Letters to Strangers (L2S) is a global youth-run nonprofit organization on a mission to destigmatize mental illness and increase access to affordable, quality treatment, with a particular focus on youth. We believe in making mental health personal because every individual deserves to be treated as the unique person they are. Our work is centered around three key areas.

Firstly, our chapters, typically student clubs on campuses, engage in letter-writing. These heartfelt letters offer support and share vulnerabilities with those who are navigating difficult times. These letters are distributed within chapters, to other chapters, or to partner sites in communities.

Additionally, we provide a free, public online platform where individuals outside of our network can submit and exchange letters. Secondly, we engage in peer education by partnering with schools and other mental health organizations to provide training and talks for youth worldwide. We also offer our own unique youth-for-youth educational mental health module, along with a curriculum handbook for teachers.

We run peer support resources like the first pan-African mental health hotline out of our Liberia office. Lastly, we actively participate in policy-based advocacy for mental health. Our chapters work with administrators to bring about changes in the mental health dialogue and system at their institutions.

We also organize letter-writing campaigns, in-person meetings, and advocacy events to urge officials to take action on mental health awareness and treatment reform. Additionally, we offer annual scholarships for mental health higher education and healthcare access. Since our inception in 2013, we have made a significant impact, having reached over 150,000 people worldwide and expanded to six continents.

We are proud to have worked on various global issues related to mental health, such as food insecurity, physical debilitation, disaster relief, and education. However, in 2016, we refocused our efforts to prioritize advocacy for mental health. This shift allows us to create the most impactful change in an effective and pragmatic manner.

Our story began when Diana Chao, our founder, experienced mental illness and felt extremely isolated. Starting with the first chapter in southern California, Letters to Strangers has grown into a powerful global movement. Our work has garnered recognition from esteemed organizations such as The White House, MTV, Forbes, and Lady Gaga & Born This Way Foundation, among many others.

Feel free to learn more about our impactful journey through our website or reach out to us at hi@letterstostrangers. org. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all your donations are tax-deductible.

Join us in our mission to destigmatize mental illness and create a more compassionate world. Together, we can make a difference