We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Allison Bates, LCSW-S and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Allison, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
As a therapist, a common theme my clients report is the lack of a healthy support system. In thinking about my own personal struggles, I know I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for some amazing people in my life who held me down. Most of my earliest memories revolve around my grandfather (who passed away when I was 9 years old) and “Memama,” my beautiful grandmother who recently turned 90. At a very young age, I saw my grandfather be a huge support to, not just our family, but, our church and small community. Memama was a major source of love and comfort, and I stand by the fact that her hugs can bring world peace!

In all seriousness, I’ve always known my purpose in life is to be of service to others. I’ve observed and experienced the benefits of strong support systems, and I know that healthy connections are absolutely necessary for our survival. I regularly come across people who are craving meaningful and genuine relationships (not just the romantic kind). However, many find themselves unable to trust others and fear vulnerability. So, they go about life carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders with no healthy outlets or release.

There is a ton of research that supports the importance of human connection, and I frequently see people struggle when this is lacking. I wholeheartedly believe in the benefits of therapy, but I do understand it’s just one aspect of maintaining healthy mental wellness. Community support groups are also highly effective outlets and their benefits cannot be overstated. Groups can help build a sense of belonging, improve the ability to develop healthy relationships, help with communication, and they can also assist in increasing self-confidence.

As a Black woman, I often feel like I not only experience the stressors that are inherent to basic adulting, but I feel the added pressure, and sometimes anxiousness, of living in a society that has not yet fully embraced me or my community. This can sometimes be overwhelming, and when you don’t have an opportunity to release some of these feelings, they can truly weigh you down.

So, starting The ALLICE Collective gave me the opportunity to provide a safe space for Black men and women to gather, feel heard, and express our feelings related to personal challenges and systemic issues that continue to impact our community. Additionally, I added the element of gathering in-person with food. In-person meetings help decrease the effects of isolation and provide an experience that can’t be replicated virtually. The benefits of a hug or handshake can’t be felt through a phone or computer. Research has shown that in-person engagement may help reduce stress and even release the hormone, oxytocin, which can promote a positive bonding experience. Also, food has historically been a way to bring people together and increase levels of comfort.

I want people to identify The ALLICE Collective as not just an organization, but a space where people come to heal, grow, connect, and take the tools they’ve learned to strengthen their families and communities.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The ALLICE Collective for Mental Health & Community Engagement is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Houston, Texas. Our mission is to improve mental health outcomes among Black men and women through community engagement and holistic mental health services. The increase in mental health awareness over the past few years has been amazing to witness, and there are some incredible agencies across the country and right here in Houston that are doing great work!

Although there are many organizations focused on mental health, I found there were limited options for weekly in-person support groups for Black men and women. Although virtual meetings help decrease barriers to access and increase reach, I wanted to offer people the ability to connect in-person and increase their opportunities for relationship building.

As a licensed clinical social worker and private group counseling practice owner, I believe my training, experience, and business management skills have been key in helping me navigate the ins and outs of starting the non-profit. However, the nonprofit world is a different animal, and I’ve had to develop new skillsets to ensure we’re able to provide our services to the community at no cost.

I’m not a native of Houston and can be somewhat of a recluse. I also struggle with self-doubt at times. So, I’ve had to overcome imposter syndrome and the fear of “putting myself out there.” I think that’s been one of my biggest challenges, because nonprofit organizations can’t function without support or funding, and this can’t happen if no one knows you exist! Thankfully, I’ve being able to keep things afloat through my “side hustles,” but we are now starting to receive funding from other areas and I’m hopeful for continued growth.

I’m so proud of what we’re building and very confident that the services we provide are a great benefit to our community! We currently offer a bi-weekly support group for Black men, “Breakfast & Brotherhood”, and a bi-weekly support group for Black women, “Sisterhood: Bonds & Boundaries”. All groups are free of charge and we serve food at every meeting. Additional weekly groups will begin in January 2024, along with a monthly coed support group, “Connections with a Twist.” Our tag for this series is, “Community Building – Chopped & Screwed: A new spin on group healing.” If you’re from Houston, you’ll understand! LOL!

 In addition to our groups, we also offer up to 12 free counseling services for eligible clients.

My pride and joy is our training program for Black graduate student interns enrolled in a Mental Health Counseling or Master of Social Work Program with a clinical focus. Although Houston is the 4th largest city in the country, there is still a national shortage of Black therapists. We believe it’s important to offer training that focuses on the unique stressors and generational trauma experienced by Black people resulting from structural racism and discrimination, and how this may impact our emotional and physical health. Our graduates leave with improved critical thinking skills and the ability to engage and conceptualize client challenges through an enhanced cultural lens.

The ALLICE Collective is a small organization that was founded out of a true love for the Black community and desire to use all the tools necessary to help us heal and find peace in a society where it is often disrupted or challenged. The name is a combination of Allison + Alice, my amazing grandmother. By combining our names, I am honoring her for teaching me what true support looks like and what I hope to provide to others. Collective means just that. This is not just about one person. The ALLICE is fueled by community. The collective consists of all the people who engage in or support our cause in an effort to uplift and strengthen our community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be able to do the work I am so passionate about without my circle of support. First and foremost, I want to give a ginormous shoutout to my grandmother, Alice Bates, namesake of The ALLICE Collective (I combined our names :-)). She has been my rock, my constant source of support, biggest cheerleader, and just my favorite person on this planet. Her unconditional love through all of my challenges has meant the world to me, and I know I wouldn’t be here without her.

I have a small, but mighty, circle of people who are my second family and best friends. They continue to cheer me on and put up with my Gemini ways! To Larry, Candace, Talisa, & Onyi! You have been consistent, reliable, and there for me through the best and worst of times. I am honored to have you all in my life, and I truly love and appreciate you more than you could possibly know. Thank you, thank you, thank you!


Website: www.theallice.org

Instagram: @theallicecollective

Other: Email: community@theallice.org

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