Villagefest

InnaVillage, a new nonprofit organization which aims to support mental health awareness for neurodiverse teens and young adults across Rockland County, is officially announcing its launch. Created by 23-year-old mental health advocate Niko Rodriguez, the organization is working to help remove the stigma around mental health disorders and drive increased attention, funding, and resources in support of young people facing mental health concerns. Rodriguez, a high-functioning autistic youth who has also been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety disorder, processing disorder, and intermittent depression, chose the name, InnaVillage, because he believes, "it takes a village to fully support people like me."

To celebrate its launch, InnaVillage is hosting a kick-off event, VillageFest 2021: A Mental Health Fundraiser, on Sunday, November 14, 2021 from 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM EST at GARNER Arts Center at 55 W Railroad Ave in West Haverstraw, NY. A great opportunity to learn more about InnaVillage and its support for mental-health awareness, the event includes a hip-hop concert featuring some 20 artists and headlined by The Hoodies-a rap duo from Ellenville, NY who have achieved Instagram fame and appeared on The Ellen Show. The event also includes a special collaborative performance by B-Xtreme, a dance group featured on America’s Got Talent, and Ballet Rockland. Rodriguez, who himself is a successful rap artist and actor, came up for the idea of this combined dance routine to highlight the fact that "our differences are our strengths." VillageFest will also feature various food vendors and a DJ as well as presentations from local mental health organizations and speakers sharing important information about area mental health resources and services. All ticket purchases provide a raffle entry for the chance to win a smart TV and other great prizes.

Price: General Admission: USD 30.00

Category: Community | Fundraisers