Toyota Material Handling has recently donated $5,000 to Family Service, Inc., a nonprofit based in Columbus, Indiana, in support of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The donation comes as a result of Toyota’s Executive Giving Program, which started in 2012 as a way to encourage the company’s leaders to get involved with and give back to a local organization they’re passionate about. Each year, Toyota’s senior leaders are allotted between $2,500 and $10,000 to donate to a local nonprofit that’s making a difference in the community.

But the Executive Giving Program is about more than just providing financial support. Before a Toyota executive receives funding for a cause, they are strongly encouraged to contribute to the organization in a meaningful way by donating their time.

Toyota Material Handling’s latest contribution to Family Service, Inc. was spearheaded by Tracy Stachniak, the company’s Vice President of Human Resources. Stachniak, who serves on the board of the local chapter of the American Red Cross, is passionate about giving back to the community. She learned about Family Service, Inc. from several Toyota Associates who volunteer with the organization, including Michael Heyden, the President of Family Service and senior manager at Toyota.

The donation will directly assist Family Service, Inc. in providing mental health therapy and abuse prevention education throughout Bartholomew County, Indiana.

“At Toyota, we understand the importance of promoting mental health awareness to fight the stigma, and we are committed to supporting the mental health and wellness of all of our Associates and our fellow neighbors,” Stachniak said. “Our core purpose – the reason we exist – is to contribute to society, and the Executive Giving Program is a great opportunity to do that. We were proud to make this donation to Family Service, Inc. during Mental Health Awareness Month to help promote education and resources for those who may be struggling. Our hope is that this contribution will have a positive impact on many lives and inspire others us to join us in this important cause.”

Family Service, Inc., founded in 1968, is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the mental wellness of the community through prevention, education, treatment, and advocacy. Family Service’s primary focus has always been family oriented with programs concentrating heavily on strengthening family functioning.

In 2022, Family Service Inc. provided over 620 individuals with mental health services in the region, including approximately 1,833 free therapy sessions for youth and adults. Family Service, Inc. provides in-person prevention education, reaching over 25,000 individuals last year. The organization partners with multiple organizations in the area to provide holistic support for those with immediate and long-term needs.

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949, supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise awareness about mental health, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness. To join the conversation on social media, use the #MoreThanEnough hashtag.