When Kindness Becomes a Habit, it Improves Our Health

Originally published on NPR.org, written by Maria Godoy. It’s that time of year when it’s customary to be a little kinder and do nice things for others. Well, here’s something interesting: Research suggests that when we make acts of kindness a habit, it’s also good for our health. Whether it’s volunteering at a local food bank, or taking soup to […]

How Volunteering Improves Mental Health

Originally published for National Alliance on Mental Illness, written by Trish Lockard. While sitting in a waiting room at a doctor’s office in 2014, I struck up a conversation with the woman sitting next to me. As we got acquainted, she told me she was deeply involved with an organization called the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). I hadn’t […]

The Art of Healing: Creativity as a Path to Mental Wellness

Originally published for Mental Health America. Art has the power to heal – to process emotions and connect with others. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re honored to share the stories of three artists who have found healing through creativity. Their experiences remind us that art is about authenticity, creating our own realities, and the power it has to support […]

Empty Nest, Full Heart: How Volunteering Can Ignite Purpose For ‘Bird Launchers’

For many parents, the transition to an “empty nest” can be bittersweet. The quiet bedroom, the sudden abundance of free time and the realization that a significant chapter of hands-on parenting has closed can leave even the most prepared individuals with a sense of loss or a diminished daily purpose. Yet, this pivotal moment isn’t an ending; it’s a profound […]

How Nonprofits Can Help Post-Grads Find Fulfillment And Community

Originally published for Forbes Nonprofit Council. Graduation is a time filled with pride, celebration and possibility. But once the ceremonies and parties end, many recent graduates find themselves asking, “Now what?” The transition from college to life after school, without the built-in routines of classes, clubs and close friends, makes it easy to feel lost and disconnected. On top of […]