Brothers=Connect is a community-led movement creating spaces where Black and Latino boys aged 13-19 can find healing, purpose, and connection. 

Through culturally responsive mental health support, we're working to reduce suicide rates and build stronger, more resilient communities—one relationship at a time.

Made possible in collaboration with:

The numbers tell a story we can't ignore:

Explore Together

We start by listening. Through research with key stakeholders engaging in the youth & mental health spaces, we identify pain points our young people are currently facing—from school stress to family dynamics and various societal barriers

Build With Intention

Next, we co-create. With the help of our community coalition and advisory board, we’ve shaped the Brothers=Connect experience to reflect our youth's reality—layering in racial identity, resilience, and culturally relevant tools to process trauma.

Show Up & Deliver

Finally, we launch B=C at select YMCA / Boys & Girl’s club locations in NYC with trained adult leaders, youth engagement activities, and long term check-ins. We support your staff and youth every step of the way.

As a Brothers=Connect partner, you’ll receive:

We simply ask for your commitment to:

Dr. Sidney Hankerson, MD, MBA

Program Director

Dr. Hankerson is a community-rooted psychiatrist and researcher dedicated to making mental health care accessible for communities of color. As an advisor to the NFL and NBA on mental health and a White House-recognized leader on Black youth suicide prevention, he brings expertise and passion to dismantling mental health stigma in our communities.

Catherine Squirewell, MPH

Program Manager

Catherine Squirewell, MPH is a Program Manager at the Icahn School of Medicine's Institute of Health Equity Research, where she leads community engagement for mental health initiatives including the TRIUMPH Study and has facilitated over 30 church partnerships across NYC and Mount Vernon. 

Crystal Clarke, MPH

Program Manager

Crystal Clarke is a dedicated Program Manager at HAVEN-Connect who works to eliminate mental health disparities in Black, faith-based communities through innovative approaches and genuine care for those she serves. With her background in Health Policy and Policy and Management, she brings both expertise and heart to creating meaningful connections that help communities thrive and heal together.

Dr. Sherry Molock

Principal Investigator

Dr. Sherry Davis Molock is a professor and pastor who has dedicated over 30 years to preventing suicide among Black youth, believing that Black churches can lead the way in teen mental health. Through her research, ministry, and HAVEN Connect Workshops, she's breaking down barriers and creating safe spaces where mental health conversations can flourish with compassion and understanding.

Dr. Peter Wyman

Principal Investigator

Dr. Peter Wyman is a dedicated researcher and Professor who harnesses the power of natural social networks to prevent suicide, depression, and substance use through his groundbreaking Connect Program interventions. His work is transforming communities—from Air Force units to police departments to Black churches—by building stronger social bonds and creating environments where people genuinely care for one another's wellbeing.

Justus Charles

Program Coordinator

Justus is committed to improving youth mental health by designing programs that not only engage participants but also empower them to feel seen, heard, and valued. Guided by a belief that every young person deserves a space to grow and express themselves, Justus works to foster connection, resilience, and personal growth through intentional programming and community engagement. 

Karis Chandler

Design Director

Karis is a healthcare design executive who leads the design and marketing strategy for the Brothers=Connect brand. As a New York City native, he brings authentic community perspective to the program, contributing valuable insights from his lived experience to help guide its direction and impact.