Each month brings a new set of celebrations, awareness observances, community gatherings, and local events happening across Tennessee. From statewide disability awareness months to family‑friendly activities, workshops, resource fairs, and special community spotlights, there’s always something meaningful to explore.

Find what’s happening in your area by visiting our Community Calendar, where you can discover events that support your goals, spark connections, and enhance your everyday experiences.

And don’t forget to follow Pathfinder on social media to stay updated on monthly celebrations, community happenings, and upcoming opportunities across Tennessee.

Black Mental Health Village Clinical Therapy Program

May is Mental Health Month, a reminder that mental health support should be easier to find, easier to access, and available before someone reaches a breaking point.

For individuals and families who may face cost barriers, lack of insurance, or difficulty finding care that feels safe and responsive, Black Mental Health Village offers a Clinical Therapy Program that provides free and sliding-scale counseling services for individuals in the Nashville community.

The program is designed to help reduce barriers to mental health care, especially for Black and minoritized communities who may experience limited access to services, trauma-related concerns, financial hardship, or challenges in finding culturally responsive support.

Therapy services are provided by trained master ’s-level clinical interns under the supervision of licensed clinicians. Services may include adult therapy, youth therapy, group therapy, and couples therapy. Parental permission is required for clients age 16 and younger.

Through the program, participants may receive intake assessments, screenings, ongoing check-ins, evidence-based treatment, skill-building support, case management, referrals, and connections to additional community resources.

Black Mental Health Village also maintains a growing Tennessee Black Mental Health Directory, which connects community members with vetted Black and culturally affirming mental health professionals across the state.

This resource may be helpful for individuals and families looking for mental health support, counseling referrals, or a place to begin when cost or access has made therapy difficult.

Start the intake process:
https://forms.monday.com/forms/fcb52d50f89c7f5e902c3d6fa4ae38f9?r=use1

Learn more:
www.bmhv.org/therapy

Questions:
intake@bmhv.org

Pathfinder Celebration

Tennessee at the Table

Over the years, Tennessee Disability Pathfinder has been represented in meaningful conversations well beyond our state. Our team’s presence on the national stage has included leadership representation by Program Director Megan Hart, M.Ed., conference presentations by Communications Manager Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP, and advocacy and information-sharing efforts at the U.S. Capitol by Linda Brown, Information & Referral Coordinator.

Each of those moments has reflected the same commitment: helping more people understand, find, and use disability resources in ways that make sense for their lives.

Earlier this month, that work continued as Andrea Castillo, Community Support Coordinator for Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, represented Pathfinder at the 10th Annual Charting the LifeCourse Showcase 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Andrea presented “Navigating Together” alongside partners from LifeCourse Nexus, the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. Together, they highlighted the growing effort to bring Charting the LifeCourseprinciples and tools to Spanish-speaking communities across the country.

This work is about helping families access information, build meaningful connections, and better understand the tools and supports available to them. It also reflects the importance of making information clearer, more welcoming, and more useful for families who may face language or cultural barriers when navigating services.

Seeing Tennessee Disability Pathfinder represented in a national conversation focused on families, community connection, and practical support is something worth celebrating.

Andrea’s presentation was a powerful reminder of what happens when purpose, partnership, and commitment come together. Her work helped strengthen connections for families in Tennessee while also contributing to a larger movement happening across the country.

Please join us in celebrating Andrea and the growing impact of this important work.

Aging doesn’t look just one way, and support should reflect that.

Older adults bring experience, strength, and community, and access to the right resources helps maintain independence and quality of life.

We’re here to help you connect with what you need.

TNPathfinder.org

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to encourage open conversations about mental well-being and remind people they are not alone. Mental health impacts individuals, families, caregivers, and communities in many different ways, and support can look different for everyone.

This month serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care, check in on loved ones, and create spaces where people feel heard and supported. Small actions, such as listening, offering encouragement, or reaching out for help, can make a meaningful difference.