Our Mission
At Ignited Minds Foundation, we are dedicated to giving young Albertans the knowledge and resources to better understand trauma, prioritize mental wellness, and reduce the financial barriers that often stand in the way of therapy. We foster open, honest discussions on mental health and create events to raise funds, ensuring that financial hardship never becomes an obstacle to mental health support.
Our Vision
A world where young people have the education and support they need to navigate trauma, access essential mental health resources, and overcome financial challenges associated with therapy. We envision a community where every youth feels empowered and supported on their journey to wellness.
About Ignited Minds
Founded in 2024, Ignited Minds is a registered Albertan charity with a clear focus: to enhance the mental wellness of young Albertans. By providing education on trauma through expert-led events, survivor stories, and partnerships with local organizations, we emphasize the importance of mental health and trauma understanding. But we’re not just about education; our mission extends to addressing the financial hurdles that deter many youth from pursuing therapy. Our fundraising initiatives go directly toward subsidizing therapy sessions for those in need, ensuring that no young person faces their mental health journey alone.
Our Impact
Ignited Minds Foundation’s approach is anchored in three pillars: Community, Education, and Health.
- Community – We foster trauma-informed communities by collaborating with local organizations, bringing in trauma experts, and supporting youth through a network of community leaders.
- Education – We organize seminars, banquets, and speaking engagements, sharing real-life experiences and professional insights to build a foundation of mental wellness knowledge among young people.
- Health – Understanding that mental and physical wellness go hand-in-hand, we promote a lifestyle that values both, supporting youth in leading fulfilled and motivated lives.
Explore each of these pillars in detail to see the full extent of our impact in shaping a resilient, informed, and supported community of young people.
A Message from Our Founder
The journey to founding Ignited Minds is deeply personal. After experiencing life-changing trauma and navigating the difficult path to mental wellness, our founder, Ryan Vander, learned firsthand the value of supportive communities and accessible mental health care. His story is one of resilience and community, underscoring the mission of Ignited Minds: to ensure every young person has the support they need to overcome life’s toughest challenges.
Ryan’s story is a testament to the power of hope, therapy, and the strength that comes from a community that cares.