There are many inspiring organizations that fill gaps in existing efforts here in the U.S. and around the world. These organizations educate us, provide care to those who are vulnerable or have no voice – and they work to protect our planet.  I’ve had the privilege of working with many of these in coordination with Give an Hour’s mission and the work of PREVENTS. 

While I regularly collaborate with a variety of non profits and NGOs – giving my time and help where and how I can, I serve in an official capacity with the following:  

The Wounded Warrior Support Foundation (http://www.wwsf.ge/en/)

In 2016 I had the privilege of speaking at a conference about the invisible wounds of war hosted by the Bush Institute at the Invictus Games in Orlando. I unveiled a new promotional video for The Campaign to Change Direction that featured Prince Harry – who is the patron of the Invictus Games . The Prince was also in attendance at the conference. 

I met a young man from Georgia – who spoke about the work that his fledgling organization was doing to help his countrymen who had been injured serving alongside U.S. forces during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was so moved by the stories he shared and his commitment to those in need. In 2018, my husband and I were invited by the Georgian Ministry of Defense to visit Georgia – to learn and to share. We fell in love with this beautiful country, their gracious people … and yes the AMAZING food! 

My husband are proud to serve as Co Chairs of the Advisory Board for WWSF. Our goal is to raise awareness and provide support – to Georgia and other neighboring countries in the region – around mental health in general and the impact of war trauma in particular. 

Mental Health Storytelling Coalition 

In recognition of the role storytelling plays in addressing the nation’s mental health crisis, a coalition of experts and entertainment partners came together in the spring of 2021 to raise awareness and change the narrative around mental health. MVT Entertainment Group, the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at the University of Southern California and numerous media companies came together to form the Mental Health Storytelling Coalition. 

Entertainment industry participants include Amazon Studios, Anonymous Content, AwesomenessTV, BET, CAA Foundation, CBS, CMT, Comedy Central, Endeavor Content, MTV, NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, SHOWTIME, Spotify, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Starz, Walt Disney Company, UTA Foundation and VH1.

The Coalition created the first Mental Health Media Guide to help those in the entertainment industry tell stories that accurately reflect the experiences of those who struggle – and overcome – mental health challenges. 

Because of my work as the mental health consultant for ABC’s A Million Little Things, I was asked to join – and now proudly serve – as an expert for the Coalition. 

If you’re a storyteller. Please download the guide. Help us tell stories that reach those who are hurting. Together we can deliver excellent content along with help and hope.