b'thesuccessofStrongMindsiscreat-ingatreatmentprocessthatisscal-able.Theorganizationisworkingto empower women who have completed the therapy program to go on to run their own therapy group in their own communities.Mayberryhassetout to create a low-cost program with the goal of reaching millions of women in the Ugandan population.Alotofpeopleinthemental health world view us as contrarians, says Mayberry. Were a threat to them in many ways. Were training anybody totreatdepressionwell.Butwitha psychiatristormanypsychologists, thats their whole business.Since StrongMinds began its work in 2013, over 43,000 Ugandan wom-enhavebeentreatedfordepression. Findings demonstrate that 77 percent of the women are depression-free after the conclusion of treatment, and thatAbove: The child in blue has a cleft pal-there is a 67 percent decrease in unem- ate. The mother struggles with depression ployment. that is rooted in adjusting to raising a child who faces stigma because of this In just five years, the StrongMindscongenital condition, and from the chal-team has grown to 65 in Uganda. Withlenges of getting the necessary surgery to the exception of one American socialrepair the cleft.worker who serves as the country di- director Kari Frame, and a handful of rector, the rest are Ugandans. In addi- staff work out of an office in the Map tion to their headquarters in Kampala,BuildingonValleyStreetinMaple-they have smaller offices in Mokonowood. While Maplewood is 7,000 miles Locally owned and operated and Iganga. Roughly 45 of them areaway, he speaks with vibrancy about the our group leaders, says Mayberry. Itsdetails on the ground in Uganda.allaboutrunninggroups,conduct- A photo of a therapy group hangs ing groups, and getting the treatment.on his office wall. Here is a group of Group leaders spend days in the slumswomen sitting in a public group shar-finding women, screening them, diag- ingtheirbiggestchallengesandlifes nosingthem,andgettingthemintofears,explainsMayberry.Halfof groups. thosewomenareregularmomsand Mayberry,StrongMindsprogramhalf are prostitutes. That woman is So-ServicesLawn fertilization programs100% Organic tick, flea and mosquito repellent programsCompost tea applicationsAeration and overseedingLawn Restoration and RevivalsenvironmentallyInquire aboutfriendly & organicour latest specialslawn care AND OFFERScall us at 973-821-3858www.greenrootsorganic.com18/ matters magazine / spring 2019'