February is Black History Month. While facing the challenges of the Covid pandemic, the Actors Fund has also responded to the pandemic of devastating racism throughout our country. A commitment to embrace diversity and seek equity, inclusion and dignity for all is built into the values of the Actors Fund. The organization is dedicated to listening to, learning from and creating space for diverse voices that must be heard.

(And don’t let our name fool you. Even though we’re called the Actors Fund, we provide services for all entertainers, including the members of Local 802.)

The Actors Fund offers multiple groups and forums to provide Black, Indigenous and People of Color a safe space to affirm experiences, discuss the impact of racial injustice and thrive within the industry.

These groups include:

• Black entertainment professionals gathering
• Asian American and Pacific Islander entertainment professionals gathering
• Mind Body Spirit: a group for Black women in entertainment
• Thriving with the Actors Fund for Black-identified people

To view the many support group offerings, visit https://actorsfund.org/social-service-groups. Those seeking mental health services can also visit https://actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/mental-health to learn more and be connected to an Actors Fund social worker. And those needing financial aid can start at https://actorsfund.org/am-i-eligible-help.

OTHER OFFERINGS

The Actors Fund understands that a life in the arts has its own unique set of challenges. Recent times have posed significant challenges to the mental health of people in our industry. The extended period of financial instability, sociopolitical upheaval, natural disasters and social isolation, have taken an emotional toll on so many.

As our entertainment and performing arts community reached out to the Actors Fund in the past year for financial assistance, health insurance and career support, we were also there to provide groups to help address issues like stress, anxiety and depression.

Our groups are facilitated by professional social workers and can provide valuable assistance, ongoing support services and resources for issues like work and personal stress, anxiety, depression and life transitions.

Last year, we provided 53 support groups — led by our trained staff — for more than 500 individuals. Our groups are designed to provide a safe space for attendees to facilitate discussion, share resources, support one another through current challenges and develop coping strategies.

In the stressful time of change and unknowns, these groups have provided support for people in handling uncertainty, finding ways to cope, managing relationships and loneliness, providing ongoing care for loved ones, dealing with loss, and navigating hope and resilience.

And the Actors Fund also continues to offer daily mindfulness meditations to help people manage and reduce stress.

To view the many support group offerings, visit https://actorsfund.org/social-service-groups. Those seeking mental health services can also visit https://actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/mental-health to learn more and be connected to an Actors Fund social worker. And those needing financial aid can start at https://actorsfund.org/am-i-eligible-help.

This article submitted by the Actors Fund.