Speaking Out for Mental Health: An Interview With Colleen Williams
As we near the end of the month of May (and at the same time, the end of Mental Health Awareness Month), we want to acknowledge one champion of youth mental health. That is none other than Colleen Williams, owner of Sweet Hope Bakery in Wildwood, MO.
Colleen has been donating to CHADS Coalition since she first began her bakery in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. Her goals were to join a craft that she loved by sharing it with others who could benefit from it most. It was for this reason that she aligned her bakery’s mission with CHADS to further the sense of hope to youths struggling with mental health needs.
As Colleen puts it, "It's never been just about the cinnamon rolls; our story is an open book because I don't want anyone to feel without hope."
Business Goals Bred From Lived Experience
Colleen, having multiple children who struggle with OCD and anxiety, was enough to drive her shared mission of delivering sweet treats to spark joy in peoples’ day while also assisting an initiative that she holds close to home.
She has been very strategic in her mental health advocacy since she first started her business, introducing little pockets of encouragement in the way of sharing crisis hotline information, mental health resources and even mental health information cards in every transaction with her customers.
She also makes frequent posts on social media in combination with her baked goods to raise awareness of mental health. Her advice to other business owners wanting to get involved with spreading mental health awareness:
"It's pretty simple and straightforward- you just put it out there. It's on all of our marketing and our social media. You can order free pocket cards from 988 and put them with your business cards for clients. That's all it takes-just put something out there."
—Colleen Williams, Owner, Sweet Hope Bakery
A Mission Not Without Challenges
The biggest obstructions in mental health Colleen has been noticing lately is the immensely long wait times it takes for young children to get the mental health care they need, especially with how quickly they grow and develop. Lost time in addressing conditions can greatly exacerbate a child’s mental health challenges. It is something we all ought to strive to improve for our most vulnerable youth from Colleen’s perspective.
Hope For the Future
As we continue to observe Mental Health Awareness Month and work towards a future where mental health is prioritized, Colleen has a message to our youth:
“I want the kids to know that their parents truly love them no matter what. Even if they think their topic is going to scare or worry their parents, their love is bigger than all of that.”
If you yourself are a parent with a child struggling with their mental health, we encourage you to reach out for help. No parent should have to go through it alone.
At CHADS, we offer therapy sessions for children and resources for their families looking to improve their mental health. Call our warm-line at 314-952-8274 to see how we can help you and your family get the help you need to become your best selves.