Our Mission & Vision
Mission
The ALLICE Collective improves mental well-being in marginalized and underresourced communities by offering mental health support designed to reduce barriers to engagement, alongside community-based programs that center the experiences of Black adults and youth.
Vision
We envision a world where individuals and families can engage in mental health support that meets their needs without barriers, build and maintain healthy relationships, and belong to welcoming communities that value mutual support and shared responsibility for one another's well-being.
Our Core Values
These principles guide our decisions, our work, and how we engage with one another and the communities we serve.
Inclusivity
Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of background, identity, or circumstances.
Cultural Understanding
Culture, identity, lived experiences, and historical and systemic conditions—including structural racism and discrimination—shape mental health and well-being. Understanding these influences informs how we develop our programs, provide support, and engage with individuals and communities.
Community Responsibility
The well-being of our communities depends on the contributions of their members. Mutual support, accountability, and shared responsibility are essential to maintaining healthy communities.
Belonging
Everyone deserves spaces where they feel accepted, can be themselves, and develop relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
Equity
People face different barriers and circumstances that affect their ability to receive support and participate in community programs. Addressing these differences requires understanding individual needs rather than assuming the same approach works for everyone.
Our Story
The story of The ALLICE Collective begins with my grandmother, Alice.
I was Alice's first grandchild, and I was named after her. My cousins and I called her Memama, a name I gave her when I was very young. She called me Alli, Alli Boo, and occasionally by my sister's or mother's name (she had a lot of names to remember!). Memama was my best friend, my biggest champion, and the person I could always count on. She had a special way of making me and everyone around her feel truly seen, heard, and loved.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I've seen firsthand how isolation, difficult relationships, and limited support systems can affect the mental well-being of the people I work with.
In 2021, as communities were navigating the effects of prolonged isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, I founded The ALLICE Collective in honor of Memama. I wanted to bring together what I'd experienced through our relationship and what I'd learned through my work to create welcoming spaces where people could develop meaningful relationships, strengthen their ability to connect with others, and find appropriate mental health support when needed.
Read Our Full StoryOur Leadership
Dr. Allison Bates, LCSW-S
Founder & Executive Director
Dr. Andrea Daniels, LCSW-S
Board President
Junelle Berry, MBA
Board Secretary
Camille Chappell
Board Member
Talisa Smith
Board Member