Friends of the Ferns $15,000 Matching Campaign

The Ferns Peer-Run Respite opened its doors in a residential house in August of this year, bringing a brand-new option to our region for people who feel overwhelmed by crisis or in emotional distress.

In celebration, a group of committed donors has offered to match donations received between now and the end of the year -- dollar for dollar, up to $15,000. Your donations help us provide a welcoming environment that is open 24/7 for guests to stay voluntarily up to 7 days to heal on their own terms. Staff identify 100% as having lived experience of their own crisis moments, and are trained in Intentional Peer Support (IPS). We are so excited to see this vision for peer support that centers human connection as the mechanism for healing when each of us must navigate our own moments of distress!

Ways to Give

Online donations to the Ferns using the donation form below  

Corporate gift matching programs – ask if your employer will match your donation to the Ferns

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) – if you have a DAF, please consider recommending your financial advisor to support the Ferns

Volunteer with the Ferns Peer-Run Respite Council (contact me at sspath@theferns.org)

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Your gift has the power to make a real difference in our community. We pride ourselves on being great stewards of our resources; we'll do everything in our power to ensure your gift makes the biggest possible impact.

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  • When I consider my own experiences of emotional overwhelm - including of psychiatric hospitalization - I have been privileged to experience a range of options and types of relationship to support my own healing. A key option is the opportunity to learn together with others in moments of crisis, a core principle of IPS. It is my great pleasure to be part of a group of over 20 people who have volunteered their time, knowledge, and creative energy over the past 8 years to "learn together" and add the Ferns to the range of options available when people need it most.

    In gratitude,

    Sarah Spath (she/her)
    Chair, Ferns Peer-Run Respite Council