"Let’s Connect" to grow awareness, relationships, and funds for mental health and Tippecanoe families

April 25, 2022

LAFAYETTE, IN – In response to increased community need for high-quality mental health services and parent support, Willowstone Family Services is transforming the annual Penny Harvest campaign into a new spring campaign called Let’s Connect.

Let's Connect highlights the importance of genuine connection and meaningful relationships. Coming out of the pandemic, our community is seeing a pressing need for youth mental health support and engaged, tuned-in parents. Speaking directly to these needs in Greater Lafayette and the surrounding area, Willowstone Family Services is reaching out to raise awareness of the importance of connection and to inspire people to get involved with their community. Partnering with Purdue Federal Credit Union, WLFI News 18, and local social media influencers, the nonprofit hopes to raise $20,000 to continue to connect people to high-quality mental health and family services.

“Social factors can alter genetic expression and impact neurocircuitry. The more we connect as human beings, the more connections are formed in our brains,” explained Willowstone’s Executive Director, Jenni Murtaugh. “When a parent smiles and coos at their little baby, they’re actually forming physical connections in that baby’s brain. The power of connection applies to older children, teens, and adults, too.”

Jenni notes that the pandemic has hampered many individuals’ willingness and ability to connect with other people. “We hear from some teens that even though they’re back to school together, it’s just not the same. It’s not as easy to talk to one another and connect. At this stage in development, social interactions are vital to buffering stress from adversity. Adolescent friendship is a crucial protective factor.”

Today, many parents are still struggling under increased stress from the pandemic and its ripple effects that have impacted financial, work, and childcare situations. A sharp increase in parental burnout has been documented over the past two years, as the psychological and physical demands on parents and caregivers have increased disproportionately to their resources available to cope. If left unchecked, parental burnout can be extremely detrimental to mental health and relationships within families.

Willowstone’s free and low-cost parent support programs help parents and caregivers build confidence, find support, meet other parents, and grow their parenting skills with evidence-based curricula. Families with new babies receive education, resources, and support in the hospital following delivery and later in their homes through Willowstone’s free and voluntary Healthy Families and Baby Talk programs. Willowstone’s licensed mental health therapists provide high-quality, compassionate counseling to adults, children, and teens. Services remain accessible to all for free or a very low fee thanks to the generosity of local donors and grants. To learn more about Willowstone’s services, get involved, or support Willowstone’s work, visit https://willowstone.org/lets-connect.

“We really encourage everyone—even when it’s uncomfortable—to stretch and connect with others,” says Jenni. “It’s one thing you can do for your mental health and for the mental health of those around you.”

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About Willowstone Family Services

Family Services, Inc. (D.B.A. Willowstone Family Services) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to strengthen individuals and families across the lifespan. Willowstone provides mental health services, educational programs, and family services to Tippecanoe County and seven surrounding counties. Willowstone Family Services is a partner agency of United Way of Greater Lafayette.?