The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free mental health therapy, school-based wellness programming, HBCU campus Wellness Pods, and a culturally competent provider directory to BIPOC and underrepresented communities across the United States.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersBeverly Hills, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation does
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 by actress Taraji P. Henson and Tracie Jade Jenkins to address mental health stigma and access barriers in BIPOC and underrepresented communities, named in honor of Henson's father Boris Lawrence Henson who faced untreated mental health challenges after returning from the Vietnam War. The foundation operates a portfolio of programs rather than a unified software product: the Mental Wellness Support Program (MWSP) provides five free therapy sessions with culturally competent clinicians to individuals aged 12 and older; the Take A Minute Challenge delivers a 30-day school-based wellness curriculum deployed in K-12 districts such as Prince George's County; the Let's Talk! Resource Guide is a searchable online directory of 1,248 licensed mental health providers and alternative wellness practitioners; Self-Care Wellness Pods are repurposed shipping containers converted into physical mental health service spaces installed on HBCU campuses including Hampton University, Bennett College, and Alabama State University; and an African American Cultural Humility Training program plus a scholarship fund (Foundation, Legacy, and Heritage tiers up to $500,000 endowed) target workforce pipeline gaps given that approximately 4% of psychologists are Black.
The foundation distributes services through a hybrid physical-digital model anchored in trusted community spaces — HBCUs, beauty salons, barbershops, community centers, and K-12 schools — supplemented by celebrity-led events including the annual Can We Talk? Arts & Wellness Summit. Revenue is generated through individual donations (one-time, monthly recurring, text-to-give codes NOSTIGMA, CHOOSEJOY, BRIDGETHEGAP2024 routed to 707070), corporate partnerships (Kate Spade New York capsule collection with 100% of North America profits flowing to BLHF, BET as One Million Hours Joy Challenge premier sponsor and Can We Talk? Symposium title sponsor), impact investing opportunities, and donation-supported scholarship endowments. Operationally, the foundation runs with 1-10 employees, partnered provider networks rather than employed clinicians, and a celebrity-amplified brand that drives earned media in outlets such as NY Post, Essence, and Black Enterprise.
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
- Legal name
- Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
- Website
- https://borislhensonfoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free mental health therapy, school-based wellness programming, HBCU campus Wellness Pods, and a culturally competent provider directory to BIPOC and underrepresented communities across the United States.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mental Health Services / Nonprofit Mental Health Advocacy
- NAICS
- Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) (62133), Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Offices of Other Health Practitioners (6213)
- SIC
- Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Outpatient Mental Health & Counseling Clinics (HLAFABAC), School-Based Mental Health Therapy (Licensed Clinicians) (EDAKAMAD), Recreation Therapy, Stress Management & Mindfulness Programs (EDALAFAO)
Keywords
Where The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Beverly Hills
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Contributions: Individual donors contribute through one-time donations, monthly recurring donations, and text-to-give campaigns (NOSTIGMA to 707070, CHOOSEJOY to 707070). The foundation operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, making all contributions tax-deductible.
- Corporate Partnerships: Partnerships with corporations like Kate Spade New York generate revenue through collaborative capsule collections where 100% of profits benefit the foundation. Corporate sponsors also support events, wellness pods, and programs.
- Impact Investing: The foundation offers impact investing opportunities where philanthropic capital generates both social returns and positive community change in mental wellness initiatives.
- Text-to-Give Campaigns: Mobile giving campaigns through text messaging allow supporters to contribute easily. Programs include BRIDGETHEGAP2024 campaign.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free Mental Wellness Support Program - Five complimentary therapy sessions |
| Other | Annual | Foundation Scholarships (Annual) - $10,000 |
| Other | Annual | Legacy Scholarship (Annual) - $10,000 |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Heritage Scholarship (Endowed) - $500,000 |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation provides free mental health therapy sessions, culturally competent provider referrals, school-based wellness programs, scholarship support for minority mental health students, and physical wellness spaces for BIPOC and underrepresented communities. Its offerings center on the Mental Wellness Support Program (five free therapy sessions), the Let's Talk! Resource Guide of culturally competent clinicians, the Take A Minute Challenge school initiative, Self-Care Wellness Pods on HBCU campuses, and integrated wellness programming (yoga, meditation, sound therapy, art therapy).
Product overview
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is a nonprofit mental health advocacy organization offering a portfolio of programs and services rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include the Mental Wellness Support Program (MWSP) providing free therapy sessions, the Take A Minute Challenge school-based initiative, Hangouts (psychoeducational and wellness gatherings), and the Let's Talk! Resource Guide directory of providers. Additional services include scholarship programs for mental health students, Self-Care Wellness Pods on HBCU campuses, Cultural Humility Training, and The Unspoken Curriculum for schools. The foundation also runs the annual Can We Talk? Arts & Wellness Summit and partners on merchandise campaigns (Kate Spade collaboration) and the One Million Hours Joy Challenge with BET. These programs function as distinct service offerings within a nonprofit service model rather than an integrated product platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Take A Minute Challenge: A 30-day school-based mental wellness initiative that brings simple, meaningful wellness practices into school communities through daily three-minute moments of care.
- Mental Health Scholarship Fund
- Wellness Pods
- The Unspoken Curriculum
- Mental Wellness Support Program (MWSP)
- Let's Talk! Resource Guide
Products and services
- Mental Wellness Support Program (MWSP) Free mental health program offering five complimentary therapy sessions with licensed, culturally competent clinicians. Designed for individuals aged 12+ facing life-changing events, stress, anxiety, depression, or hopelessness. Sessions are completely free for registered participants and filled on a first-come, first-served basis during open enrollment periods.
