As a young adult who has struggled with my own mental health issues due to trauma and domestic abuse, I have always wanted to improve the mental health support in my community. When people think of "mental health care," many times they think of crisis intervention services. But what does one do when they are not yet in crisis, but instead trying to prevent its onset? Or when, like myself, they don't realize they are in crisis because they have been functioning within it their entire life?
Answering these questions for the young adult population is what I sought out to do through the creation of Free Flying Oregon. After receiving community feedback, there seemed to be a consensus that many young adults feel lost, confused, and anxious about the future. These perpetual feelings negatively impact mental health and I believe that the best way to mitigate some of this is through knowledge and empowerment.
Pulling from my own experience and from the experiences of the community around me, I decided to create a mental health resource hub and wellness workshop center for young adults. I hope to cultivate an environment that encourages young adults to learn, connect, and feel empowered to take control of their own mental wellness. Since launching Free Flying, I have received tremendous interest and support from community partners who would like to be a part of Free Flying's mission.
My core value has always been helping others and I'm excited at this opportunity to get to turn my dream into a reality.
