Together for Mental Health
Friends of Hayward Public Montessori launched the Together for Mental Health Campaign in September 2022 with the following goals:
- Raise $100,000 to build a Mental Health Wellness Center in the Hayward Twin Oaks Montessori School new construction building
- Share mental health resources and suicide awareness materials
- Host a community blood drive
Our Inspiration
Our efforts are inspired by Xander, an alumnus from our 2017 Middle School cohort, and his attempt to untether himself from this earth. On June 14, 2022, Xander followed the impulse to step in front of a train. Miraculously, he survived.
Xander’s parents co-founded this school, along with a group of dedicated parents. Suicide ideation and attempts can happen in any family. Xander’s parents encouraged us to share his story and motivated us to take action.
“This moment has to have a purpose. If I can save another mom or family from having to go through this or help someone realize there are other choices to make - then that is what I am committed to doing. We MUST start talking about mental health.”
Mary June & Frank
Xander's Parents
Counselors Needs Space to Hold Space
Hayward Twin Oaks Montessori School’s prioritizes mental health services for students. In response to an unprecedented rise in demand for mental health services, the school employs a strong team of professionals. Their current mental health service spaces are temporary. We are raising $100,000 to build a 383 sq ft Wellness Center on the Hayward Twin Oaks Montessori campus where connection will occur, services will be provided, hope will grow, and health outcomes will be achieved.
Phase 1 Recap
At the close of 2022 we raised $16,901, with an estimated $21,650 expected in company matching and grants, for a total of $38,551 towards the construction of a Wellness Center. Thank you for supporting a space where connection will occur, hope will grow, and health outcomes will be achieved.
In October we partnered with the Hayward Twin Oaks Montessori Mental Health Department to share local and national mental health and suicide prevention resources at a fall festival community event, and also sponsored cost-free mental health art activities.
In December we partnered Hayward Twin Oaks Montessori and the American Red Cross to facilitate a blood drive for the Hayward community at our school campus. Many units of donated blood gave Xander a second chance at life this year. Our goal was to send 30 units of blood back into the local community, to provide hope and life for others in need. Thank you to the 38+ people who signed up to donate blood. While we fell short of our ultimate blood collection goal, due to an early closure of the day’s event, we are still proud to have raised 12 units of blood for the local blood bank.
Phase 2
- Raise remaining $60,000 to build a Mental Health Wellness Center on the Hayward Twin Oaks Montessori School campus
- Continue sharing mental health resources and suicide awareness materials
- Advance the Together for Mental Health Campaign by sharing Xander's story
Support our Campaign
Funds accepted under this campaign will be allocated to the advancement of a Wellness Center at the Hayward Twin Oaks Montessori campus. All donations will be granted in honor of Xander. Together, we can do more.
“I really want these funds to go to the school because it serves more children than just Xander. I want to help as many kids and families as possible. Raise $100,000. That is my wish. This tragedy has to have something good that comes out of it, for everyone.”
Mary June
Xander's Mother
Hayward Twin Oaks Montessori Prioritizes Mental Health
