💧Making Waves from the Ground Up — and the Top Down
- Fred Finch
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
A Mental Health Ice Bucket Challenge Story
What started as one courageous act has become a powerful movement across Fred Finch.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, a Rising Oaks participant named Aeris reimagined the Ice Bucket Challenge — not as a viral trend, but as a statement of healing, connection, and visibility. “I just want people to feel included,” she shared. “Even if you say no, it still feels good to be invited.”
With support from our dedicated staff, Aeris completed her challenge and nominated others — not just to take the plunge, but to spark conversations, offer encouragement, or donate to a mental health cause. Her symbolic act captured what many experience during a mental health crisis: sudden, overwhelming, and isolating. But like the cold shock of the ice water, there’s also a release. As Aeris put it, “Maybe time really can unfreeze you.”
From one moment of bravery came a ripple — and then a wave.
That wave reached across our organization, all the way to the executive leadership team. During recent staff appreciation events, our President & CEO Tom Alexander stepped forward to take on the challenge — not just with icy water, but with a deeply personal message about why this moment matters.
🎥 Watch the Message from CEO Tom Alexander
“As I stood there, not knowing exactly when the ice would come down, I realized what a vulnerable place that is to be in — and how deeply that mirrors the experience of so many who come to us for mental health support…”— Tom Alexander, President & CEO
More Than a Moment — A Movement
From frontline staff to top leadership, the Ice Bucket Challenge has become more than symbolic. It’s a shared statement: We see you. We support you. You are not alone.
Thank you to every participant, team member, and leader who showed up this month — with buckets, bravery, and belief in the importance of mental health.
Whether you take the plunge, share this story, or simply say "I see you" to someone facing mental health challenges — your action matters. Together, we’re creating something powerful. One bucket at a time.
Watch the wave grow: Click the links below to the ful video series and see how Fred Finch leaders showed up for mentla health awareness, one bucket at a time
Jon kicks things off and nominates the Executive team
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