ForLikeMinds

04/05/2026

Psych Ward Greeting Cards – An Easter Story

Barb is extraordinary. She lives in the hearts of so many—including mine. Since nearly the very beginning of our program, she has contributed hundreds of cards. But she didn’t stop there—she went on to create her own affiliate program at her local Buffalo psych ward and still continues to donate cards to our other hospitals. Barb shows up fully, with generosity, creativity, and heart.

This Easter, she gave us an especially meaningful gift: cards made by patients, for patients. The first 15 or so cards featured here are theirs. I was deeply moved to receive them.

I asked Barb to share a bit about her experience working with patients. Her enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication shine through in every word.

“My visit went well. First group was adults....I gave my little talk about you and why you started the program...to let psych pts know they are not alone, donors care and are thinking of them and sending uplifting messages. They all chose a card, sometimes asking if they can have 2 (of course!). Then I spread out the card making supplies. I like to give lots of choices because they don't get any choices (breakfast time now, meds now, meet with therapist, art therapy time, etc)...so lots of colored card stock, lots of stickers, stamp pads in Easter colors, and lots of bunny and egg stencils, which was a big hit. Not easy using a blending brush (something new for them!) and most made a couple of cards. It surprised me when several handed me a card they had made, saying "I'd like to donate this one to the program". They kept one for a friend, a mom, a roommate, and 2 made cards for their young daughters at home that they missed so much. Same thing at next group of teenager patients. So, a great colorful creative day!”

Can you imagine how special she made those patients feel? Truly seen. Truly cared for.

Every single card has that power. One card can make one can make a patient feel remembered and valued. The impact is hard to put into words, but you can feel it.

And you can be part of it—simply by donating a card.

Thank you, Barb, for this beautiful gift. And heartfelt thanks to all of our March/April card donors (over 500 cards donated and chocolate too) and financial contributors—you are making a difference in ways that matter deeply.

April card donors/financial contributors: Amanda of NY, Amber of NY, Barb of NY, Bry Lin Patients of NY, Chris of NY, Janis of WA, Jann of NY, Joan, Joanne of WI, Karen, Karlie of Rewind of NY, Kiana of Toronto, Canada, Linda, Lola Barb of NY, Mandy of NY, Marge of NY, Nicole of NY, Olzvza of SC, Ramya of NC and Sophie of WI.

Affiliates: If you’re interested in launching a Psych Ward Greeting Cards affiliate in your community, I’d love to support you. I’ll help in any way I can. My dream is to see this program reach patients in hospitals all across the country.

Psych Ward Greeting Cards est. 2019. Over 25,000 psych patients reached. You can donate to our program too. www.psychwardgreetingcards.org

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

04/01/2026

Happy Passover to all those who celebrate.

03/30/2026

HAPPY WORLD BIPOLAR DAY! to all those who celebrate and we all should

03/19/2026

Psych Ward Greeting Cards - I love youth. They are our future. Kiana gives me hope. She brought her friends together to create a powerful donation full of laughter, compassion, and empathy, thoughtfulness, and wisdom – over 200 lovingly made cards!! Kiana is a Grade 11 student and founder of Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health (https://www.sundaysteps4mentalhealth.ca/). It is a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the stigma around youth mental health while raising funds for mental health initiatives and supporting young patients. They achieve this through a variety of activities, including events, arts and crafts programs, fundraisers, walks, and more. I love this donation so much.

03/15/2026

I 💕💕💕 butterflies. Have a great night. Miss u.

03/12/2026

For 16 years, I thought this was just “how it is.”- A five-minute diagnosis. A doctor who fell asleep. Another who told me I would only get worse. Care without hope. Care without care. The day I found a psychiatrist who held hope for me was the day things began to change. I haven’t had a manic episode in 12 years. Good mental health care exists. And you deserve it. You deserve a doctor who listens, who believes you, and who believes your life can get better. If your care feels dismissive, hopeless, or harmful—please don’t settle. Starting over is hard – I know. Advocating for yourself is hard – it’s intimidating. But staying stuck is harder. Expect and demand good care. Your life is worth it.

03/08/2026

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - Today I am remembering the contributions of Dorothea Dix (1802–1887) to our community - a pioneering 19th-century American activist who revolutionized mental health care by exposing the inhumane, caged conditions of the mentally ill in jails and almshouses. She championed the creation of state-run mental hospitals, establishing or expanding over 30 institutions to provide compassionate, therapeutic treatment. I am also celebrating the brave and courageous women in this community.

