The Miller-Dwan Foundation

People need people. A big part of our mental wellness is being connected to others. This will make you smile. Cows also form close bonds with other cows and can become stressed when separated from their BFFs—just like we do.

This impactful workbook provides practical techniques to manage stress, boost resilience, and improve overall well-being. Serving as the guide for our PM+ program, it can be customized to suit diverse cultural backgrounds. Learn more about PM+.
https://mdfoundation.org/get-involved/hopex/

We're thrilled to celebrate the recent certification of our incredible PM+ helpers! Your dedication, hard work, and passion for mental health support are truly inspiring. Thank you for committing to making a positive impact on our community. Here's to the amazing work ahead! https://mdfoundation.org/get-involved/hopex/

Every time you solve a problem, big or small, you boost your confidence, reduce stress, and enhance your resilience. This valuable lesson is part of the PM+ program. Learn more about this program making an impact in our community. https://mdfoundation.org/get-involved/hopex/

Friends who make you laugh, family who listen, colleagues who encourage you— surround yourself with people who lift you up.

Sandi Erickson, Medical Social Worker at Polinsky Rehabilitation Services, is one of our PM+ helpers. She shares: “In the midst of an epidemic of anxiety and loneliness, PM+ is empowering people with the skills they need to navigate challenging times. By teaching these valuable tools, we can help individuals manage their well-being before reaching a crisis situation that requires hospitalization or a crisis unit.” Learn more about PM+ https://mdfoundation.org/get-involved/hopex/

Adaptive recreation was a huge part of the incredible Bike Duluth Festival. Thanks to Northern News Now for highlighting adaptive mountain biking here.

Adaptive Mountain Biking highlighted at Bike Duluth Festival An adaptive mountain bike, or A-MTB, allows riders who may have limited or no function in their lower extremities to enjoy mountain biking.

Show yourself a little kindness today.

As a PM+ helper with the YMCA, Heidi looks forward to connecting with individuals and offering effective mental health strategies to support them through stress, depression or anxiety. She can be the listening ear you are looking for.

Belonging and connection aren't just buzzwords—they're vital for your well-being. Strong social ties boost your mood, strengthen your immune system, and can even extend your life. Having a support network gives you purpose and security. Our PM+ helpers are teaching people in our community how to find and nurture connections and feel the difference it can make in their lives.
https://mdfoundation.org/get-involved/hopex/

We’re so thankful for the incredible community-based organizations and amazing helpers in the PM+ program. Recently, we got together to keep working on creating a healthy, resilient region free from mental health crises. Every meeting really shows how powerful community can be! Thanks for being part of this journey and making a difference in others' lives.
https://mdfoundation.org/get-involved/hopex/

Beacon, what a good boy! 💛

A day in the life of Beacon, the therapy dog at U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials One of the biggest draws at this year's Olympic trials is Beacon, the first therapy dog to work for USA Gymnastics. And his schedule is jam-packed.

We’ve been talking a lot about Problem Management Plus (PM+) and want you to know that we’re training even more helpers who can provide the mental health support needed for people to feel better. And when people feel better: families grow closer, workplaces have more supportive cultures, and neighborhoods thrive with a stronger sense of community. Find out more at https://mdfoundation.org/get-involved/hopex/.

How do you gracefully decline overwhelming commitments? Start by expressing gratitude for the invitation. Remember, prioritize your well-being with assertive statements like "That doesn't work for me right now," "I can't take that on," or "I'm not available." Balancing your time and energy is crucial for wellness.

Choose peace today.

Life can get stressful, but knowing you're stressed is the first step towards managing it. Answer these 5 questions to find out if you’re experiencing stress. Look for future posts on tips to help you relax and recharge.
1. Do you feel overwhelmed?
2. Do you have trouble sleeping?
3. Do you find it hard to concentrate?
4. Do you think of your problems over and over again?
5. Do you feel over emotional?

We’re starting a series that will make us all more aware of stress—how much of it we have in our life, and what we can do to help relieve some of it. From quizzes about stress, mindfulness exercises to practical tips, join us on this journey to better mental well-being. Learn more about how this is all part of our purpose to create a healthy, more resilient region. https://mdfoundation.org/get-involved/hopex/

The next episode of The Force for Good podcast is in the works!
Thanks to Story North Productions for the behind the scenes work.
Pro tip: colorful socks makes everything better!

At the core of our mission is the belief that when our community thrives, we all thrive. It's not just about what we do; it's about the lives we touch, the futures we shape, and the legacy we leave behind. Find out more about HopeX and PM+. https://mdfoundation.org/get-involved/hopex/