HASLETT, Mich. (WILX) – A local nonprofit focused on teen mental health has found a new way to reach young people by partnering with a Haslett coffee shop to distribute coping resources.
Jenny Metzmaker, founder of Positive Somebody, now leaves “positive packs” at the Biggby Coffee location in Haslett as part of her mission to help teenagers cope with mental health challenges including anxiety and depression.
The positive packs contain journals, journal writing activities, breathing stones, breathing activities and advice about nutrition, hydration and sleep habits.
“It has a journal, journal writing activities, it’s got a breathing stone, breathing activity,” Metzmaker said.
Biggby store manager Mahra Duncan said the partnership aligns with the business’s community values.
“Here at Biggby, we don’t just pour coffee, we pour love as well, so it’s important to love our community,” Duncan said.
Duncan learned about the positive packs from her little sister who attends Haslett High School. She said the journal and positive pack provide a healthy outlet for teens.
“So the journal and the positive pack is a good way to get your feelings out onto paper instead of keeping it bottled up inside,” Duncan said.
The coffee shop serves many middle school students who come in after school, making it an ideal location to reach teens, Duncan said.
Over the past five years, Metzmaker has donated thousands of positive packs and taught mental health coping skills in Mid-Michigan schools.
“So we go into schools, and we do journal writing activities, we do breathing activities,” Metzmaker said.
The coffee shop partnership represents an expansion of her outreach strategy beyond educational settings.
“Actually why not a coffee shop, that’s like the perfect place,” Metzmaker said. “So that’s how we’re going to reach more people, is by partnering with businesses, and community members.”
Metzmaker hopes other coffee shops and restaurants will display positive packs and donation cans. She encourages people to take packs for students and donate to support the mission.
The nonprofit Positive Somebody relies entirely on donations. Here is a link to donate.
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