Evie Pazan, from left, Gabe Munoz, Charlotte Kelly and Audrey Brecher. Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — Mental Wellness Center (MWC) is partnering with SeaVees, the Santa Barbara-based shoe company, to support mental health education for local youth throughout Santa Barbara with a shoe that gives back to the community. Designed in collaboration with Carissa Potter Carlson of People I’ve Loved, this new collaboration is meant to bring awareness to the importance of mental health, with 10% of every pair sold being donated to MWC.
“The Mental Health Awareness Baja Slip On” is a limited-edition slip on sneaker that includes Carissa’s affirmation artwork on the outside upper and a secret message screen-printed in the inside footbed. The outsole uses a pop of colorful green, the color of the international symbol for mental health awareness.
“We are grateful to SeaVees for their support of youth mental wellness in our community. Their fun and stylish shoes are a fresh and innovative way to spread the message that youth mental health and education is critical—not just in our area but across the country and world,” said Annmarie Cameron, CEO of Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara.
This collaboration supports MWC’s Wellness Connection Council and Mental Health Matters (MHM) program, a program that is designed to introduce basic facts about mental health to elementary, middle, and high school students. MHM’s work is established in the Buellton, Carpinteria, Cold Spring, Hope, Goleta Union, and Santa Barbara Unified School Districts as well as in several local private schools.
The underlying premise of MHM is that with understanding, youth will know to seek help should they or someone they know experience symptoms of a possible mental health disorder, knowing that early treatment tends to lead to better outcomes. There is evidence of a recognized need for mental health education that is grounded in the increase in requests and the ongoing success of the MHM curriculum.
Ten percent of every pair sold is donated to the MWC, in support of youth through their MHM program. To see this new collection worn by the students of the Wellness Connection Council leadership program and to purchase the collaboration, please visit: https://www.seavees.com/…/mental-health-awareness
About Mental Wellness Center — Through mental health education, essential community services, and safe, affordable housing, the Mental Wellness Center serves individuals and families impacted by mental illness. For more information about the Mental Wellness Center, visit: www.mentalwellnesscenter.org.
About SeaVees — At SeaVees, we’ve been keeping it casual since 1964. We’re a brand of optimists who believe comfortable shoes let you, be you. We create footwear that’s intentionally simple, purposefully timeless and consciously crafted. Learn more about SeaVees atwww.seavees.com and @seavees.