Winter is the season of the least light. In the months following the winter solstice, our days are shorter, our mornings darker, and our bodies feel the difference. Less daylight affects circadian rhythms, energy, and mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder is real, and even those without a diagnosis often feel more withdrawn, tired, or disconnected during this time of year.
Especially during this time, the need for connection is greater. According to the CDC, nearly 4 in 10 U.S. high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. 1 in 3 adults report feelings of loneliness.
Let’s come together.
Each one of us carries light. There are times when we are needed to shine our light for others. At other times, we may find ourselves in darkness- climbing a mountain that feels too steep or a cave that feels impossibly dark. In these moments, sometimes our own light doesn’t feel sufficient and we must rely on the light of others to help us keep moving forward.
Join us on Sunday, March 1, 2026 to walk or run Into the Light at Percy Warner Park. We will gather in the dark and move forward together as the sun rises. Come alone or bring your family. All are welcome. Let’s celebrate community, connection, and the power of light.
The Book I Never Planned to Read
I have decided to highlight a few books over the coming months that are shaping how we think about youth mental health and community. For January, I am starting with The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. I have never been drawn to alarmist narratives or parenting books that predict catastrophe. This was not a book I planned to read. Early last year, it seemed that nearly every conversation with parents came back to this book, and I remember thinking how much parental anxiety itself often fuels child anxiety.
What I did not anticipate was returning to this book after Owen’s death and finding that the science Haidt presents helped me better understand what so many clinicians, educators, and families are observing.
These organizations join the GFF in leading our community toward better health—recognizing that true wellness requires attention to physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
This partnership reflects shared values: prevention, connection, and leadership that looks beyond the exam room and into the community.
Thank you, Elite and MPOWER for helping the Goldfinch build healthier futures for our community and beyond.
Neely gives back with pet portraits
We are grateful for Neely, who raised $3,000 for The Goldfinch Foundation by sharing her incredible talent through custom pet portraits.
Her work is a beautiful reminder that giving back doesn't always mean giving money—it can mean giving your time, your creativity, and your heart. Neely is setting an example of how individual passions can create collective impact.
We welcome other organizations that share our commitment to community wellbeing to join us as sponsors in building healthier futures together. To learn how you can get involved, reply to this email or complete our contact form.
I was honored by the invitation to visit St. Cecilia Academy by their wellness club. On Friday, December 12, I shared the story of Owen and the mission behind the Goldfinch Foundation with the SCA high school students. I was impressed and inspired by the students’ thoughtful engagement and the school’s commitment to helping young people build real-world resilience, self-awareness, and strong relationships. We look forward to welcoming more SCA students and families to the Goldfinch events this year and for years to come!
Teen Ambassadors are invited to our next meeting on January 24 at 10am-12pm! We’ll be coming together to connect, collaborate, and plan what’s ahead.
Location and discussion topic will be announced soon—keep an eye on our Instagram for the latest details. We hope to see you there!
JT Moore Wellness Night
Parents of JT Moore Middle School students are invited to attend Wellness Night on January 28 at 5:30pm-7:30pm, an evening dedicated to supporting student well-being.
JT Moore promotes wellness through initiatives focused on mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and digital safety. The Goldfinch Foundation is honored to be part of this event and to share the story of Owen and our mission. We look forward to an engaging and meaningful evening with the JT Moore community.
Join us for Into the Light, a sunrise 5K at Percy Warner Park in Nashville!
Into the Light is more than a race—it’s a moment we share. On Sunday, March 1, 2026, our community will gather before sunrise at Percy Warner Park and move together toward the light. We’ll start in the dark and finish at sunrise, a powerful reminder that connection, movement, and showing up for one another matter—especially for our young people.
The weekend begins Thursday night with pizza, music, and race packet pickup, giving everyone a chance to connect before race day. Out-of-town participants are welcome, with hotel blocks available to make joining us easy. Whether you run, walk, bring your family, or come alongside a friend, we invite you to step into the light with The Goldfinch Foundation.
Want to show your support or grab keepsakes from the Sunrise 5K?
While your registration includes a T-shirt, you can order additional T-shirts, our limited-edition commemorative poster, or a glow in the dark wristband to light up race day. All items will be shipped together with your registration T-shirt so you receive everything at once.
