This October, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our incredible Walktober partners: Chicks with Kicks. As we continue our mission to elevate mental health awareness and support within Black and brown communities, partnerships like this one amplify our reach and deepen our impact. Together, we’re proving that wellness isn’t just about individual healing: it’s about building community, breaking barriers, and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

Who Are Chicks with Kicks?

Chicks with Kicks is a dynamic running club based in Dallas, Texas, that’s all about empowering women to crush their fitness goals while having an absolute blast. Founded on the principle that fitness should be fun, accessible, and community-driven, this organization has created a space where women come together to support each other’s physical and mental wellness journeys.

Located at 5473 Blair Road, Suite 100 in Dallas, Chicks with Kicks operates as more than just a running club: they’re a wellness community that understands the profound connection between physical movement and mental health. Their approach centers around the belief that when women support women, incredible transformations happen.

The organization offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to meet women where they are in their fitness journey. From beginner-friendly running clinics to educational lectures on wellness topics, Chicks with Kicks ensures that every member has access to the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. Their motto of “ditch the boring workouts and join the party” reflects their commitment to making fitness enjoyable and sustainable.

What Makes Chicks with Kicks Unique?

What sets Chicks with Kicks apart is their holistic approach to women’s wellness that extends far beyond just running. They recognize that true fitness encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being: a philosophy that resonates deeply with our own mission at Getting My Cheese Back On My Cracker Foundation.

Community-First Mentality: Unlike traditional fitness programs that focus solely on individual achievement, Chicks with Kicks prioritizes community building. They understand that for many women, especially women of color, having a supportive network can be the difference between giving up and pushing through. Their group runs become therapy sessions on the move, where participants share struggles, celebrate victories, and build lasting friendships.

Educational Excellence: Beyond the physical activity, Chicks with Kicks incorporates educational components into their programming. Their lectures cover topics ranging from nutrition and injury prevention to stress management and mental health awareness. This educational approach ensures that members develop a comprehensive understanding of wellness that they can apply to all areas of their lives.

Accessibility and Inclusivity: The organization works hard to create an inclusive environment where women of all fitness levels, backgrounds, and ages feel welcome. They offer various program tracks, ensuring that whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced runner, there’s a place for you in their community.

Adventure-Based Approach: By framing every run as an “adventure,” Chicks with Kicks transforms what many perceive as a chore into an exciting journey of self-discovery. This mindset shift is particularly powerful for addressing mental health challenges, as it helps participants develop a more positive relationship with physical activity and self-care.

Where Synergy Occurs: Aligning Missions for Maximum Impact

The partnership between Getting My Cheese Back On My Cracker Foundation and Chicks with Kicks creates powerful synergy that amplifies both organizations’ missions. Here’s where our values and efforts intersect to create meaningful change:

Mental Health Through Movement: Research consistently shows that physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise like walking and running, can be as effective as medication for treating mild to moderate depression. For Black and brown communities, where mental health stigma often prevents people from seeking traditional treatment, movement-based interventions offer an accessible entry point to wellness.

Community Healing: Both organizations understand that healing happens in community. While our foundation focuses on providing mental health resources and reducing stigma through education and storytelling, Chicks with Kicks creates the physical spaces where that healing can occur. Their group runs become informal therapy sessions where participants can process stress, build resilience, and develop coping strategies.

Addressing Cultural Barriers: In many Black and brown communities, there are cultural barriers to both fitness participation and mental health care. Together, we’re working to dismantle these barriers by showing that self-care isn’t selfish: it’s essential. When Chicks with Kicks members prioritize their physical health, they’re also investing in their mental wellness, and they’re modeling healthy behaviors for their families and communities.

Holistic Wellness Approach: Our partnership recognizes that mental health can’t be separated from physical health, social connection, and community support. By combining our foundation’s mental health expertise with Chicks with Kicks’ fitness programming, we’re offering a comprehensive wellness solution that addresses the whole person.

The Importance of Partnership in Spreading Mental Health Awareness

Partnerships like the one between our foundation and Chicks with Kicks are crucial for spreading mental health awareness and reducing stigma in Black and brown communities. Here’s why collaboration is so powerful:

Expanding Reach: Individually, both organizations serve important but limited audiences. Together, we can reach women who might not typically seek out mental health resources but are interested in fitness and wellness. This crossover approach helps us connect with people who need support but might not know where to find it.

Creating Multiple Entry Points: Not everyone is ready to walk into a therapist’s office, but they might be willing to join a running group. By partnering with Chicks with Kicks, we’re creating alternative pathways to mental wellness. As participants build physical strength and community connections, they often become more open to exploring other aspects of their mental health.

Normalizing Mental Health Conversations: When mental health topics are integrated into fitness programming, it helps normalize these conversations. Participants learn that talking about stress, anxiety, and depression is just as important as discussing running techniques and nutrition. This normalization is crucial for reducing stigma in communities where mental health is often viewed as taboo.

Building Trust: Trust is essential for effective mental health outreach, particularly in communities that have experienced historical medical discrimination. By partnering with established, trusted organizations like Chicks with Kicks, we can build credibility and reach people who might be skeptical of traditional mental health services.

Walktober: A Month of Movement and Mental Wellness

During Walktober, our partnership with Chicks with Kicks takes on special significance. Walking and running events throughout the month serve multiple purposes:

Physical Activity as Medicine: Every step taken during Walktober is a step toward better mental health. The endorphins released during physical activity can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, while the rhythmic nature of walking and running can serve as a form of moving meditation.

Community Building: Walktober events bring people together, creating opportunities for social connection and support. For many participants, these gatherings become the highlight of their month: a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who understand their struggles and celebrate their victories.

Skill Building: Through Chicks with Kicks programming during Walktober, participants learn practical skills for managing stress and maintaining mental wellness. These skills extend far beyond the running track, helping people cope with workplace stress, family challenges, and other life difficulties.

Inspiration and Motivation: Seeing other women prioritize their health and wellness can be incredibly motivating. Walktober provides numerous opportunities for participants to witness transformation stories, connect with role models, and envision their own potential for change.

The Ripple Effect: Impact Beyond Individual Participants

The impact of our partnership extends far beyond the individual women who participate in Chicks with Kicks programming. When women prioritize their mental and physical health, it creates positive ripple effects throughout their families and communities:

Modeling Healthy Behaviors: Participants become role models for their children, showing them that self-care is important and that physical activity can be enjoyable. This modeling helps break generational cycles of poor health habits and mental health stigma.

Community Leadership: Many Chicks with Kicks members become advocates for wellness in their broader communities. They share what they’ve learned, encourage friends and family members to prioritize their health, and help create cultural shifts around wellness and mental health.

Economic Impact: Healthier communities are more prosperous communities. When individuals address their mental health challenges and build resilience, they’re better able to succeed in their careers, maintain stable housing, and contribute to their local economies.

Moving Forward Together

As we celebrate our partnership with Chicks with Kicks during Walktober and beyond, we’re reminded of the power of collaboration in creating positive change. This partnership represents more than just two organizations working together: it’s a testament to what’s possible when we combine our resources, expertise, and passion for community wellness.

For those interested in learning more about our mission and resources, visit us at cheeseonmycracker.com. Whether you’re looking for mental health support, community connection, or simply want to learn more about our work, we’re here to help you get your cheese back on your cracker.

Together with Chicks with Kicks and our other Walktober partners, we’re creating a movement that recognizes the interconnected nature of physical and mental wellness. We’re building communities where Black and brown women can thrive, where mental health conversations are normalized, and where every step forward, literally and figuratively: is celebrated as a victory worth sharing.