The Salaam Community Wellness Center received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations.

The Salaam Community Wellness Center (SCWC) is a beacon of hope for underserved communities in Chicago. Established in response to longstanding health disparities, significantly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the SCWC is committed to providing a unique, holistic approach to healthcare.

This community wellness center focuses on four key areas: culturally responsive primary care, addiction treatment, mental health, and nutrition. Its primary care model is a vital patient entry point, addressing physical health and identifying healthcare and social service needs. The SCWC acknowledges that imbalances within individuals can lead to "disease," often leading to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.

"We aimed to create a program that not only expands healthcare access in the South Side of Chicago but also introduces a novel model that provides a range of programs that are often financially out of reach for the community we are dedicated to serving," said Dr. Constance Shabazz, SCWC CEO/Founder.

The SCWC applies a non-judgmental, individualized approach that combines Western and non-Western modalities to combat addictions. Individual and group therapy sessions are complemented by mind-body exercises such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, massage therapy, Reiki, and sound therapy.

Mental health is another priority, particularly in communities where conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic symptoms are prevalent. The SCWC's integrative approach includes various therapy options and mind-body techniques to support self-healing.

“Salaam Community Wellness Center provides a necessary service to people who need it. We are honored to support them,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation.

Beyond healthcare, the center takes a holistic view, tackling factors influencing health outcomes, such as the availability of specialty care, housing, food, transportation, and employment opportunities. It seeks to create a "social service hub" to connect patients with the necessary resources.

About the SBB Research Group Foundation

The SBB Research Group Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that furthers the philanthropic mission of SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), a Chicago-based investment management firm led by Sam Barnett, Ph.D., and Matt Aven. The Foundation provides grants to support ambitious organizations solving unmet needs with thoughtful, long-term strategies. In addition, the Foundation sponsors the SBBRG STEM Scholarship, which supports students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degrees.

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