We are firm believers in giving back as a cornerstone of our small business ethos. While we plan to get involved in our local community in a variety of ways, we think one important way to hold ourselves accountable day in and day out is to donate 10% of all sales to nonprofits and charities doing incredible work in service of others. So every month, we will partner with an organization to do just that, and you can rest assured that 10% of any purchase you make with us is creating a positive impact for others.

In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we decided to kick off our practice of giving back by partnering with the Michigan Association for Children’s Mental Health. Mental health and wellbeing is something we take seriously here at Moondance Flower Farm. We are so lucky to spend lots of time in nature planting and harvesting flowers in such a beautiful part of the Earth, a critical part of our whole family's mental health. Some family favorites for practicing mindfulness and slowing down include: family walks (especially along the Lake Michigan lakeshore!), yoga, stargazing, rock hunting, and splashing in puddles. But we know that not all families have the setting, resources, or tools to support their mental health needs.

That's why Moondance Flower Farm decided to partner with a Michigan nonprofit doing absolutely lifechanging work for kids mental health - the Association of Children's Mental Health (ACMH). ACMH was founded in 1989 by two mothers who worked tirelessly to bring help and hope to families of Michigan children and youth with severe emotional, behavioral and mental health disorders. For over 30 years, AMCH has been providing family-to-family support, education, information, advocacy, networking and leadership opportunities in an effort to empower families with the information, knowledge and skills needed to successfully access the services and supports their children need.

One of their core principles is: We believe that mental health conditions are common, real and treatable and all children and youth with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges should have access to the supports and services they need in order to be successful in their home school and community. **How inspiring is that?!**

We're partnering with @acmh_mi to bring you tips to care for your flowers and mental health all month long. ACMH has put together a great set of tips for improving mental health for the whole family, and we appreciate that one of their recommendations is getting outside and picking flowers! They’ve also put together ways you can get involved to raise awareness for mental health care access this month. Find it all here: https://www.acmh-mi.org/caring-for-your-mental-health-in-may-and-everyday/.

You can also check out ACMH's website to get involved in their work: https://www.acmh-mi.org/

You can start small today - take a 10 minute walk outside, take 5 deep breaths on a park bench, or roll down a big grassy hill no matter how old you are… why not?! Whatever it is, just do something for your mental health today!