A Bridgeport woman is turning her pain into power with the goal to fight the mental health stigma in communities of color.

"As a young woman who once tried to commit suicide, I can tell you personally that many young females are battling depression out here, just like I did. The problem is there's a mental health stigma in communities of color and we need to get past it," said 29-year-old Takyia Morales. "Young lives are at stake and we need to act."

Morales started a mentoring group called the Gifted Girls' Club.

"I mentor young females from age five to 18, and it's making a huge difference," she said.

The Suicide & Crisis Hotline can be reached at 988.