Mila Henry’s idea for MH Boxes began in January 2024 when she used a $550 microgrant from the Pete & Thomas Foundation to turn her own anxiety and depression into a tangible resource for other Black girls.
The boxes are packed with journals, fidget toys, modeling clay, handmade bracelets, and printed affirmations. They also include information on trusted mental‑health hotlines and local support groups, giving recipients both self‑care tools and real‑world help.
What started with a handful of packages handed out to students in central Virginia has now reached 3,303 girls in 17 states and Washington, DC. The nonprofit works with schools, community centers, and health providers to distribute the care kits.
The microgrant came through the 2024 #BlackGirlJoyChallenge, a program that gave 100 young Black women $550 each to launch community projects. The initiative was co‑organized by Megan Thee Stallion’s Pete & Thomas Foundation and the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium.
MH Boxes illustrates how targeted, culturally‑affirming resources can reduce stigma and encourage conversations about mental health. By giving girls a tangible sense of support, the program helps them feel less isolated and more likely to seek professional help when needed.
Readers who want to help can volunteer with local schools or donate to the foundation that funded the program. Professional mental‑health care remains essential for those with severe symptoms, so it’s best to combine self‑care with professional guidance.