A Message from Our Statewide Community Support Coordinator

Picture of Andrea Castillo to the left. "A message from our community support coordinator" is located to the right. All over a pink and red background.

Dear Pathfinder Community, As we welcome the month of May, we’re reminded of the many meaningful milestones it holds. May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, Older Americans Month, and includes National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day—all powerful reminders of the importance of caring for our emotional and mental well-being across all ages and stages of… Read more A Message from Our Statewide Community Support Coordinator

Turning Awareness into Action: Mental Health Cooperative’s Commitment to Compassionate Care

Two women sit together on a couch. One looks distressed, resting her head on her hand, while the other offers comfort by touching her shoulder. The Mental Health Cooperative logo is visible in the bottom right corner.

When it comes to mental health, awareness is essential, but action is transformational. The Mental Health Cooperative (MHC) of Tennessee is living proof that when we meet people with compassion and provide real solutions, we don’t just raise awareness; we change lives. MHC stands apart as a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral… Read more Turning Awareness into Action: Mental Health Cooperative’s Commitment to Compassionate Care

From Action to Impact: How TAADAS Is Transforming Mental Health Support

A group of six adults sit in a circle, engaged in a serious discussion. One woman is speaking while others listen attentively. The TAADAS logo is visible on the back wall.

In a world where mental health conversations are finally coming to the forefront, action is what sets real change in motion. The Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug & other Addiction Services (TAADAS) is doing exactly that, moving beyond raising awareness and making a tangible difference across communities. Founded in 1976, TAADAS stands as a powerful force uniting… Read more From Action to Impact: How TAADAS Is Transforming Mental Health Support

Be HAPI: Empowering Recovery Through Creative Expression

Colorful art studio scene with paintbrushes, easel, and abstract painted background. Large text reads Were HAPI and “hapi” in colorful blocks. Website healingartsprojectinc.org appears at the bottom.

Imagine a woman sitting silently in a circle of strangers, a paintbrush trembling in her hand. She hasn’t spoken all day. Around her, others dip into palettes of color and begin to express what words cannot. Slowly, she starts to paint too. By the end of the session, she’s laughing. Once buried by trauma and… Read more Be HAPI: Empowering Recovery Through Creative Expression

Mental Health Awareness Month: Including Every Voice in the Conversation

Self advocate Eric Massey pictured speaking and giving two thumbs up at podium in the clinic lobby at the Grand Opening event for the Kramer Davis Health Clinic

Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month invites us to reflect on the importance of emotional well-being. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental health needs are often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or untreated due to systemic gaps, stigma, and a shortage of trained providers. At Kramer Davis Health, we believe these conversations must include everyone… Read more Mental Health Awareness Month: Including Every Voice in the Conversation

Spotlight – May 2025

A magazine cover features a large compass illustration. The title reads SPOTLIGHT, with the subtitle TDMHSAS Leading the Charge in Community Mental Health & Recovery. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services logo is displayed.

Spotlight on TDMHSAS: Leading the Charge in Community Mental Health and Recovery Across the state, more people are speaking up about their mental health and substance use needs, and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) is helping meet that need with strong leadership, creative solutions, and a people-first approach. TDMHSAS works through… Read more Spotlight – May 2025

ConnectAbility – May 2025

colorful cartoon graphic image with different people of different abilities, colors, etc. surrounding a globe with text "ConnectAbility." Quote bubbles around the image near the people figures say "Support, Access, Empower, Language, Educate, Engage." On the top left of the image in a blue circle is the disability symbol. On the top right of the image is Pathfinder's logo. And text on the top center of the image says, "RESOURCES."

Navigating resources can be difficult, but differences in abilities, culture, and language can make it even more challenging. By bridging these differences, we aim to emphasize the connection to the necessary resources and support. We’re highlighting programs and sharing resources that address these challenges, fostering greater opportunities to utilize disability resources and creating stronger connections… Read more ConnectAbility – May 2025

EmployAbility – May 2025

Pathfinder logo on the bottom left. An image of a cubicle is towards the left. "Employability" is written towards the right.

Hey job seekers! Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey to a more inclusive and understanding workplace? Whether you’re looking for your dream job or the perfect volunteer opportunity, we’re sharing employment and volunteer opportunities and resources in the Tennessee disability community. Join us in embracing a future where every person has the… Read more EmployAbility – May 2025