New Nonprofit Organization Determined to End Stigma of Depression, Build Nationwide Network of Compassionate Volunteers

DENVER, Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Project Helping (http://www.projecthelping.org) wants to give people with depression an opportunity to feel more empowered and purposeful in their lives. The nonprofit organization's founder, Justin Kruger, has battled depression his entire life; the experience of helping others through volunteering proved to be a turning point in his recovery. Now, through Project Helping, he hopes to share that cathartic experience with the world.

"People with depression often feel isolated and unable to communicate their emotions," explained Kruger. "With Project Helping, our underlying mission is to create a new community for those with symptoms of depression, empowering them to talk about their feelings and experiences. By sharing the stories of volunteers, we hope to motivate even more people to give back to their local communities, make new friends and discover a sense of purpose. When people give their time and energy to others, everyone benefits."

Mental health professionals agree that a sense of purpose and belonging has profound benefits in the treatment of depression. Sadly, the continuing stigma associated with depression often worsens its symptoms by sending people into a state of withdrawal and silence.

According to Kruger, the first order of business is to create and nurture a viral volunteerism community. Those interested in volunteering can either create and manage events independently or turn to Project Helping for logistical and other support. All volunteers receive a Project Helping t-shirt. In addition, the organization will promote the hard work and dedication of its volunteers in pictures and stories on its Facebook page and website.

Over the next 12 months, the organization has the ambitious goal of recruiting at least 5,000 volunteers. With a large, national team of volunteers in place, the viral aspect of Project Helping can be realized. The organization will grow thanks to its own momentum, as word spreads of its positive, life-affirming mission.

An indiegogo campaign is now underway to fund Project Helping's mission. Funds will be used to organize, execute and promote volunteer events across the country. Additional funds will go toward creation of the technology infrastructure necessary to track and record the huge number of concurrent volunteer events and purchase t-shirts for all participants. Kruger suggests that in lieu of monetary donations, anyone can show support for Project Helping by sharing the website and Facebook page with friends.

A trail construction and reroute project at Denver area's Pence Park is Project Helping's first officially scheduled event. Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is a partner organization on this project.

About Project Helping

A 501(c)(3) organization, Project Helping was founded in April 2014 by Justin Kruger. Project Helping's mission is to end the stigma associated with depression and offer a path to healing through community volunteerism.

Contact:

Justin Kruger
Email
Project Helping
21861 E Ontario Dr.
Aurora CO 80016
720-989-5220

SOURCE Project Helping