Today we’d like to introduce you to Efrem Bryant.
Hi Efrem, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our CCG story starts at the beginning of the pandemic. I was getting off work and received a call from an old high school classmate who remembered I was a social worker. We hadn’t been particularly close in school or since, so it was definitely out of the blue when he reached out and asked if he could make a donation to my organization. I was shocked to say the least. Why me? I was humbled. And a little nervous. At the time I only had a small private practice for mental health treatment. In my mind, it wasn’t the right format for the kind of donation my classmate had in mind. I had a vision for more. In college, I was a part of a fraternity-style service organization (MAGIS) where we worked and served underrepresented communities in LA. We helped raise money for kids to escape homelessness, pay for school tuition, and other resources. I thought that would be a great model to use/adapt for this new organization.
I called one of my best friends who was also a social worker and my then-girlfriend to help me brainstorm ideas and streamline a vision for what later became Core Contributors Group. A collection of friends & family who work in direct service as educators, social workers, therapist, businesspeople, and medical professionals with a vision of empowering the community through direct financial assistance. Because of what we did on a daily basis, I felt these people had their hands on the pulse of what was going on in the black and brown communities in LA. We knew the needs and I felt confident that we could be good stewards of this resource that serendipitously fell into my lap during one of the most challenging times in our country. It was not only an opportunity but our responsibility to affect change in a larger way. Now 2 years and $350,000 in donations later, that’s what CCG continues to strive to do. Move quietly but deliberately. Helping those who are helping themselves.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has had its bumps for sure. Because of the limitations that presented themselves as a result of the pandemic, we couldn’t move and interact with the same kind of freedom. We had to be more cautious. It was also a challenge pulling together 8-10 of my closest friends to volunteer time to this new project, in addition to the demands of their respective professions and personal lives. Time is the most valuable asset we have. So the fact that I could have so much support from my circle of friends and family allowed this nonprofit to get off the ground and gain some momentum.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been in direct practice in the mental health field for almost 15 years. I’ve held various roles working with youth, families, couples, and adults as a therapist. Currently, I work as a crisis counselor treating those dealing with severe depression anxiety trauma and suicidal ideation. Having the opportunity to help so many people has been a great honor for my life. It’s made me even more grateful for the kind of grace and support I’ve had in my own life. In addition to this role, I’m also an artist and songwriter… I performed throughout the city for 15 years. It’s been a great outlet to help give some balance a very demanding career.
How do you define success?
Success is having the time, freedom, and ability to do what I want when I want. And being able to create that reality for all my family and friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: Ccg4you.org
- Instagram: @Corecontributorsgroup
Image Credits
Pic 1 Partnering with SSG to provide resources for those dealing with homelessness and mental health issues. Pic 2 Partnering with Chase bank to donate food to homeless families. Pic 2 Partnering with Rare O project to provide baby supplies for teen mothers.
