From Crisis Lines to Billboards: How Unsinkable is Changing Mental Health Narratives Podcast By  cover art

From Crisis Lines to Billboards: How Unsinkable is Changing Mental Health Narratives

From Crisis Lines to Billboards: How Unsinkable is Changing Mental Health Narratives

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In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Cherry Chan speaks with Hailey Hechtman, Executive Director of Unsinkable, a national nonprofit mental health organization founded by Olympian Silken Laumann.

Hailey shares how Unsinkable launched a national campaign, Fragments: Stories That Heal, using in-kind contributions and partnerships instead of large funding. The campaign featured:

  • 25 billboards across the GTA, including Dundas Square

  • Audio stories broadcasted via radio, podcasts, and digital ads

  • A 45% increase in direct website traffic in a single month

This conversation is packed with ideas for nonprofit leaders who are navigating lean budgets, trying to grow their audience, or build partnerships.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How a nonprofit mental health leader built a crisis line in the Yukon from scratch

  • How to use in-kind donations and local partnerships to create national impact

  • Why storytelling is a critical tool for advocacy, fundraising, and brand-building

  • Why it’s okay if your career path isn’t linear—and how to lead through uncertainty

Hailey’s Quote to Remember:
"Some of our biggest wins came from someone we met at a conference or a LinkedIn post we followed up on."

If you’re leading a nonprofit mental health organization or any nonprofit with a powerful story, this episode is full of practical, creative takeaways.

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