There are some very deep parts of my own story that align so closely with this cause. I have trust in my own faith that now is the time to use the skills, gifts and experiences I have been blessed with to create forward change in the area of mental health. What I love most about this event is how Drewfest is taking the resources they bring in and partnering with established local organization. That is how you do more! Personally, I have a dream that someday those in mental health crisis, addiction, or those living daily within the grips of mental health will have the resources they need to keep taking that next step forward. To be able to seek the therapy program or therapist that works best for their own needs, regardless of insurance and to keep a therapist should changes occur. To be able to use alternative services regardless of their income status and for those providing alternative services to have access to grants to provide based on the resources the individual has. To have more providers and individuals trained in various methods of care, so wait lists get shorter. To have better access and growth for intensive programs. To continue to strengthen the programing for youth and empower young people around their own mental health or that of their peers. To shout out that suffering or living daily with a mental health condition does not mean someone is crazy, but rather crazy beautiful when seen for something other than the symptoms that might present on the surface, there is a uniquely beautiful person with a light they are trying to break through to shine. And more importantly to encourage those who are suffering that they are not crazy and that it might be devestatingly hard but they do have a floodlight waiting to blow others away. Please donate or attend Drewfest 2024 so more people can have access to shine their light!