OUR STORY
What started as a one-off event, has turned into a community committed to change.
A Family. A Race. A Launch.
In 2018, co-founder Scott Fussell and his family were searching. Anxiety, depression, and uncertainty had become a constant in their lives. The past few years had been spent seeking the right support – and they were tired.
As they shared their story, they learned they weren’t alone. They met Mike Riekhof, chairman of The Peyton Riekhof Foundation for Youth Hope, a local foundation established to provide mental health resources for families like theirs. Shortly after that connection was made, and as part of a marathon training journey, Scott began fundraising for the foundation to further its work. Part of that fundraising effort was an event that featured local music and a message intended to shift perspectives, understanding, and our collective trajectory as it relates to mental health and wellness. Little did anyone know that this event would serve as a launch not a landing.
That event – we called it Shift – evolved into The Shift Initiative, a movement built to be a connection point to resources, programming, and conversations that shift the way we think, talk, act, and care about mental health and wellness.
Our co-founder’s story is not unique. Many people search for connection and resources to help support them on their journeys.
Whether you relate to this story personally or care about someone who does, you’re in the right place.
We’re glad you’re here.
MAKE SHIFT HAPPEN
Volunteer with Shift, get social, and be the change.
DONATE NOW
Your generosity fuels change.
Our Mission
We’re a community designed to serve as a connection point to resources and relationships. We’re here to shift the way individuals, families, and communities think, talk, act, and care about mental health and wellness.
We do that through these programs:
Lifeline & 988
Languages: English, Spanish.
Hours: Available 24 hours.
Call, Text or Chat: 988
Indiana Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours.
Crisis Text line: Text “IN” to 741-741
Call: 800-273-8255
ANSWER THE CALL: Help prevent suicide with 988. If you're a caring person who wants to help those in crisis, apply today. Find your opportunity.
Why We’re Involved
We can’t shift the way others think, talk, act, and care about mental health and wellness without extraordinary people and partners. Here’s why some of them are helping make Shift happen.
“We were thrilled to help with the Shift Live Kick-off. Anxiety & depression have been part of our story for decades. Music & songwriting has helped us process our mental health, our faith, and our relationships. We believe that the corporate expression of music helps a community work through things too. If our time helping Shift can help one person find that kind of processing community, then it will always be time well spent!”
“I’ve always had someone in my corner. No. Matter. What. I thought everyone grew up that way. Then I grew up, and my life didn’t turn out exactly as I wanted it to be. My life turned out exactly as it is supposed to be. And I still have someone in my corner. No. Matter. What. That’s what I want to be for someone who needs it. For someone who doesn’t yet believe in herself, I will believe in her. For someone who struggles to find his significance in the world, I will connect him. For someone who hasn’t been heard, I will listen. For someone who hasn’t figured out how life is supposed to turn out, I’ll be in your corner. No. Matter. What.”
“I remember when Scott was dreaming Shift into being because he saw first hand the lack of support for emotional health and mental well-being in our community. Shift is creating space for critical conversations and I know it will have an impact for years to come.”
TODAY'S A GOOD DAY TO MAKE A SHIFT.
LET'S CONNECT
The Shift Initiative is a non-profit organization built to be a connection point to resources, programming, and conversations that shift the way we think, talk, act, and care about mental health and wellness.
Want to volunteer, become a community partner, find out more, or simply get connected? Fill out the form and let's talk.
GET SOME GOOD IN YOUR FEED.
SHIFTING ATTITUDES.
ELIMINATING STIGMA.
MAKE SHIFT HAPPEN
©2023 The Shift Initiative. All rights reserved. The Shift Initiative is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization. #84-379965