A word from our Founder, Michelle Rutherford
When I was 10 years old I received my first mental health disorder diagnosis, but never went back to therapy until I was mandated by the court at age 16 I believe. Then over 5 years ago I started receiving treatment for mental health again and eating disorder issues.
It has been a real struggle at times for many reasons, but a lot of the time due to not being able to afford treatment. And because I am unable to be reliable to work a regular job I felt like a waste of space and felt like everyone would be better off if I were dead. So I started doing fundraising to help others who struggle to afford payments or co-payments because I have seen so many others who I am proud of do well in treatment and move forward in life.
Fundraising makes me feel good because it is something I can do to contribute in our community and something I can do at my own capacity.
When I first began doing it, there was a belief that I couldn’t get better or be able to function well, but I knew others could because I have witnessed it. However, I have been finding that not only is it something to help others struggling financially to attain treatment who can become well, it is also something that gives me hope and strength to move forward in my own treatment journey which I am grateful for.
I have a wonderful team, and I am forever thankful and honored by everyone who has been here for me at Balance Treatment Center, for Dr. Henry Ahlstrom, and for Marlena Tanner who have been here to help me and have held me up when I couldn’t stand on my own.
I would also like to thank everyone who has supported this fundraising project so far. I would also like to thank everyone who will contribute in the future.
I hope and believe that this can become a nonprofit organization that will give opportunities for those in our community struggling financially to be helped and cared for. I also now find myself in a position to try and pay it forward by honoring those who help me and helping people in our community so they can get the help they need to learn, grow, become stable, find ease, and thrive.
A Just World works with the community to help those struggling with eating disorders and mental health challenges to fund treatment when they cannot afford it otherwise.
A typical afternoon fundraising
Getting help from friends and volunteers
A very generous donation!
Andrea doing the drawing and picking the winner! “Shake, shake shake”!
One of the lucky winners. Congrats, and thank you for your support!
“I hope and believe that this can become a nonprofit organization that will give opportunities for those in our community struggling financially to be helped and cared for.”
A special THANK YOU to Ralph’s and Grocery Outlet in Los Osos for letting A Just World do some fundraising outside of the stores!
