Today we’d like to introduce you to Shontae Jackson.
Hi Shontae, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Subliminal Dreamz was started in 2021 after experiencing an extreme moment of adversity, change, loss, and homelessness. After transitioning away from a 16-year relationship/marriage, I found myself engaging in self-destructive behaviors and not knowing how to cope with such a big loss and transition. I was so focused on trying to get away and mask the pain I was not showing up for myself and those who depended on me. Then, in 2019, I lost everything chasing the societal highs, job, car, apartment, trust, and faith in myself but, more importantly, others. I was isolated, battling suicidal thoughts, and trying to make sense of my decisions and everything that happened in my marriage. Then, I lost someone who was helping me through the transition, and it made it even harder for me to emotionally understand why everything was transpiring the way it was around me. I knew I needed help, but I could not find a program or resources that dealt with mental health related to childhood traumas, grief, and or loss of a loved one to violence, the emotional and mental aspects of it all. Once I started going to therapy and working through my issues, that is when I began to realize that it’s not just imperative to help adults learn about mental well-being. Still, it’s crucial to teach children early on mental well-being how to understand and control their emotional well-being. Hence, they become adults who can articulate and understand the world around them. Subliminal Dreamz Inc. was then created to Change a life and save a life. We want everyone to be as they were meant to be, which will happen when mental health resources become accessible for everyone of all ages and backgrounds.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When you are called to a purpose, you often don’t look at it like a challenge or think of it as an obstacle. When I first started thinking about Subliminal Dreamz Inc., I needed to think about where the money would come from or how I would start it. I started writing down ideas that came to me that did not leave, such as the name, the mission, and the purpose. Then, I started researching to see if any organizations existed like the one I wanted to create to learn. Still, once I saw there was not, I proceeded to educate myself on the legal aspect of maintaining a nonprofit in Florida. The stimulus checks were being introduced and discussed at the time, but something needed to be solid. Then, one day, the check came out of the blue, and I did not think twice or hesitate. I used my check, and Subliminal Dreamz Inc. was born. I used all the resources to form the organization legally. Once I received all my documents back from the State, I knew I wanted the organization to be different, so I spent the first year under mentorship learning how to fundraise, create a board, seek board members, and so on. Initially, raising funds was the only obstacle faced in the first year and a half. Still, after consistently showing up in the community, whether using personal funds, grants, or support from our partners, we are now a government-funded program providing resources, therapy, and much more to low-income families within three years.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Subliminal Dreamz Inc.?
Subliminal Dreamz is a fast-growing community mental health nonprofit organization located on the Northside of Jacksonville, Fla; founded in 2020 and incorporated in 2021. Subliminal Dreamz’s mission is to provide affordable and attainable mental health resources to our communities. We address this by going into poverty-stricken communities to address the mental health crisis by collaborating with other mental health professionals, leaders, and activists to increase visibility and provide resources otherwise out of reach. Our goal is to provide a holistic, comprehensive, and unique way of helping our communities reach their full potential through exposure to different humanities, self-care, apprenticeships, and disciplined leadership that allows us to become eloquent leaders within ourselves and the community. We provide ABA therapy and other behavior and emotional therapy that will enable the community to understand their mental health and overall well-being better. The goal is to foster a better community that thrives in all areas with the proper tools, resources, and overall mental health programs across all institutions, whether education, work, or institutional. We are the most proudest for being in our infancy. We have helped over 5,000 families, raised over $50,000 in funds to support the community, given away over 1,200 hours of free community therapy, won countless awards, and recently made it to the finalist in the Jacksonville Image Awards for 2024. What sets us apart is that we are fearless in working with others; it’s not about success but impact, and we have been able to positively impact a part of our city, often leaving out everything, including hope. The brand Subliminal Dreamz has become a household name, community resource, and lifeline; that is all I could have ever asked for. Subliminal Dreamz has saved someone’s life, which is our service. We want readers to know we are for everyone; there is no age too young or old; if you know someone in need of guidance with their mental health, we’d be honored to help you.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love all the natural beauty to be found in our city. Jacksonville is a beautiful city, from the beautiful sunsets to the lakes, rivers, and wildlife. There are beautiful people in this city who see the overflowing potential and fight vigorously to see change, and I hope to go down in history as one of those people. There is beauty in the land that we fight over. There is beauty in the way I envision us united. What I dislike about our city is the senseless violence. They lack accountability regarding who is responsible for our city, problems, etc. It all boils down to us: we are accountable for the parts of the world we choose to thrive in. I dislike how children can no longer be safe as children and that schools are now a hunting ground where teachers and other professionals prey on their innocents; they can barely read but somehow are engaged in drugs, sexual, and criminal activities. I wouldn’t say I like the homeless situation and that there is no real game plan in place to help and or keep the population from growing. Housing and food accessibility, and lastly, I wouldn’t say I like that not enough lights are being shifted to these topics.
Pricing:
- Community Therapy- Free
- Youth Therapy-$30
- Adult Therapy-$45
- Group Therapy- $55
- Guest Speaker-$100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.subliminaldreamz.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subliminaldreamz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/subliminaldreamzinc
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/subliminaldreamzinc
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com\subliminal4life
- Youtube: https:www.youtube.com/@mentalwealthNUpodcast
- Other: https://subliminaldreamzinc.as.me/
Image Credits
All photo’s courteous of Subliminal Dreamz Inc partner community snapshots
