Topanga Spencer thought long and hard about what she could do to have a meaningful senior project this year. In light of all the issues we are facing in our world today, and a rise in mental health related issues, I think she made a great choice. Her subject is Mental Health Awareness.
As she got started with her research, she learned of a lot of special programs that address mental health in all its forms. She reached out to them for sponsorship to make others aware of what is needed in this field, and some of the resources that are available in our area. The three she chose were NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), SPERO (Latin for Hope), and Prairie Care (local mental health services). She worked with them as she pulled together her Walk For Mental Health Awareness. Each company she partnered with had different ideas for how to make her Walk a success,and she wants to say thank you to each one for all they did to help make this a success.
The money generated by the Walk goes to NAMI to help with what they do to provide resources to the community. They have walks for mental awareness in our surrounding towns, and are a wealth of information for anyone who needs their help, including the families of the members who need the help. For more information, call (888)-532-0995.
SPERO furnished the snacks, water and information for all of their programs. I spoke at length with Jen, a member volunteer for the program, and she was very thorough in her explanations of how the programs work. "You don't have to be suicidal in order to call the helpline", she said. "Many people are just overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, or to give them information on where to get help for themselves or others in their family or circle of friends. There is no shame in asking for help, and we are here to assist people in getting the help they need, because every case is unique." They operate in Waseca County, Steele County, Mower County and Dodge County. They can be contacted at (507)-451-2630.
Prairie Care made the Tee Shirts possible for the Walk. They provide people of all ages with compassionate mental health services, from inpatient to outpatient programming. For more information call (833)-560-3030 for a detailed list of services.
I asked Topanga why she chose this subject for her senior project. "I wanted to do something that is meaningful for my project. I knew about the NAMI group and the walks for mental awareness, so I included the walk in my project." She began researching the ways people in crisis can get help. and did a slideshow showcasing some of the things that can be done to help others. An Instagram account and a Face Book page (NAMI WALKS) detail some of her work, and she has shared a lot on social media. She procured a spot on Midwest Access Live TV to bring awareness to her project, and is a part of the "Schoology" website. She is thinking of doing another Walk for Awareness in May of this year, to bring more help to those who need it. She is considering going to college to become a health professional, too.
The student council at Triton helped as well. I spoke with one of the volunteers at the walk who was manning the snack table, Aubrey Laue, and asked her why she decided to help Topanga in her project. "Mental Health is important, and I thought it would be kind of me to help," she answered. "Isn't kindness what it's all about?' I think Aubrey has the right idea!
I decided to join the folks of all ages, and a dog, who came to be a part of the walk. As I was walking around Triton's track, I spoke to a few of the volunteers. Tessa Ogren was one of my walking buddies, and she made the point that no life is untouched by mental health, and she wanted to support the cause. Lilah Stauffer said she doesn't really walk much, but that it is refreshing to walk for a reason to help others. Her mother Devon was walking with us, and she said she enjoyed walking with others to raise awareness for special issues.
So there you have it! A beautiful day and a very important message to bring to the public. I want to thank Topanga for doing such a great job with her project so far, and I know she will be successful in her efforts to help others find the help they need. See you in May!
