CHICAGO – Today, Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health (CHHAMH), a Chicago nonprofit that provides free therapy to people facing financial barriers, launched a coffee drink and hoodie inspired by by DeMar DeRozan in partnership with the Chicago Bulls. Proceeds from these products will benefit CHHAMH and its weekly group therapy for men for one year.
“Coffee, hip hop and mental health are making a real difference in the lives of many Chicagoans. I have joined them for a few group therapy sessions, and each time I am touched by the shared humanity of the men in the room and the impact of these services,” said DeMar DeRozan. “Mental health is an issue that I care deeply about and affects many people. I am honored to join them and help support their mission as we work together to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
The DeRozan Latte is a cinnamon and vanilla latte, available hot or iced, and will cost $11, a callback to his jersey number. The hoodie, which retails for $80, comes in four different colors and features designs inspired by DeMar and his commitment to elevating the conversation about mental health. Christopher LeMark, the founder of CHHAMH, first designed the hoodie as a gift for DeMar while he was attending a group therapy session. Due to popular demand, they made the sweatshirt available for purchase in four colors.
“When we look for the definition of support, it means to bear all or part of the weight or to hold on. This also means providing assistance, particularly financial; to enable people to function or act. That’s the heart of this organization: truly supporting our community,” said Christopher LeMark, founder and CEO of Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health. “We want to empower them to take a holistic approach to their mental health. When we empower, that’s the real impact. When we have the opportunity to collaborate with influential organizations like the Chicago Bulls, it allows us to create more impact and expand our reach of support to people who truly need help.
Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health is a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides free individual and group therapy to people facing financial barriers, particularly in Black neighborhoods. The donation-based cafe model funds the program, builds community, and provides a space of refuge for those who need support. Hip-hop is intentionally infused into everything they do, from the drink menu to the creative events they host throughout the city.
Starting today, both items are available for purchase at Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health Café, located in Lakeview at 1051 W Belmont Ave. Customers can purchase the hoodie at the cafe or online at www.chhamh.org/shop, in the limit of the available stock. All profits will be donated to CHHAMH mental health services, including to cover the cost of their weekly group therapy sessions for men for a year.
The Bulls understand the importance of mental health and are investing in both employees and the community to increase access to resources and reduce stigma. The team employs a full-time psychologist who supports the team’s mental health and performance, and the organization offers free Headspace subscriptions to all employees. The Bulls also support community access to mental health resources through philanthropy and events. Recently, the Bulls have offered yoga to youth with The Healing, hosted art therapy for Ukrainian refugees with Noah’s Arc Foundation, offered mental health sessions for moms who have lost children to violence with Mural Movement and hosted a full-day mental health summit for sophomores. in preparation for South Shore International College.
