“Help is out there, and if you can’t afford it, we must band together and help out our brothers and sisters. I donate for those who didn’t get a chance to put their hands up and say, ‘I’m not okay.’ Your story is important, and your story should always have a purpose. If you don’t believe it does, my (After Midnight) donation says it does.”
– Destiny, South Dakota
We’ve had an overwhelmingly hopeful and inspiring start to 2015. Over the first 15 days of the year, 109 people joined our After Midnight campaign as monthly donors. They committed to giving what they can each month to help us continue to spread a message of hope, challenge the stigma of mental health in communities all around the world, and invest directly into treatment and recovery.
Our staff has been floored by the response, and we wanted to take this opportunity to express our thanks to all who donated and shared the news of our campaign:
“We started out selling T-shirts as a way to help a friend. Over the years, I’ve taken pride in the unique fact that we’ve been primarily funded by T-shirt sales ever since. After Midnight was us leaving our comfort zone to ask folks to invest in the mission of TWLOHA. It was a great surprise to see people step up and commit to supporting the work we do throughout the year.”
– Jamie Tworkowski, Founder
“This is gas in the tank. This is a guarantee of bringing our message to more places and more people. This is an impromptu recovery meeting and resource guides. This is a monthly vote of confidence. This gift is more than we can thank you for, but ‘thank you’ is a start.”
– Chad Moses, Music & Events
“It was truly inspiring and personally encouraging to see how many people committed to being a part of our 2015 year by becoming a recurring donor. It was humbling to hear why people chose to make this investment in TWLOHA, from stories of recovery, loss, and ultimately hope. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, and that we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves.”
– Lindsay Kolsch, Operations Coordinator
“I think people believe that we’re the ones doing the ‘real work’ because we’re on staff at TWLOHA, but the truth is that our organization wouldn’t exist without the individuals supporting us. Reading these messages reminds me how lucky we are that none of us have to be alone in this fight against stigma and shame.”
– Claire Biggs, Editor
Because it has been such a moving experience for our staff to hear from the donors themselves, we’d like to share some of their words with you:
“Our mistakes do not define us. Who we were doesn’t have to be who we will be forever – it’s not too late to start over. Don’t be afraid to start over and over, and over again. It’s part of life, part of changing and growing, part of becoming you. When the clock strikes midnight, we have another chance. We have another day to make new choices. We have another day to make things right. Do not be afraid to step out into the night; do not be afraid to take a chance. Be brave. Look up to the stars and know that you are not alone. It’s always darkest before the dawn, and the sun only sets to rise anew.”
– Ginny, Florida
“This movement has given me an abundance of hope in a negative world. It has saved me from my darkest times, and inner hatred. Here is to future hope and the sparkle of life.”
– Emily, Australia
“I believe it is imperative that we provide resources to those struggling as well as bring awareness and fight against the stigma that comes with mental illness.”
– Jillian, Washington
“I believe in you. I believe in the work that you are doing, every day. Whether you’ve been there from the very beginning or are just starting out on your journey…this is for you. Know that you give hope to so many people across the stars. I am proud to say that I am one of those people.”
– Richard, United Kingdom
“This organization helped save my life, and I want to make sure it helps thousands of others around the world.”
– Courtney, Florida
“You were the light of our lives, and when that light went out, I was scared I would lose my way. By donating in your memory, I hope to help someone else’s light stay bright.”
– Alyssa, Ontario