SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a Sioux Falls nonprofit dedicated to proactively promoting and dismantling the stigma of mental health is helping people make an impact in their community. We are being given new opportunities to give.
Tonight on Eye on KELOLAND, we introduce Live Inspired 365’s new store and share the organization’s mission.
“It’s just to give people something to talk about and give them some encouragement,” said Chantel Friedman, founder of Live Inspired 365.
That’s the goal that made Live Inspired 365 a reality just two years ago. An organization dedicated to spreading positivity in the community.
“Sometimes what someone needs is, here’s your sign, here’s your sign to keep going, here’s your sign that someone cares and there’s always someone there,” Friedman said. Told.
For founder Chantelle Friedman, these positive messages have deep meaning.
“Five years ago, I lost my father to suicide. After losing him and seeing people’s reactions afterward, including family friends, I found it very difficult to talk about mental health,” Friedman said. said.
Today, the organization is a hub for spreading hope.
“There are a lot of people in the world who are struggling as much as you think they have perfect lives, and people who are always smiling. They’re still struggling, too,” says a Live Inspired 365 volunteer. , Kim Rickman said.
Kim Ryckman is one of the many volunteers who support Live Inspired 365’s mission.
“It’s to make sure everyone’s feeling up, but it’s also to let those who are depressed know that other people care about them,” Rickman said. Ta.
This message is clearly displayed on every product you can find at the new Live Inspired 365 storefront near 49th Street and Louise Avenue in Sioux Falls.
“This store is all about promoting positivity. So we want people to come in and we want everyone to be smiling from the moment they walk in the door to the moment they leave. That’s why we feature positive messages throughout the store, including in photos, clothing, stickers, and jewelry,” Rickman said.
All of these items make great gifts for loved ones, friends, alumni, or anyone in need of encouragement. These purchases not only help spread positivity, but also help support those receiving mental health treatment.
“All the proceeds actually go directly back into our community, which means everything we create is volunteer-run. No one pays a dime. The money we raise and All the money we make here actually goes back into local behavioral health centers and other organizations that we work with, so we’ve been working with Call to Freedom and working with veterans. ” Rickman said.
The volunteer group has also put together a care package that will be provided to anyone leaving treatment at Avera Behavioral Health or who may be experiencing an emotional battle.
“We created a package for people who have had a miscarriage or are undergoing cancer treatment. So our ultimate goal is to let people know they are never alone,” Rickman said. he said.
“We were stamping stickers, and each sticker had a different meaning, and some were personal to people who love working here and volunteering here,” said Volunteer Mark.・Rickman said.
Volunteers like O’Gorman junior Mark Rickman said it’s a great place to write a letter or customize a sticker or package that can make a big difference in someone’s day. I am.
“No one knows what everyone is really going through, and we don’t know that these little things for us can have a huge impact on these people. It really means a lot to each of us to do that to help someone in need,” Mark said.
It’s a small effort that’s already impacting an entire community.
“You think cards are great. Oh, okay, cards. Nobody’s going to think anything about it. But my favorite story I’ve ever heard is one that actually treats behavioral health conditions. I mean, there was a gentleman who checked out. He was doing well, but then he relapsed and wasn’t feeling very good about himself, so he knew he needed to come back. When he came back for his behavioral health check, they said, “Can I ask what brought you back?” Why did you decide to join? And he took out one of our compassion cards from his wallet. He said, “Because I know someone cares.” Like everything we do, that’s it,” Rickman said.
You can find out about shopping hours at volunteer-run stores posted weekly on the Live Inspired 365 Facebook page.
