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. I called her MY Memama, a name I decided on 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!). To me, Memama was my best friend, my biggest champion, and my OG Queen B—an inside joke because she and Beyoncé shared the same birthday, September 4th. :)
Growing up, Memama and I spent a lot of time together, and some of my favorite memories are the simplest ones. When I was sad or sick, I loved to lay my head in her lap while she gently patted my head and hummed her favorite hymns. Even one of her big, long hugs could make everything feel better.
That comfort stayed with me as I got older. On nights when I couldn't sleep, I'd often call her, sometimes well after midnight, and she'd answer and stay on the phone until I felt better. I never had to question whether she'd be there for me.
Memama knew me inside and out and could tell when something was off just by looking at me. Sometimes, she even seemed to sense it when we weren't together. I told Memama EVERYTHING, including things I felt ashamed to share. She never told me she was disappointed in me or made me feel judged. But she did believe in making sure I understood right from wrong, and I always knew those conversations came from a place of love.
With unwavering faith and a genuine love for people, Memama had a way of making everyone around her feel welcome. She loved to read, sing (very loudly, I might add!), and laugh. I especially enjoyed telling her jokes or saying something slightly inappropriate just to hear her signature “Ohhh Lawdd!” She'd try not to laugh, but it rarely worked. Memama always said she was “rooting” for me, and that encouragement made me feel like I could accomplish anything. More than anything, she had a special way of making me and everyone around her feel seen, heard, and truly special.
I've often said that I wish everyone could have a Memama.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I often work with people who struggle with isolation, limited support systems, and difficulties building or maintaining healthy relationships.
I understand that developing healthy relationships isn't always as simple as going out and meeting new people. Past experiences, trauma, family dynamics, and other circumstances can influence how we connect with others. Many people come to counseling to better understand those experiences and develop healthier relationship patterns.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw more clients struggling with isolation and disconnection from their support systems. Even while receiving counseling services, some lacked the relationships and community support they needed outside of therapy. At the same time, job losses, changes in health insurance, and financial hardship meant some clients could no longer continue counseling.
As restrictions eased, I began thinking more about the spaces available for people to connect. When I went out myself, some places didn't feel particularly warm or welcoming, and I didn't necessarily feel comfortable getting to know people or building community in those environments.
I wanted to create something different: welcoming spaces where people could develop genuine relationships while also having opportunities to learn about themselves, understand how their experiences affect their connections with others, and develop the skills needed to maintain healthier relationships. I also wanted counseling to remain within reach for those who needed additional support.
So, in 2021, I founded The ALLICE Collective. The name honors my grandmother and what she taught me about the importance of having people in our lives. Memama told me how honored she felt that I'd named the organization after us. I often shared updates about what we were doing, and she'd always remind me to “stay encouraged.” Being able to share that experience with her was special to me.
During those years, our conversations also began to include more discussions about mental health. Memama would ask me about counseling and what it was like. I remember being especially moved when she told me she wished she'd had the courage to seek counseling after my grandfather passed away. Given how central faith had always been to her life, hearing her acknowledge that faith and mental health support could go hand in hand meant so much to me.
What began with community gatherings has grown to include low-cost counseling, youth wellness and enrichment, educational workshops, and professional training. Although the organization has evolved, the importance of meaningful relationships and dependable support remains central to our work.
I can't give everyone a Memama, but through The ALLICE Collective, I hope more people have opportunities to build meaningful relationships, find support, and experience the kind of connection that can make such a difference in their lives.
The ALLICE Collective
In Loving Memory Of
Alice D. Bates
September 4, 1933 – November 5, 2025