You don’t know just how much work a nonprofit does until you are privy to the inner workings of the group. As I learned more about the organization as a member of the Board of Directors, and the annual funding that fluctuates, I knew I wanted to support the valuable programs organized by MHC. I am the liaison for the D/deaf and Hard of Hearing community and I wanted to support a program that had a positive impact on this specific community. Deaf Rec aims to foster social interaction, reduce isolation, and promote mental well-being through shared experiences. This is particularly important because a significant portion of the D/deaf and hard of hearing population experiences mental health challenges like anxiety and depression and by providing a safe and supportive environment for social interaction and reducing isolation promotes a sense of belonging within the community. The program also facilitates peer support and offers a space for individuals to connect with others who understand their experiences.

I chose to partner with MHC because their support of community is very evident. We have that very much in common, as I feel that gatherings/community is the #1 resource when it comes to managing your mental health. What I noticed out of the gate with MHC is they are not competitive with other non profits. That showed me immediately that the cause is of utmost importance to them, above all else, which I fully agree with and support. I tell people about MHC every day! Full Blast Booking and myself are their biggest cheerleaders! I emphasize their support of arts and music, and the fact they support HIP HOP is key! In a world where not everyone does, MHC has embraced our Hip Hop/ Tour For Life network and community 100%.. acknowledging that everyone is entitled to mental health management resources, especially those who grew up without a basis of knowledge/education on mental health in general. Ending the stigma is most challenging in areas where that knowledge is scarce, MHC always delivers.

I chose to fundraise for Mental Health Connecticut because mental health has been something I've had to learn how to navigate in a very personal way. There have been moments where I've felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or like I had to carry everything on my own, and organizations like MHC remind people that they don't have to. What makes MHC different to me is how intentional and human the work feels. It's not just about awareness, it's about real support, real connection, and creating spaces where people feel seen. When I was planning my first fundraiser bake sale for MHC, I wanted it to be more than just baking; I wanted it to feel like care. And MHC aligned with that in a way that felt genuine. Baking has played a huge role in my mental health. It's always been a place where I can slow down and breathe, especially when everything else feels overwhelming. Through my bake sales and my book, Three Years of Learning to Be Enough: One Day, One Recipe, I've been able to turn something that started as personal into something that connects with others. Supporting MHC became a natural extension of that; it gave purpose to something that already meant a lot to me.