As 2025 comes to a close, United Way of Erie County is strengthening its commitment to mental health, healing and community support by offering a free 30-Day Gratitude Journal to every resident in Erie and Huron counties, according to a news release.
The journal, created as part of the Healing Connections podcast platform, is designed to help individuals practice daily reflection, build resilience and support their overall well-being.
Earlier this year, United Way launched Healing Connections podcast, a powerful mental health and addiction awareness podcast featuring real stories of hope, recovery and transformation, according to the release.
Nine episodes have already been released on the Healing Connections YouTube channel — @HealingConnections — showcasing local professionals, survivors, advocates and community members who have found strength in their experiences, the release said.
“Every conversation on Healing Connections reminds us that healing isn’t just personal — it’s collective,” said E.J. Brinson, executive director of United Way of Erie County, in the release. “We created the 30-Day Gratitude Journal as a tool to support that process because self-care is not optional.
“It’s critical.”
United Way provides every podcast guest with their own journal, the release said.
To close out the year, the organization is making the journal available to the entire community at no cost, according to the release.
This effort is part of a broader strategy to expand access to mental health resources and support residents who face stress, anxiety, trauma, addiction or everyday challenges, the release said.
The need is significant.
Suicide remains one of the most urgent mental-health concerns in both Erie and Huron counties, affecting families, workplaces, and entire neighborhoods, the release said.
United Way believes that every life matters and that every individual deserves support, hope, and tools to navigate difficult moments.
“We want every person in our community to survive, heal, and be seen,” Brinson said. “If this journal helps even one person take a step toward wellness, it is worth it.”
For a free copy of the United Way Healing Connections 30-Day Gratitude Journal, contact staff@uweriecounty.org to receive the link directly.
The download page also will guide viewers to the Healing Connections podcast, where they can watch conversations offering guidance, insight and encouragement, the release said.