Hope in Action

Small Actions, Big Impact

Choosing an organization for this project was not easy because there are many important causes that deserve support. After discussing several options, our group decided to support Mental Health America (MHA) because we believe mental health is an issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, yet it is still not discussed openly enough. Through this fundraiser, we hope not only to raise donations but also to encourage more people to talk openly about mental health and learn about the resources that Mental Health America provides.

Mental Health America is one of the nation's oldest nonprofit organizations dedicated to promoting mental health and helping people find support before they reach a crisis. The organization provides free mental health screenings, educational resources, advocacy, research, and community programs that help reduce stigma and connect people with the care they need.

While researching this project, we learned that mental health challenges are much more common than many people realize. According to Mental Health America's 2025 State of Mental Health in America Report, more than 60 million adults experienced a mental illness during the past year, and many were unable to receive the treatment they needed. Reading these statistics made us realize that mental health is not only a personal challenge—it also affects families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities.

As seniors at the University of North Texas, many of us are balancing classes, work, internships, family responsibilities, and preparing for the next stage of our lives. We know how overwhelming life can sometimes become, and we have seen classmates, coworkers, friends, and family members experience stress, anxiety, or burnout. Sometimes people appear to be doing well on the outside while quietly struggling on the inside. Working on this project reminded us that simply listening, checking in on someone, or encouraging them to seek professional help can make a meaningful difference.

This project also changed the way we think about making a difference. At first, we thought fundraising was mostly about collecting donations. As we learned more about Mental Health America, we realized that raising awareness is just as important. Sharing reliable information, encouraging open conversations, reducing stigma, or simply letting someone know they are not alone are all meaningful ways to support mental health.

Our fundraising goal is $2,000. Every donation, no matter how large or small, will help support Mental Health America's programs and raise awareness about the importance of mental health.

Even if we do not reach our entire goal, every contribution helps support Mental Health America's free mental health screenings, educational resources, advocacy, and community programs. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser or starting a conversation about mental health can also make a meaningful difference for someone who may be struggling in silence.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our campaign and for supporting Mental Health America. This project reminded us that meaningful change does not always begin with something big. Sometimes it starts with one conversation, one kind gesture, or one person who decides to help. Together, we believe that small actions really can create a big impact.

Sources

Mental Health America. (2025). The State of Mental Health in America 2025. https://mhanational.org/the-state-of-mental-health-in-america/

Mental Health America. Quick Facts and Statistics About Mental Health. https://mhanational.org/resources/quick-facts-and-statistics-about-mental-health/