“If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself — and then make a change.” Those words may sound simple, yet they carry one of life’s greatest challenges. True change begins not in the world around us, but in the mirror — in the willingness to see ourselves honestly and to heal what’s within. At our 3rd Annual Gala, “Breaking the Stigma: Men Feel Too,” we gathered as a community to face that mirror together. We spoke about courage — not the kind that hides emotion, but the kind that embraces it. We acknowledged that men feel fear, sadness, love, and pain, and that strength is not found in silence, but in connection. For too long, society has told men to be unshakable — to “toughen up” and carry the weight quietly. But at La Concordia, we believe that vulnerability is not weakness — it’s the beginning of healing. Every time a man allows himself to feel, a child learns that it’s okay to cry. Every time a person asks for help, another finds the courage to do the same. And every time one of us heals, our families and communities heal with us. The success of our Gala — raising over $50,000 to support therapy scholarships and community wellness programs — is proof that together, we can make that change real. It’s a reminder that compassion, when shared, multiplies. As we enter November, our mission continues stronger than ever. This month, La Concordia is launching new support groups, workshops, and community programs focused on connection, emotional growth, and holistic healing. Each gathering, each conversation, and each shared story moves us closer to a world where mental health is not a stigma — but a shared priority. Let’s carry forward the message we shared at the Gala: that being strong means being real, that healing starts with honesty, and that when we open our hearts, we change the world.