Thrive With Chirlane McCray NYC Mayor's Office

Chancellor Carranza discusses the importance of social-emotional wellbeing for students, particularly as they navigate challenges they may face during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In times of great stress and tragedy, many people turn to their faith to get by. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, faith leaders and communities all over New York City are helping people stay connected to each other, process their grief, and perform the sacred act of self-care. Two leaders share their perspectives on faith in the time of COVID with First Lady Chirlane McCray, and one faith community bands together to save a local restaurant and feed essential workers.

Since the global pandemic began, the volunteer helpline run by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has seen a nearly 200% increase in calls. COVID-19 has exposed serious mental health needs in our country and long-standing inequities in our health system. What will the state of our mental health look like on the other side of the pandemic? Can we possibly come out stronger than we were going in? NAMI's CEO Dan Gillison joins First Lady Chirlane McCray for a conversation about serving and centering people living with mental illness, and supporting their families. And, a peer counselor shares how he found his calling.

Too many New Yorkers lose out on vital connections with families, friends and neighbors as they grow older. Some become homebound, or are no longer able to perform daily tasks for themselves. This isolation and loneliness can take a toll on their mental health, and the global pandemic has only amplified the risks. NYC Commissioner for the Aging Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez joins First Lady Chirlane McCray for a conversation about how the City of New York is continuing to meet the needs of seniors and older New Yorkers through the pandemic, tap into the wisdom and experience of our elders, and keep meaningful social connections alive at any age.

For New Yorkers who experience abuse or violence at home, the COVID-19 pandemic presents another layer of danger. How can you isolate safely with an abusive partner? First Lady Chirlane McCray speaks with Cecile Noel, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, and Kelly Coyne, Deputy Chief Program Officer at Safe Horizon, about the support services available right now, how domestic violence shelters are coping with COVID, and ways to keep yourself and your children safe at home. And, one survivor shares a message of hope.

This month's episode features Jodie Patterson, advocate, entrepreneur and author of The Bold World: A Memoir of Family and Transformation. First Lady McCray speaks with Jodie about motherhood, anxiety, and her family's gender identity journey. Her personal journey in dealing with her child's transition is relatable to many families and her activism and passion shines through with this episode.