The Holy Grail of Wellness? We Already Have It.

The word wellness is everywhere. It sells products, fuels trends, and makes promises. Too often, however, these “wellness” fads drift away from science and into cliché. At The Goldfinch Foundation, we believe young people deserve more than buzzwords. They deserve real medicine, real science, and real opportunities to care for their mental health in ways that are proven to help.

That is why our programs do not chase trends. Instead, our events bring together evidence based practices in creativity, movement, and nature with the most powerful medicine of all: human connection. Every gathering is designed to reduce isolation, open space for vulnerability, and help teens and young adults build strong bonds with one another.

This fall, we are introducing our new mission:

At The Goldfinch Foundation, our mission is to shine a light on the importance of mental health and social connection as essential to overall wellness, and to empower young people to lead that change.

The science is clear: social connection protects us. Strong social ties improve not just mental health, but also physical health and longevity. In an AI driven, hyper-connected world, we are grounding young people in face to face relationships that science tells us are irreplaceable.

Our teens are watching us. If we want young people to embrace vulnerability, develop healthy coping skills, and build real connection, then we as adults must walk the walk. Research shows that youth are highly sensitive to whether adults treat them with respect and give their full attention. We need to put away our devices and ask real questions. We need to model healthy coping behaviors. We need to drop the “I have it all together” facade with our teens. We can be capable and strong while also showing vulnerability. We owe it to our kids to be honest and transparent.

Join us: attend an event, volunteer, or simply practice connection in your daily life. Together, we can move beyond clichés and help young people flourish in ways that are both deeply human and scientifically sound.

This October brings two back-to-back opportunities to make a difference for youth mental wellness.

October 9 – DAF Day
Did you know that more than $229 billion sits in DAF nationwide just waiting to make an impact? If you have a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), join the nationwide movement by recommending a donation to The Goldfinch Foundation (EIN: 99-4493443). Your support fuels programs that empower young people through creativity, connection, and wellness.

October 10 – World Mental Health Day
Stand with us as we raise awareness and strengthen our community’s commitment to youth mental health. Every voice and every gift helps us remind young people they are not alone.

Wear your GFF T-shirt, hoodie, sweats, or trucker hat to show your belief that mental health is important and that there is strength in vulnerability!

Don’t have any merch?

Together, these two days can be a powerful moment for hope and impact.

Please join us for a free happy hour and support the Nashville Artist Collective who is generously donating a portion of profit from art sales in October to the GFF.

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

The first 5 GFF Teen Ambassadors to register with a paying parent will receive free admission — but must complete registration online in the same transaction.

Please bring a yoga mat, water, pillow, and blanket for your comfort during the sessions.

Don’t forget: all art purchased from the Nashville Artist Collective, in-store or online in October, sends a portion of proceeds to The Goldfinch Foundation in support of youth mental health.

We are grateful to Stephens Ministry, Inc. for inviting Dr. Liz Willers to share Owen’s story and the mission of The Goldfinch Foundation at the Turning Pain into Purpose conference on Sept 19, 2025. This collaboration reflects our shared mission to bring connection and resilience to our community. Learn more about their important work.

We welcomed therapist, Kris Lott, to our teen ambassador meeting on Saturday, Sept 27. He led our ambassadors in discussion “You good? Learning to check in and speak up.”. HS student quote “I learned the importance of validating someone’s feeling without offering a clear solution”. Our GFF Ambassadors look forward to leading and facilitating this topic back to their GFF HS clubs.

Thank you to the Artist’s Circle of Nashville for donating 10% of their sales on Saturday, Sept 27th to the GFF

Meet one of our incredible Teen Ambassadors! With nothing more than a paintbrush, creativity, and a big heart, she launched her own fundraiser for The Goldfinch Foundation. By using her artistic gifts, Neely raised $1,000 to support our mission.

Her spontaneity and kindness remind us that change often starts with a simple idea and the courage to act. This is youth leadership in action! Thank you, Neely.