FLINT, Mich. — A new anger management group aims to address a critical gap in adult mental health support in Flint.
The program was developed in response to long-standing mental health challenges in the community, particularly among adults affected by the Flint Water Crisis.
Beginning Saturday, Jan. 10, Well of Hope, in partnership with Life Support Counseling and Resources, will host a six-week adult anger management group at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library. The group will meet weekly on Saturdays through Feb. 14 and is open to adults at no cost.
Organizers say the program will provide residents with tools to better manage emotions, strengthen relationships and improve overall well-being.
“When you look at the ramifications of the Flint Water Crisis, many of the children have programs, but adults have been largely overlooked,” said David Pitts, facilitator and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. “Anger is one of the side effects of lead poisoning. This program provides a free mental health resource that can directly impact individuals, families, and our community.”
The group is designed for adults who have experienced emotional dysregulation or anger issues that have negatively affected their personal or professional relationships. According to Pitts, unmanaged anger can manifest through physical symptoms such as headaches and high blood pressure, as well as mental health challenges including anxiety, depression and strained relationships.
Co-facilitator Dezha Peterson, who has more than five years of experience working in the Flint community, said accessibility was a driving force behind launching the program.
“We want mental health resources to be accessible for everyone,” Peterson said. “We were inspired to provide free, community-based mental health support right here in Flint.”
Each Saturday session will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will include a light breakfast, interactive discussions, skill-building activities and mindfulness practices designed to help participants regulate their nervous systems. Sessions begin and end with grounding exercises. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, but it is not a requirement.
Creating a safe, supportive environment is central to the program’s approach. Group guidelines emphasize confidentiality, respectful communication and a judgment-free space.
“We validate people simply for showing up for themselves,” Pitts said. “Participants have the right to pass on questions, and the focus is on learning healthy skills to strengthen relationships and manage emotions in productive ways.”
By the end of the six weeks, facilitators hope participants leave with a clearer understanding of their emotional triggers, healthier coping strategies and increased confidence in navigating relationships.
Pitts, who grew up in Detroit, said his personal experiences inform his work as a therapist.
“I saw so many people in my community react in anger and lose relationships, jobs, and even their freedom,” he said. “My goal is to teach skills that help people break the cycle of unmanaged anger.”
Participants who complete all six sessions will receive a $25 Visa gift card. Space is limited. Residents can register by calling 810-243-4945 or signing up online here.