Elevate App Founders Talk Mental Health and Black Men Embracing Vulnerability

Black men are becoming more vulnerable and open to discussing their mental health, and these men Aaron Warrick, Greg Wilson, and Dante’ Wade created the Elevate app, as a means to combat the mental health crisis impacting our community. The app is an inspirational living and self-care mobile application that serves as a personal guide to mental, physical, and emotional success – encouraging users to manifest into their best selves. 

The founders and fraternity brothers met at Lincoln University located in Pennsylvania. They reconnected during a conversation about post-graduate life and shared how those check-ins were helpful to them and realized they could do this work for the community at large. Their wellness and mental health app help people navigate the highs and lows of life. 

According to their site, statistics state, “Nearly 16 million people experience depression or stress in any given year. Globally, nearly 350 million people will struggle with depression this year. Women are largely diagnosed with depression, while men are commonly diagnosed with chronic stress.” 

“One thing I’ve noticed is that African-American males are starting to destigmatize mental health and realize it doesn’t have to be this dark toxic thing we’re scared to address. By becoming [more] vulnerable we’re sitting down, having open discussions and encouraging people to know that we don’t have to be tough all the time,” shared Warrick as he spoke to their passion behind pushing the discussion of mental health and healing from trauma forward. 

Wade, who handles the app’s technical operations, says this is what brings him the most joy. He reviews the customizations they’ve worked hard to initiate, so their users feel connected to the software on a personal level. “The daily interaction of the app has features where our users can watch wellness videos, interact with specialists, and therapists who can check in on you daily. People are excited to share with other people and the ability to have something that holds them accountable, which is personalized for each user.” 

He continued, “They can access how they’re feeling, and we tailor the content based on how they respond. I love it when our users come to us with positive feedback on using the Elevate app with their friends. They all receive different messages of empowerment. It’s good to know our people are walking away better each time they click on the app.” 

As it relates to their personal wellness journeys, the co-founders shared they talk just as much about how they can also be better. “Just because we’re in the mental health space doesn’t mean we don’t have bad days. We’re honest with our community, and I believe that sets us apart from other wellness programs. We constantly check in with one another and support each other and not just about Elevate. We have lives outside of our brand, so we remind each other to take time for ourselves first, and we lean on each other when it gets tough because we’re all learning together,” they said.  

Additionally, Aaron shared that specifically founding the Elevate app helped him rekindle the relationship between him and his father. “Not only was he proud, but he called and shared his life and his work with me, and now our bond is stronger.” 

Their future plans for the brand include expanding the app to reach people worldwide, and they are pushing to gain capital. They are also working with external partners to develop more content for users that are relevant to their unique experiences. 

To sign up or learn more, please visit: Elevate – App.