At a family wellness event held at East High School last weekend, former NFL players Quentin Gause, Jermaine Ponder, and Bruce Johnson joined forces with local health advocates to promote personal growth and community strength. The event, titled “Building Family Wellness: It Takes a Village,” focused on the importance of mental and social well-being for individuals and families alike.
Bruce Johnson shared his passion for community service during the event on Saturday, saying that it was Gause who ignited his love for giving back. He emphasized the need for accessible resources in order to support personal growth and development, especially for young people who may not have had many successful role models to look up to.
Rob Riechel, a mental health counselor at RIT and owner of Novelties and Narratives Therapy, participated in the event’s panel discussion. He shared insights on navigating mental health services, breaking barriers, and embracing an intersectional approach to support individuals effectively. Riechel stressed the importance of removing stigma surrounding seeking help for mental health issues and fostering open conversations about personal challenges in order to promote well-being.