- Take A Minute Challenge 30-day school-based mental wellness initiative that brings simple, meaningful wellness practices into school communities through daily three-minute moments of care, including movement, breathwork, journaling, sound therapy, creative expression, and reflection. Includes Arts & Wellness Educator Training for teachers.
- Hangouts Supportive in-person gatherings including Psychoeducational Hangouts for guided mental health conversations, Integrated Wellness Hangouts featuring yoga, meditation, sound therapy, African dance, art, and somatic healing, and Joy Salons held in beauty salons, barbershops, and community centers.
- BLHF Scholarship Fund Mental health scholarship program offering Foundation Scholarships ($10,000 annual), Legacy Scholarship ($10,000 annual), and Heritage Scholarship ($500,000 endowed) to support African-American students pursuing careers in mental health.
- Self-Care Wellness Pods Innovative physical structures housed in repurposed shipping containers providing mental health resources in non-traditional spaces on HBCU campuses nationwide. Features include free therapy sessions, psychoeducation hangouts, yoga, meditation, sound therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, container gardens, and rest pods.
- Wellness Wednesdays Monthly integrative wellness and psychoeducational programming brought to HBCU campuses nationwide, offering engaging content for college students to nurture mental health and prepare for the workforce.
- African American Cultural Humility Training Comprehensive training program teaching cultural humility principles including self-reflection, recognizing biases, and developing skills for cross-cultural interactions in professional settings. Designed for mental health providers and practitioners working with BIPOC communities.
- The Unspoken Curriculum Program addressing mental health impacts within education systems for Black students ages 12-22, focusing on combating implicit bias, empowering youth voices, advocating for change, and catalyzing action.
- Let's Talk! Resource Guide Comprehensive online directory of mental health providers and integrated wellness practitioners designed to meet members of BIPOC and underrepresented communities where they are, with culturally relevant therapy referrals searchable by location and specialty.
- Can We Talk? Arts & Wellness Summit Annual multicultural arts and wellness summit focused on breaking down mental health stigma in marginalized communities through art, culture, healing practices, and celebrity participation. Tickets available through Whova registration portal.
- Joy Joints National Campaign Month-long celebration of joy and unity launched in recognition of World Mental Health Day, aiming to achieve collective 100,000 hours of joy while raising funds for free mental health services.
- One Million Hours Joy Challenge Partnership with BET to provide one million hours of free mental health services for the Black community, reaching communities through festivals, HBCU campuses, the entertainment industry, and community spaces.
Quantifiable outcome
- Goal to provide 1 million hours of free mental health services over five years
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Kate Spade New YorkcoreMulti-faceted partnership including limited-edition capsule collection (100% of profits benefit BLHF), Wellness Pods on HBCU campuses, and the She Care Wellness Pod initiative. Taraji P. Henson joined Kate Spade's Social Impact Council in 2022. Partnership aims to destigmatize mental health and reach 25,000 young women.
- BET (Black Entertainment Television)corePremier sponsor of the One Million Hours Joy Challenge, an unprecedented partnership to provide one million hours of free mental health services for the Black community. Premier sponsor of the 2024 Can We Talk? Symposium.
- Bennett CollegecoreHost site for third Wellness Pod installation, an all-women's HBCU in North Carolina. Pod provides free therapy, support spaces, and unique programming for young women.
- Hampton UniversitycoreSecond HBCU campus hosting She Care Wellness Pod providing culturally competent mental health services for women through partnership with Kate Spade New York.
- Prince George's County District 8minorCommunity partner for the 2024 Can We Talk? Symposium with Councilman Edward Burroughs III. Deepened local engagement for mental health initiatives.
- TikTokminorPanel sponsor for the 2024 Can We Talk? Symposium.
- First Focus On ChildrenminorPodcast partnership hosting Taraji P. Henson and Tracie Jade on Speaking of Kids podcast discussing Black child mental health and cultural competence.
- District 8 Councilman Edward Burroughs IIIminorPartnered with BLHF to bring Take A Minute Challenge across Prince George's County District 8 schools during Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Octet Film ProductionsminorPartnership for storytelling component of Take A Minute Challenge, capturing student How Are You? prompts and amplifying student voices.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Strengths4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceThe Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
What does The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation do?
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation provides free mental health therapy sessions, culturally competent provider referrals, school-based wellness programs, scholarship support for minority mental health students, and physical wellness spaces for BIPOC and underrepresented communities. Its offerings center on the Mental Wellness Support Program (five free therapy sessions), the Let's Talk! Resource Guide of culturally competent clinicians, the Take A Minute Challenge school initiative, Self-Care Wellness Pods on HBCU campuses, and integrated wellness programming (yoga, meditation, sound therapy, art therapy).
Is The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation a public or private company?
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation founded?
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation based?
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is headquartered in Beverly Hills, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Contributions are the primary driver. The others are corporate Partnerships, impact Investing and text-to-Give Campaigns.
Does The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.
What industry is The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in?
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation's product category is Mental Health Services / Nonprofit Mental Health Advocacy. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGADAK, Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits, with a secondary code of HLAFABAC, Outpatient Mental Health & Counseling Clinics. Its NAICS code is 62133 and its SIC code is 8090.