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Jessie Rodriguez is the Communications Manager of Project Helping headquartered in Denver, CO. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube and learn more at projecthelping.org.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Founded in 2014, Project Helping has organized more than 800 volunteer events to improve mental wellness through volunteering. Every volunteer experience is specifically designed to make an impact — both on the volunteer and the community. Project Helping provides meaningful, social, and easy-to-join volunteer experiences.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
Our mission is improving mental wellness through “Kyndfulness.” Our vision is that everyone has an opportunity to improve their mental wellness every day. Simply, by joining a group of volunteers for a common cause, individuals can connect to create social change and experience the benefits of increased mental wellness.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
Project Helping is directly impacting the stigma surrounding mental health while also offering a unique opportunity for everyone to work on their mental wellness on a daily basis. Our impact: 7,757 volunteers, 21,418 total hours given, 522,836 people impacted.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
Our founder, Justin Kruger, was inspired to share what he learned about the impact volunteering had on his own mental health through his personal experience. This is where Project Helping began. We built this simple yet impactful organization to leverage the mental wellness benefits of volunteering. Our goal was to make it incredibly simple to get involved in projects that are hand-selected to be the most impactful, hands-on project possible.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
Project Helping’s big dream is that everyone has easy access to the resources they need to work on their mental wellness every day. We hope to be one of those resources and encourage individuals to be more involved in their communities while reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
More referral partners in the mental health communities using us as a resource for their groups and clients. Funding to reach more communities across the nation. More Kynd Leaders, individuals that want to become more involved as volunteers and lead a volunteer event once a month. Finally, exposure! We want to be a mental wellness resource as well as the simplest way volunteers can sign up for events in their area for a cause they are passionate about.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Reaching those that have/or are struggling with their mental wellness. Currently, we have a fantastic community of volunteers who love to give back to their communities and experience the benefit Kyndfulness has. However, we would love to connect with more individuals struggling with anxiety, or depression, or PTSD, or postpartum depression, or any mental health struggle. Another challenge we have is making what we do tangible as it’s a unique idea that’s never been expanded on before. This often brings reservation with grants or funding.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
In the words of our founder: “Figure out what you are passionate about, focus all of your energy on that, and build a team of people around you who are equally as passionate.” – Justin Kruger
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
Get involved! Volunteer and experience the impact volunteering has on your own mental wellness. Then share a testimonial (email volunteer@projecthelping.org). Become a Kynd Leader and volunteer to lead an event once a month. Join our board (email info@projecthelping.org). Give to the cause either through direct donation or joining our upcoming annual fundraising event.
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