Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Halim Ali.
Hi Dr. Halim, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story within the nonprofit sector began with my 403 day incarceration at the Aurora ICE Detention Facility and Douglas County Incarceration Facility from June of 2014 to July of 2015. This incarceration period produced in me a strong desire to give back to the community that I had taken so much from but also a community that theses systems continue to take from…so in a way it was the desire to defy one while at the same time healing the broken souls and hearts that had been affected by the other. January 2nd 2016, I held my first event called “Rags to Redemption.” A suit gifting event/ job fair which would cater to formerly incarcerated men and those who were actively going through a period of recovery and rehabilitation. The event proved to be necessary, impactful and appreciated, serving over 140 men of all races with suits, backpacks, ties, socks, shoes, dress shirts, job and networking opportunities, etc….Everyone left with much more than expected, including me. One particular gentleman whom I met and spoke with briefly at the event whose testimony would not only speak to but solidify my calling to uplift fallen humanity, one man, one woman, and one child at a time. At the event, this guy had been released from prison, was free for only 3 days after serving a ten year stint and came to my event. At 52 years old ,he said it was the first time he had ever owned a suit or had a sport coat on his back. He thanked me for the encouragement during my keynote, we embraced one another and that was that. Several months later I was at another organizations event speaking and leading a workshop and the same gentleman was at this event. He stood up in the midst of 60-70 people, pointed at me and said ” I went to this man’s event a couple of months ago and he restored my faith in mankind. Since going to Rags To Redemption, I got my front teeth fixed, I got a job in construction, and most of all, I’m happy! I went to his event and he gave me my humanity back!” I had never felt the way those words made me feel in that moment. It was a rush of adrenaline, joy and sorrow all at the same time. All I knew is I wanted to live the kind of life and do the type of work that would produce that type of sentiment with those whom I would come in contact. This was the first day of the rest of my life and was a pivotal point in making the decision to do this work for the rest of my days.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For any great and admirable figure in past history or even during our time, it has been the bumpy roads that have led to the largest victories, biggest personalities and greatest achievements. As with any meaningful purpose driven existence there has been no joy without its allotment of bitterness but it is that bitterness which shows us our true self and who we are relative to the challenges, the bumps in the road, and the insurmountable moments we encounter along the way. Some of the early notable challenges were pre-pandemic. During our time discovering our niche operating within state agencies as a contractor came with its bureaucratic processes and politics. The lived experience that has proven to be vital in this work wasn’t as prevalent or acknowledged then as it is now. But surmounting the challenges that came with assisting in the formation of prevention teams, led to me to single handedly training and certifying over 400 individuals, clients, staff and case/social workers( 400 as per department numbers) within a two year period. During the two years I honed my speaking skills, facilitation skills, people skills, became a master facilitator and learned some of the ins and outs of programs and operations. I knew while I was experiencing the challenges what I was there to get out of the situation and I got it! I remained steadfast and kept my eyes on the prize and that’s what made and still makes the struggle worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of From The Heart Foundation. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What we do at From The Heart Foundation is we take at risk youth, intervene and set them on a positive path for the rest of their lives. We take men who have experienced radical trauma and we provide radical services which lead to radical healing outcomes. We specialize in one on one therapeutic mentoring services, therapeutic group mentoring services, and 3 day Train The Trainer workshops. Our one on one services comprise of an hour once a week engagement for 12 weeks. Within that timeframe, individuals complete a comprehensive action plan around triggers, early warning signs, when things are breaking down, crises management and other recovery topics within mental health. Our therapeutic mentoring group spaces have the exact goals as our one on ones but just facilitated in a group space where there is peer support, group dialogue and collective collaboration and problem solving. In our 3 day Train The Trainer workshop we teach individuals how to facilitate our strength based curriculums, policy and procedures, code of ethics, help them hone their facilitation/presentation skills. We are known for providing an overall mental health and wellness experience for our constituents which range from therapeutic mentoring, yoga, martial arts, tai chi, sound baths, development of wellness plans, community resources, sweat lodges, hiking retreats, reliable trustworthy services and exceptional leadership development to other leaders and community members alike. What sets us apart from others is our fidelity to the sentiment of going above and beyond the call of duty and the willingness to create multiple access points for the communities we serve so everyone has a chance to be involved, get involved and stay involved. We are most proud of our continued ability to pioneer new ways to deliver our message around mental health, behavioral health, gun violence awareness and suicide prevention. What we would like for your readers to know about our brand offerings and services is that we take a non-traditional approach to therapy, healing, and wellness which not only makes it accessible but which makes it practical, affordable, and applicable.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was going to see “The Wiz” in the movie theater in 1978 when I was six years old. It was my older brothers birthday and that’s what he chose as his gift. I was 6 years old and to see a Black movie with an all Black cast was not only empowering but made me feel good about being Black. It also increased my love for music, entertainment and creativity overall from a cultural perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fromtheheartco.org
- Instagram: @fromtheheart_foundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fromtheheartfoundationco/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-halim-ali-a4b24916b
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@FromTheHeartFoundation
Image Credits
Kalina Ross
