spaces where people feel safe, supported, and seen.
These aren’t always easy conversations. But they are necessary ones.
And when approached with care and community, they can also be incredibly powerful.
💛 COMMUNITY, CONNECTION & MOMENTUM
✨ YOUTH & EMERGING LEADERS
✨ Supporting youth leadership and growth, including the expansion of Interact—now three clubs strong. It was especially meaningful to celebrate Sophia Shaar, President & Founder of the Interact Club of La Cañada High School, recent recipient of District 5280’s Superhero Award, and her leadership in action.
✨ Continuing to build connection with Rotaract leaders across our district, including attending the South Bay & Beach Cities Rotaract Scholarship Ceremony and celebrating the launch of the new Impactful Artistry Rotaract Club (co-sponsored by Rotary Clubs of Playa Venice Sunrise and Westchester) —a powerful reminder of the next generation of leaders we are uplifting and supporting.
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Celebrating youth leadership in action—Interact leaders
creating impact and inspiring what’s next 💛
🌿 COMMUNITY GROWTH & EXPANSION
✨ We’ve also seen growth in new community-based initiatives, including the formation of our first Satellite Rotary Club of the Foothills, spearheaded by our Charter President Dr. Bella Shaar, and a new community-based Interact club in Chinatown, co-sponsored with the Wilshire Rotary Club—expanding access and connection in meaningful way.
Launching something new together - our Satellite Club of the
Foothills, rooted in connection, purpose and community. 💛
🌟 LEADERSHIP, VOICE & ADVOCACY
✨ Beginning the journey toward the NAMIWalks Greater Los Angeles County Mental Health Festival through our NAMI Walks Rallies and participation in the Leaders Against Stigma gathering—bringing community members, advocates, and partners together in support of mental health awareness and action.
✨ Gathering in leadership and learning spaces like PELS, celebrating our incoming President, Sanem “Sam” Alkan, and the leadership journey ahead. While continuing to strengthen connections across clubs, including the Rotary Club of Woodland Hills’ Hearts in Action Gala, DTLA Rotary’s nonprofit leaders mixer, and our growing Rotary network.
✨ Sharing on stress, service, and mental wellness in community spaces—including a recent South Bay Rotaract Club meeting—continuing the conversation around how we care for ourselves while showing up for others.
✨ Engaging in advocacy and awareness, including participation in the City of Torrance’s Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation, and meaningful conversations around trauma-informed care—highlighted by time spent learning from Dr. Astrid Heppenstall Heger, Founder & Executive Director of the Violence Intervention Program (VIP), during a visit to Central Juvenile Hall.
Creating space for connection, creativity, and expression with
our Rotaract community—where leadership and mental
wellness come together. 💛
💛 LOOKING AHEAD
As we move through Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re continuing to create spaces for connection, healing, and support across our communities—especially for children, families, and those who may need it most. Here are a few meaningful opportunities to come together this month.
✨ May 9 – Healing Hearts & Minds: Community Mental Health & Wellness Event
📍 Richstone Family Center, 13634 Cordary Ave. Hawthorne 🕓 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
As part of our Rotary Community Service Grant, and building on the importance of Child Abuse Prevention Month, this free, family-centered event is designed to support children and families on their healing journey.
In partnership with the Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Sunset, we’ll be offering: 💛 Wellness activities and interactive experiences 💛 Access to mental health resources and community organizations 💛 Creative and movement-based therapies, including boxing therapy and hip-hop therapy 💛 A welcoming, joyful environment where families can feel supported, connected, and not alone
This event is especially meaningful as we partner with Richstone Family Center, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse and supporting children and families impacted by trauma. Their work reflects so much of what we believe—that through community, compassion, and support, we can create spaces where healing, hope, and wellness can grow.
Inspired by Rotarian Larry Bender—a devoted supporter of Richstone who often reminded us to ask, “Is it fun?”—this event is designed to be both meaningful and joyful.
And as we continue creating spaces for connection…
✨ May 12 – Special Club Meeting at allcove Beach Cities
📍 514 N Prospect Ave, Redondo Beach 🕓 Meet at 4:45 PM | Guided tour begins at 5:00 PM
We’re excited to come together in a different kind of space—one centered on youth, wellness, and connection. Experience a unique, in-person evening at allcove Beach Cities, beginning with a guided tour of this innovative youth wellness center offering integrated support through mental health services, physical wellness, peer and family support, and educational and career resources.
We’re grateful to have Tom Bakaly, Executive Director of Beach Cities Health District, joining us to share more about the allcove model and the vision behind creating accessible, youth-centered spaces for care and connection.
✨ Club Meeting will be held in a hybrid format
Join us in person or via Zoom (same link as usual)
✨ Optional Fellowship to follow at Addi’s Darbar (800 Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach) A casual opportunity to connect over dinner—with 15% of dine-in or takeout orders generously donated back to support our NAMIWalks efforts through our Rotary Walk team.
✨ May 16 – NAMIWalks Greater Los Angeles County Mental Health Festival
Be part of a powerful day of community, awareness, and hope at NAMIWalks Greater Los Angeles County—featuring special guest Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles.
There are many ways to participate: 💛 Walk with us in Los Angeles 💛 Participate virtually 🚢 Or take part in the District Conference Cruise Walk
Together, we walk to break stigma, share hope, and support mental health for all.
We’ll also be: 💛 Announcing our Be Kind Scholarship recipients 💛 Launching a new vocational grant scholarship in partnership with the Rotary Club of Downtown Los Angeles, helping address the growing need for mental health professionals.
Thank you for being part of this community—whether you’ve joined us at an event, supported from afar, or simply continue to show up with heart.
During this season of awareness, we’re reminded that small moments of connection can create meaningful change. Together, we are building spaces where people feel seen, supported, and not alone.
With gratitude for each of you, and for the impact we continue to create—together.
It is an honor to serve alongside each of you. 💛
With Love & Gratitude 💖 Grace Grace Leung Charter Member • President 2025–26 Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness | District 5280
