About Us
We Heal Ourselves with Love and Empowerment (WHOLE)
This program is in response to a 2017 survey conducted by the Cambridge Community Health Network Area (CHNA 17) which examined how the Black community in the Cambridge area engaged in mental health services. The result of the survey showed there is an enormous stigma associated with mental health in the Black community, especially communities of faith. Some of the findings were that people don’t talk about mental health inside the church; people fear being told that they, “simply need to pray more”; or having to explain their faith to a provider and being labeled as “crazy”.
Under the leadership of Rev. Lorraine A. Thornhill, Kingdom Empowerment Center (KEC) was awarded a grant from CHNA17 to address Mental Health in the Black Faith community. We hope to diminish the stigma associated with this topic by teaching, training and equipping the faith community. Our hope is to reach each generation via various events, forums and support groups.
Pastor Lorraine A. Thornhill
Rev. Lorraine A. Thornhill, the pastor of the Kingdom Empowerment Center (KEC) has impacted and influenced many lives by being relevant and authentic.
In addition to pastoring, Rev. Thornhill is actively involved in communities beyond the walls of her church. She is the President of the Cambridge Black Pastors Alliance, a Chaplain for the Cambridge Police Department, Board member for the Cambridge Community Foundation, and a Commissioner for the City of Cambridge’s Human Service Department. She has also served on the board of Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence, and former board presidents of Cambridge YWCA & Cambridge Cares about Aids.
Shameka Gregory
Shameka Gregory has been immersed in the human services field since 2008 and roots her work in the power of relationships. Shameka firmly believes that taking time to hear and understand others is the key to addressing every social ill. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) and holds degrees in psychology and clinical social work.
Shameka has served as the Community Liaison at Transition House for 5 years supporting survivors of domestic violence. She also owns and operates a private practice, Worth in Christ, LLC. Shameka takes every opportunity to learn from the people around her and greets life with practicality and joy. She is devoted to the continued growth, development and healing of her community and herself.
Marsha Montaque
Marsha Montaque is the Program Manager for WHOLE. She’s responsible for assisting with program initiatives and event planning: both administrative and onsite support. She has over 20 years of experience in communications, strategic planning and creative development.
She is passionate about celebrating people, their accomplishments and personal achievements as well as, building relationships.
She’s inspired by her faith in God, and is hopeful- her motto is to not give up and to carry on during difficult times.
Marsha is married and has four children. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and interior design.
Margo J. Brathwaite
Margo is motivated to help people reach their greatest potential, she sees the connection between mental health and self-value. She is an entrepreneur with over 30yrs of experience in the financial and accounting services industry. She is a Managing Partner in a consulting firm that she co-founded in 2001.
Margo has served on various finance committees in the community and through workshops and trainings has educated many individuals on best practices to achieve financial security.
Visionary
Rev. Lorraine A. Thornhill, the pastor of the Kingdom Empowerment Center (KEC) has impacted and influenced many lives by being relevant and authentic.
In addition to pastoring, Rev. Thornhill is actively involved in communities beyond the walls of her church. She is the President of the Cambridge Black Pastors Alliance, a Chaplain for the Cambridge Police Department, Board member for the Cambridge Community Foundation, and a Commissioner for the City of Cambridge’s Human Service Department. She has also served on the board of Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence, and former board presidents of Cambridge YWCA & Cambridge Cares about Aids.
Her passion is to see individuals WHOLE and thriving in every area of their lives. As a result of how the current climate in the country is affecting people of color (POC), Rev. Thornhill saw the need to address the Mental Health Crisis of POC. This has propelled her into action to create safe spaces for individuals to know that they are heard and are not alone. Some of the events led or organized by
Rev. Thornhill to address the Mental Health Crisis are:
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Healing Racial Trauma for Women Seminars – Four weeks of seminars to help women heal.
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Black Men and Trauma Virtual gathering
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Mental Health Trainings
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Clergy Support Group
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Mental Health Symposium
Other Participatory events
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BLAW Live – Zoom conversation addressing Faith and Mental Health
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Cambridge meeting with City Counselor Simmons addressing the church’s response to the Covid 19 pandemic
