We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Perez, LCSW and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2017 I became a mom and it should have been the happiest time of my life. I experienced Postpartum Depression and Anxiety which made it difficult to fully enjoy the beginning of motherhood. I searched for therapist in my area with the help of my insurance and here we are 6 years later and not one therapist has ever called me back. I had to drive 1.5 hours one way and 2+ hours back with a newborn to go to therapy. After I was done with my treatment and I was in a better place emotionally and mentally, I began to think of all the mothers out there that are feeling the same way – alone, scared, depressed. I felt how unfair and unjust it was for our community and our moms to not have access to the appropriate mental health services. I needed to do something to help that mother – crying alone in the bathroom thinking she wasn’t good enough and that she was alone. I wanted to extend my hand to mothers and let them know – they are not alone! with help and support, things can get better. I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have been trained by Postpartum Support International to work with mother and partners that are experiencing perinatal mental health disorders.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Junglemania Family Support is a non-profit mental health organization that provides individual therapy, support groups, workshops, and case management. We work hard to continue to provide low cost services to mother, fathers, partners, guardians, etc. We have an amazing mothers support group which includes a socialization group for the kids. I started by doing virtual support groups for moms. The word started to spread about our virtual support groups and we had moms from Texas, New York and even Australia join our groups.
Mostly Im proud of the moms that are able to take the 1st step and search for help – to see their progress is amazing. Having moms come to our group in tears and feeling hopeless – later seeing her thriving and excelling fills my heart.
My biggest challenge has been me. Having a business is teaching me to trust myself and the process. Its teaching me to be patient. Having to prioritize what needs to be done and when (should I work on the spreadsheet or clean the kitchen). Being pulled in many different ways and needing to have the answers to everything can be stressing. Ive been able to handle these challenges by having a great support system like my husband and family. I am also blessed to have an amazing team who are so helpful and patient.
I want people to know that Junglemania is here to support you in any way that we can. We want to empower, support and educate the community about perinatal mental health.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday – We would go to Disney!!!!! Tuesday – I would like my friend to experience the local life – we would go out and get some street tacos and grab some drinks at uptown Whittier.
Wednesday – I would also take my friend hiking in our beautiful hills by the beach.
Thursday – LA observation deck
Friday – See some live jazz music in Pasadena
Saturday – Uptown Flee Market

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband – who has always been my rock. He continuously supports and encourage my ideas and dreams. My son, who has completely changed my life and is my love and heart. My family who are always willing to help me even at the last minute.

Website: www.junglemaniafamilysupport.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junglemaniafamilysupport/

Linkedin: Junglemania Family Support

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/junglemaniafamilysupport

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/junglemania-family-support-whittier-2

Image Credits
Sunday Photography

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