Today marks the 218th birthday of Dorothea Lynde Dix, one of the America’s most eminent reformers of the living conditions and treatment of the mentally ill.

03/04/2026

People with mental illness are strong and resilient, brave and courageous. Living with mental illness takes stamina, it takes grit. We’re doing it. Join us on our page.

02/28/2026

It’s my birthday!!, and I want to share it with you and my Psych Ward Greeting Cards family because I’m feeling the love – Valentine’s Day has come and passed, but it’s still on my mind – peer-to-peer love. I am reminded of this love each time I receive a card, every time I ship a card, every time I visit a patient – every time I receive a “like” or a “heart” here. I love Valentine’s Day cards because they “say it”, but more importantly, I like all of our cards, because you “feel it.” I received one holiday donation late that is too gorgeous not to share – I hope it will spark those Valentine’s Day feelings - hopefully everyday feelings - again and again. I asked our donor, Grandma Ellen of WI, to share a few words:
“I wish “the world” would see mental health challenges in the same way as diabetes, or migraines, or any other physical challenge. I love this “card ministry” started by Katherine Ponte. When I make my home-made cards, I think of the sensitive people (like my daughter, and my brother) working so hard to get better. I send my cards off with love, and the hope that these precious ones realize their worth, and that they find happier days ahead.”
I thanked Grandma Ellen for her beautiful donation. I was touched by her reply.
“Stay well, and thank you for heading up this beautiful, thoughtful program.
I find that in every volunteer endeavor, it just takes one committed leader,
and then lots of other people will chip in money, or will work a shift, or make another donation.
But SOMEBODY has to head things up, and that’s the hardest position to fill.
THANK YOU for being the Leader of this lovely program.”

I want to remind those who follow my Psych Ward Greeting Cards posts that it takes ONLY ONE COMMITTED LEADER. In posting about our program, I want to acknowledge our beautiful donors, I want people to see the love that exists within our community. I want to inspire one or more of you to reach out to your peers through us or through another organization (there are many - here’s a list: https://bit.ly/4ryrgpS) or by starting your own initiative and touch the life of a peer in need. You could be saving a life.

02/20/2026

There’s a quiet comfort in hearing, “I’ve been there, too.” Peers with lived experience offer not just advice, but heartfelt hope and support. They remind us that, even on the hardest days, we can and deserve to live a fulfilling life. In each other, we find the strength and lessons to overcome and thrive.

02/14/2026

Psych Ward Greeting Cards - Repeat after me: “I am loved” – yes you are! That’s what was running through the minds of the over 500 patients at 8 hospitals we reached yesterday, today on Valentine’s Day thanks to our beautiful donors. They have so much love to share and we’re honored that they would choose us to help share it. Everyone’s cards were lovely and full of empathy and compassion. Here’s a small sampling. Our program would not be possible without the kindness and generosity of our donors – you can be one too. Please accept a loving thanks. You are loved by your peers on the inside too.

02/13/2026

Now is not the time to wait. Colorectal cancer isn’t. It’s taking lives now more than ever. Yesterday it took the life of America’s heartthrob “Dawson” (James Van Der Beek) of Dawson’s Creek. A couple of weeks ago it took the life of Schitt’s Creek’s brilliant Catherine O’Hara. I’m not just a fan. This is personal to me. It’s my family. My spouse, Izzy was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2024. I am blessed that he had a near complete response to his grueling treatment regimen of chemo, radiation and surgery, but we live with a risk of recurrence. And we are so lucky and grateful.
Younger people are getting colorectal cancer at alarming rates. It is now the leading cause of cancer death in people under 50. Over 50,000 people die of it each year. There are signs, but sometimes there are none. My spouse exercised, ate well, drank moderately, didn’t smoke, was “outwardly” healthy, and had little family history of cancer, but still he got it. His cancer was found in his first colonoscopy. If he had gotten one earlier, it could have been prevented. The absence of outward signs means many are diagnosed at a later stage when survival rates can be lower. Do something about it now – get a colonoscopy. It’s much easier than people think. If James or Catherine brought you any joy in life honor their life by taking care of yourself and your loved ones. “I feel fine” is not an excuse. You and your loved ones deserve better. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
More: https://bit.ly/3ZzK9MU