In a world where mental health crises often go unnoticed, Kaden Mattinson is on a mission to change the narrative. As a motivational speaker, author, and Executive Director of Mending Minds Village, Kaden’s journey from personal struggle to global advocate for mental health is both inspiring and transformative.
A Journey of Resilience and Purpose
Kaden’s path to founding Mending Minds Village was born out of a deep, personal struggle. “When I decided to start Mending Minds Village and my speaking journey, it scared the daylights out of me,” Kaden reflects. “But something had to be done so that no child was ignored and told there was nothing that could be done, like we had been.”
With the courage to take risks and break new ground, Kaden launched the nonprofit in 2020, aiming to provide support to families grappling with mental health crises. His commitment to those in need didn’t stop at founding the organization; he also embarked on a speaking career, sharing his story of resilience and mindset transformation with audiences around the world.
The work Kaden has done with Mending Minds Village speaks volumes. In just three years, the nonprofit has helped over 1,200 families by providing food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and educational resources, all while addressing the mental health challenges these families face. “We are the definition of a rags-to-riches story (without the riches),” says Kaden, emphasizing the impact of their holistic approach.
A New Approach to Mental Health
Mending Minds Village is not just another mental health organization; it’s a comprehensive support system that believes mental health is intricately linked to physical well-being. The nonprofit offers advocacy, education, transportation to appointments, and crucial assistance for families in crisis. Through Kaden’s leadership, the organization has become internationally recognized for its efforts.
Kaden’s personal journey also inspired him to write two books. His first, Raising Resilient Children: Strategies for Youth Empowerment, provides parents and caregivers with tools to nurture children through adversity. His second book, A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health, is set to be released in January 2025 and promises to offer invaluable insights for parents navigating their own mental health challenges while supporting their children.
The foundation for Mending Minds Village was built from Kaden’s own experiences, observing how his family struggled while dealing with a mental health crisis. “We saw how many families were just like ours, struggling with basic necessities while dealing with mental health challenges,” Kaden explains. This empathy has driven him to ensure that no family faces these struggles alone.
Making an Impact, One Family at a Time
Kaden’s message is simple but powerful: mindset matters. He recently spoke at a summit, emphasizing the importance of assessing our mindset before tackling mental health challenges. “Mental health care starts with the mind, and we must prioritize mindset before we can truly begin healing,” he says.
This philosophy has shaped the work of Mending Minds Village and Kaden’s personal speaking engagements. Whether through community centers or corporate conferences, Kaden’s goal is to inspire audiences to prioritize mental health and seek early intervention. “If you want to change your life TODAY, contact me,” Kaden invites, extending his message of empowerment to anyone ready to take control of their mental health.
Building a Legacy of Change
Looking ahead, Kaden envisions a future where Mending Minds Village is a globally recognized force for mental health change. He dreams of shifting the focus of mental health systems worldwide and being a major part of improving mental health treatment for all. He’s not stopping there—Kaden hopes to speak at a TED event alongside influencers like Gary Vee to share his mission with an even larger audience.
His journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of mindset. “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind,” he says, reflecting on the life lessons that have shaped his work.
Challenges and Future Goals
While Mending Minds Village has made an immense impact, challenges remain. The economic recession has made securing funding for the nonprofit more difficult, and Kaden is calling on supporters to help continue their work into 2025. Donations are crucial to ensuring that Mending Minds Village can continue offering its services to families in need.
As Kaden’s journey unfolds, one thing is clear: his dedication to mental health advocacy and his belief in the power of a resilient mindset will continue to inspire those around him. His vision is not only to provide immediate support to families but also to change the way society views and addresses mental health.
For more information on Kaden’s work or to support Mending Minds Village, visit www.MendingMindsVillage.org or follow Kaden on social media: Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
