Veronica Clanton-Higgins, a native of Compton, has dedicated her life to helping others and positively impacting underserved communities. Veronica's work in Compton has earned her the reputation of being the "Compton healer." In 2016, Veronica founded VCH Prosperity Consulting, a coaching business focusing on life coaching, social-emotional wellness programming, and mental health consulting for organizations and businesses. As a mental health therapist at a university in Orange County, she is crucial in supporting Black and other People of Color (POC) students who often face unique challenges.
She actively engages with the community, offering wellness workshops, individual life coaching, social emotional wellness programing, and mental health consulting with organizations and businesses. Her commitment to the community is unwavering, as she firmly believes in contributing to any initiative that benefits the underserved, emphasizing the importance of using the term "underserved" rather than "marginalized."
"Can you list some business that you have served?"
Under VCH Prosperity Consulting, Veronica has VCH ProsperiTeees, an affirmative apparel line that funds social Impact initiative: Compton Wellness Collective. Some companies and organizations she has worked with include the Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC), where she is currently contracted to be their mental health and wellness director. She also has worked with 211 LA, Compton Girls Club, Best Buy,ICEF Charter School, BIPOC Support Foundation, Chase Bank, and currently serving as the emotional wellness support for SheStories Inglewood.
"What was your journey to get to where you are? How did you know that you wanted to be a community activist in this way?"
Veronica Clanton-Higgins has always had a strong inclination towards community service, evident from her involvement in various smaller-scale initiatives. As the president of a social service club at Long Beach City College, she spearheaded programs that made a positive impact on the community. With experience as a paraprofessional for special education, Veronica found fulfillment in supporting students with unique needs. Her dedication to helping others led her to volunteer at her baby Xavier's preschool, where she conducted workshops for parents and shared valuable knowledge. This passion motivated her to establish IMARA, a social service organization that organized clothing & food drives, family workshops, and academic scholarships for students. Although she eventually had to let go of this social service organization, Veronica embarked on a new path as a librarian assistant with aspirations of becoming a librarian. However, uncertainties about her life's direction emerged, until an opportunity arose to work as a job developer for Mental Health America. In this role, she assisted individuals with mental health concerns transitioning from jail to the workforce. During this time, Veronica faced an unfortunate turn of events, finding herself unknowingly implicated in a scam orchestrated by higher-ups in her previous job. After being sentenced to one year in jail, she encountered challenges accessing necessary kidney medication, resulting in her early release after 29 days. However, being on probation for three years made it challenging for her to secure employment, as potential employers perceived her as a high-risk candidate. Determined to rebuild her life, Veronica launched her own business as an independent consultant for Bedroom Kandi, utilizing the funds to establish VCH Prosperity Consulting in 2016, just one year after her release from jail. Alongside her consulting business, she continues to be an independent consultant for Bedroom Kandi, as it aligns with her Life & Sexuality coaching. The name VCH Prosperity Consulting symbolizes her belief in the promise of a prosperous future, inspired by Jeremiah 29:11. Veronica went on to become a certified life coach and fought against all odds to obtain a license as a therapist, challenging the state of California along the way.
"How do you keep your Joy?"
To maintain her well-being and joy, Veronica has developed practices that include writing a book called "10 Steps to Happy," incorporating bright colors into her life, engaging in movement, allowing herself to feel, set boundaries, and having alone time without isolating herself. She says she maintains these practices to: “to keep my brain from going into the abyss”.
Veronica Clanton-Higgins is a beacon of resilience, hope, and compassion, using her personal experiences and professional expertise to uplift and empower underserved communities, particularly in Compton. Her dedication to wellness, activism, and community service inspires all who strive to make a positive impact in the world.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. '" —Jeremiah 29:11
Learn more about Veronica and her business: https://www.prosperwithvch.com/