Mental Health Foundation Of West Michigan

I have participated in the Mental Health Foundation's Annual Art Auction, "Shining Through" for the past five years, and has been a wonderful opportunity to display my artwork and photography for either the silent or live Auctions. For each piece of artwork that makes profit, the Artist receives 51% of what their piece sells for and then the Mental Health Foundation receives the other 49% to help educate middle and high school students and educators about mental health and the stigma attached to mental illnesses. I have been most fortunate to work with the Mental Health Foundation of W. MI. employees and their Volunteers each year and also working with their Annual "Stomp Out Stigma" Walk. What a Great group of people to work with, and always have SMILES on their faces!

I learned of this organization through an existing board member, having been invited to their annual charitable golf outing. Immediately upon exposure to the staff, board members and supporters, it became crystal clear that this was a highly effective and focused organization that provided a vital service to the community.

Having been personally impacted by mental illness and with a family history of depression, this was an important and extremely personal cause to me. I was honored to be asked to join the board, and since the time from my initial exposure I have witnessed countless examples of the good done by this organization.

I'm a board member and donor, and my husband is a donor as well. We believe in the mission of this organization. While it does amazing things with just a small staff and a shoestring budget, the impact of the organization extends far beyond by helping students in Kent County become educated about recognizing depression and eradicating its stigma to reduce the barriers to diagnosis and treatment.

I have been a part of the Mental Health Foundation for more than 6 years. The organization has evolved into a phenomenally successful organization supplying an educational program of mental health for our regional middle and high school students. Modules include, bullying, depression, anxiety, self-injuring disorders, self esteem, substance abuse, suicide and more. To date we have delivered the program to over 8,500 unique students. We have saved lives, reduced stigma, and educated youth, teachers and counselors. In our organization with an annual budget of less than $400,000, our 18 board members are all volunteer and is a working board.