I grew up in a family with 10 kids. My parents were loving, engaged, and present, but could not possibly do all things for all children. If I didn't make my cheese and mustard sandwich in the mornings before kindergarten, I would not have had lunch. I believe my strong, independent nature that I developed since childhood, has served me well throughout my life.

A friend recently sent me an opinion piece by psychologist Angela Duckworth, the researcher known for her work on grit, and it resonated with me as the science she presented perfectly supported what we are trying to build with The Goldfinch Foundation.

Duckworth is famous for studying passion and perseverance: work hard, stick with it, get back up. It's a message that resonates with me in life. Her latest data, however, shows that the people who do best in life aren't just the ones who push through alone. They're the ones who know how to ask for help.

Strength in Vulnerability

Healthy independence means developing the confidence and skills to navigate life. Self sufficiency suggests that we should be able to navigate all of it alone.

Human beings are profoundly social creatures. Data shows that those who have stronger relationships and community have not only better mental and physical health, and they live longer. Relationships are not simply a pleasant addition to a healthy life, they are foundational to it.

Why This Matters Now

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is complicated, with no single cause and no simple fix. Social connection isn't a substitute for professional care when care is needed, but prevention starts long before a crisis. It starts with connection.

Asking for help only works if someone is willing to answer. We need the friend who notices, the parent who listens before fixing, the coach who senses something is off. Sometimes we're the one looking for the light. Sometimes we're the one who has to be the light. Who knows that they can call you?

Prevention

If we want things to be different for this generation, we have to be willing to do something differently. We have to create opportunities for young people to show up for one another, build habits that support their well being, and experience what genuine connection actually feels like. Nothing changes if nothing changes.

We can do hard things. We just can't do them alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

We are incredibly grateful to Matthew Simmons Photography for capturing the Goldfinch story so beautifully.

We hope you will take a few minutes to watch, share it with someone you care about, and help us continue bringing conversations about mental health into the light.

Stress, Pressure & Resilience - August 22 Teen Ambassador Meeting

On August 22, our Teen Ambassadors came together for an honest and moving conversation on navigating stress, pressure, and resilience. We were so grateful to welcome Ella-Reaves Vaughan, a University of Virginia graduate and former Division I athlete on the Women's Lacrosse team, who courageously shared her own personal experiences with our teens.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Shannon Hillenmeyer, our therapist, who guided the group through a wonderful yoga practice and shared practical, hands-on tools for managing stress and resetting in the moment.

“The yoga/meditation was a good reminder that when I’m stressed, sometimes all I need to do is breathe and ground myself.” —Goldfinch Ambassador

You've been #flocked!

Over the past month, our Teen Ambassadors have embarked on a journey to pay some joy forward. Each Teen Ambassador who was #flocked was tasked with flocking the next teen on the list—a fun surprise to come home to and a sweet symbol of joining (or rejoining!) the GFF community.

Thank you to our Teen Ambassadors for spreading a little joy (and a lot of pinwheels!) around the community.

High School Meetings:

Pickleball Tournament:

Join us Saturday, January 23, 2027 at Vanderbilt University for the inaugural Goldfinch Wellness Summit, a full day dedicated to mental wellness, resilience, leadership, and meaningful connection.

Student and General Admission tickets are now available. 

Through inspiring conversations, interactive experiences, and shared stories, the Summit will bring together college students, young adults, educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and advocates to learn, connect, and explore practical ways to strengthen well-being in our lives and communities.

As Goldfinch grows, so does our impact. We're currently seeking sponsors and community partners to support our Wellness Summit, pickleball tournament, and/or other upcoming programming. If your business or organization shares our commitment to mental wellness and social connection, we'd love to connect.

“Hey everyone! I’m Laurien, and I’m SO excited to be joining the Goldfinch Foundation team as Project Manager! A few fun facts about me: I’m originally from Brazil, and recently graduated from Williamson College. I love spending my weekends outside, and my idea of a good time is running a ridiculously long distance, hiking a new trail, or packing everything I need into a backpack and heading into the mountains. When I’m not outside, you can probably find me with a good book or spending intentional time with friends.”

Vanderbilt University Women in Business Goldfinch Externs

A huge shout-out and thank you to our incredible Vanderbilt University interns Malak, Emile, and Audrey! Your passion, dedication, and hard work behind the scenes have made such a difference for The Goldfinch Foundation this season.

We're SO grateful for everything you've brought to our team and can't thank you enough for your time and talent. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We invite you to stay connected by visiting our website for upcoming events, subscribing to our monthly newsletter, and following us on Instagram @thegff24 for ongoing updates and inspiration.

The Goldfinch Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 99-4493443).

Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Officially recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS as of March 5, 2025, with a retroactive effective date of August 15, 2024.

PO Box 40039, Nashville, TN 37204, USA