Pearls of Purpose to Host Mother-Daughter Gathering

A Tuscaloosa organization is bringing mothers and daughters together this weekend for an intentional conversation about mental wellness, suicide prevention, self-esteem and finding purpose.

Pearls of Purpose will host its September Mother-Daughter Gathering on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 4:30 p.m. at 361 Bear Creek Road E. in Tuscaloosa. The gathering, themed “Your Life Has Purpose,” will feature a conversation about suicide prevention, mental wellness, hope and purpose.

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Cristy Gilliam, director of community service for the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation in Tuscaloosa, will serve as the guest speaker.

The founder of Pearls of Purpose Keisha Taylor said the gatherings were created in part to provide intentional bonding time between mothers and daughters while helping girls develop confidence and a stronger sense of self in a world heavily influenced by social media and societal expectations.

She said her own relationship with her 21-year-old daughter helped inspire that mission. Her daughter now serves as vice president of the organization, creating intentional opportunities for them to spend time together through the group’s activities.

There is no age limit for girls participating in the gatherings, and organizers say mothers can benefit from the conversations as much as their daughters.

This month’s focus on mental wellness and suicide prevention also has a deeply personal meaning for the organizer. She recalled losing her best friend, Courtney Thomas, a wife, mother of two and University of Alabama graduate, and said the experience reinforced how people can struggle privately while appearing to have everything together publicly.

“We suffer in silence,” she said, explaining that even people who regularly encourage and uplift others may be dealing with struggles that those around them cannot see.

That experience is part of why she believes conversations surrounding emotional health are necessary for both generations.

The event will also incorporate a “Paint Your Emotions” activity designed to encourage participants to express, heal, let go and choose hope.

Pearls of Purpose holds its gatherings at Solid Earth Ministry, where the organization has access to space for its programming.

The event flyer also highlights the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Anyone experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance-use crisis can call or text 988 for support.