Anchored

What a powerful start to the week at Georgia Teen Institute (GTI)!

This year marks the largest GTI gathering since COVID, and our Anchored Junior Board students are excited to be part of it alongside Shauna Mattingly, Anchored in Community Clinical Director.

Today was all about getting settled in, meeting their family groups, and connecting with students from across Georgia. These family groups will serve as their teams and support systems throughout the week as they learn, grow, and strengthen their leadership skills in prevention.

One of today's activities challenged students to share their "Why for Prevention"—the reason they chose to attend GTI and be part of creating healthier communities. One response especially touched our hearts:

"Because prevention saved my sister's life."

Those words are a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Tonight, the fun continues with a silent disco, followed by team meetings and orientation as students prepare for an incredible week ahead.

We're proud of these young leaders and can't wait to see all they accomplish this week!

“A runner who had a stroke in the last year… She needed help coming back in…
but she crossed the finish line.

A runner with a dog, her companion…
They crossed the finish line.

The families that ran together…
The babies in the strollers…
They crossed the finish line.

The mom that made the banner ‘Go DaDa’ so that her children could cheer on their father…
He crossed the finish line.

The firefighters in full gear… Heavy and hot…
They crossed the finish line.

The mayor… There to support support…
He crossed the finish line.

The young people… From children to seniors…
They crossed the finish line.

The winner… Always a winner… He said he may retire one day, and I asked him not to… He keeps setting the mark so that other people can try to achieve it…
And cross the finish line.

And so many more…
How many more stories are there to be told?”

This was sent to us by a spectator after the Be Kind to Your Mind 5K Run & Walk, and honestly… it captured the heart of the day better than we ever could.

The event was never just about pace, placement, or competition. It was about people.
Stories. Resilience. Community. Encouragement.
Showing up for yourself and for others.

148 runners made waves for mental health this year, and every single person who showed up became part of something bigger than a race.

No matter the story…
No matter the pace…
You crossed the finish line. 💙🌊

Thank you to our runners, volunteers, sponsors, staff, businesses, first responders, community leaders, families, and supporters who helped make this event possible. Because of you, conversations around mental health continue to grow in our community!

📸 Event photos are also live and available for download.
🔗 Click here: https://fryephotoco.pic-time.com/client

Runners! Watch here for your run time & CONGRATS!
https://youtu.be/M_QnLu4qLm8?si=IY7o-crghJEG9QZB