Where Do You Feel Like You Belong? episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 28, 2026 · 58 MIN

Where Do You Feel Like You Belong?

from Black & Brown Mountain Town · host Paulina Mendez & Philip Cooper

What happens to our relationships and communities when safety itself feels uncertain?Paulina and Philip talk about immigration, chronic stress, family separation, and the ways systems ripple through entire communities, but also about what helps us survive them: collective care, chosen family, intentional relationships, joy, and belonging.Because we can't always choose the systems we live within, but we can help create communities where people feel seen, supported, and able to exhale.Reflection: Where in your life do you feel like you can exhale, and how might you help create more of that belonging for someone else?Resources & Further Learning• What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)? - USCIS • When TPS Ends: The Community Impact - Associated Press • Wilson Creek ICE Operation - Enlace Latino NC • Children & Parental Immigration Detention - Brookings • Decolonizing Therapy - Dr. Jennifer Mullan • CIMA - WNC Immigrant Community Support• Pisgah Legal Services - Immigration AssistanceYOU DON’T HAVE TO CARRY IT ALONEIf today's conversation brought something up for you, know that you don't have to carry it by yourself.If it feels safe to do so, consider reaching out to someone you trust; a friend, family member, neighbor, faith leader, therapist, or another supportive person in your community. Sometimes simply letting someone know you're struggling can be an important first step.If you don't know who to reach out to, or you need support right now, the resources below are available.IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE SUPPORTEmergencyCall 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.If the emergency involves a mental health crisis, you can ask the dispatcher if a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer or other specially trained crisis responder is available. Availability varies by community, but CIT-trained officers have additional training in responding to behavioral health crises.Or go to your nearest Emergency Department.988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 (available 24/7)Español: Press 2 when calling or text AYUDA to 988.You do not need insurance, identification, or immigration documents to contact 988. Most people who reach out are connected with a trained crisis counselor, and the vast majority of conversations are resolved without involving emergency services.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741Español: Text AYUDA to 741741BlackLineCall 800-604-5841Peer support centered on Black, Black LGBTQ+, and Black femme communities while welcoming BIPOC callers.The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ young people)Call 866-488-7386Text START to 678-678Trans LifelineCall 877-565-8860Peer support run by trans people, for trans and questioning people.LGBT National HotlineCall 888-843-4564WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA RESOURCESView From Here WNCLooking for other mental health resources? View From Here WNC connects people across Western North Carolina with local mental health services, crisis resources, and wellness organizations by county.https://www.wnchn.org/view-from-here-wnc-mental-health/Mobile Crisis Management888-573-1006A mobile crisis team can come to you if you're experiencing a behavioral health crisis and need in-person support.Behavioral Health Crisis Center (C3)356 Biltmore Ave.Asheville, NC 28801Walk-in behavioral health crisis services for adults experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 28, 2026

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Where Do You Feel Like You Belong?

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