Slam The Stigma is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping teens and young adults manage their mental health. Through raising awareness, providing support and providing resources, we hope to eliminate the stigma around mental health. We are an affiliate of Thumbs Up based in Elk River. Our “Doing Business As” (DBA) name is “Thumbs Up SW Metro.”
At Slam The Stigma, we’re driven by a deep-rooted passion to make a real difference in young people’s lives. We want to make it easy, and safe to manage mental health. Helping people to live their best lives.
Our Executive Director – Matthew Schrad
I grew up in Carroll, IA. I was very active in high school participating in sports, plays, musicals and other activities. While I knew a lot of students, I never felt extremely close with any of them. I played college basketball at Lyon College in Batesville, AR for one year and then transfered to the University of Iowa to be closer to home. After college, I moved to the Chaska area and started working in transportation. Continuing my love for sports, I started coaching high school boys basketball and have for over 15 years.
During all of this time, I struggled with my own mental health unknowingly. Depression and anxiety crept into my life without me being fully aware of what I was feeling because growing up, nobody ever talked about mental health. In February of 2018, I reached a low point and had suicidal thoughts. I went to a basketball practice and had two sophomore players come up and ask how my day was. It snapped me out of my mindset and made me realize I needed to do something for my mental health.
Since that day, I have done a lot of personal work on my own mental health. With my new found passion for mental health and my continuing passion for helping young people, I decided to start Slam The Stigma. By sharing my story, I hope to be an example that it is ok to talk about mental health struggles.
Hear my story on the “What’s the Point?” podcast with the Face It Foundation.
Thumbs Up
Thumbs Up is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and providing support and resources to all. Our mission focuses on fostering understanding and advocacy surrounding mental health issues for all demographics.
Thumbs Up High 5K was founded in 2014 by Katie Shatusky after losing her grandfather to suicide. Katie, along with several community members, decided to host a 5K run, walk, and bike race in Elk River to raise awareness about mental health and suicide.
The 2014 event was so successful that, by 2016, they had formed a non-profit organization named Thumbs Up High 5K, Inc. Committees were established to plan additional events for children, youth, adults, and seniors. Thumbs Up also supports bereaved families who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Bringing the community together is a cornerstone of Thumbs Up’s programs, as it plays a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and support. By fostering a sense of belonging and connection, Thumbs Up helps combat isolation and stigma associated with mental health issues.
To achieve this mission, Thumbs Up implements a variety of programs, including:
Adultish – A program aimed at supporting young adults during their transition into adulthood, focusing on mental health resources relevant to this stage of life.
Bereavement Outreach – Providing resources and support to individuals dealing with loss, helping them navigate their grief journey.
Cheer Bags – Distributing bags filled with uplifting items and resources to individuals facing mental health challenges, designed to provide comfort and encouragement.
Community Outreach Events – Organizing activities that bring the community together to learn about mental health, share experiences, and promote support.
Nana’s Calming Corner – A designated space providing tools and activities for relaxation and stress relief, catering especially to those needing a calming environment.
No One Sits Solo – An initiative aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation by encouraging social connections among individuals, especially in group settings.
Referral Assistance – Offering guidance and referrals to mental health resources and professionals to ensure individuals receive the help they need.
Teen After-School Program – Providing a safe and supportive environment for teenagers to engage in activities and discussions around mental health, fostering peer support.
Youth Mental Health Awareness and Initiatives – Conducting programs focused on educating young people about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and promoting healthy conversations.
Through these diverse initiatives, Thumbs Up plays a vital role in enhancing mental health awareness and support within the community.