Share the Care
A Mental Health & Self-Care Campaign · NVEEE 2026
To every teacher, counselor, mentor, nonprofit leader, and student who received a kit: thank you. You show up for others every day, often without anyone noticing. This campaign is our youth ambassadors’ way of noticing, and of reminding you that caring for yourself matters too.
SKINCARE COLLECTION 2026 · HOVER TO PAUSE
“To care and to love only needs to be explained to robots. As humans, caring should be the default setting. The kit that was sent to me made me so happy to open and I truly felt like it was specific for me…I felt like oh wow someone cares. Most people reach out to me for something so to be on the rescue unit end of it was a lovely thing.”
ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN
What is Share the Care?
Share the Care is a gratitude and self-care campaign led by youth ambassadors in NVEEE’s leadership programs, including the Peace Ambassador Leadership Program (PALP) and AFFIRM.
It began in 2025 with two goals: to teach young leaders gratitude and real-world project management, and to show youth workers, nonprofit professionals, and students the ripple effect that small acts of self-care can have.
Our ambassadors surveyed educators about their own wellness, chose each product based on what they learned, and assembled every kit by hand. A follow-up survey now gathers feedback from Wellness Kit recipients, including students, mentors, volunteers, parents, and nonprofit professionals.
“I would want them to know that the wellness items that I’ve received have encouraged me to put more focus into my physical and mental health. On the physical health side, many of the products have promoted better hygiene and allowed me to fix many skin/acne problems I’ve had. On the mental health side, the products have emphasized the importance of taking time to yourself once a day, even if it’s just 15-20 minutes.”
Mental health and self-care resources
This page tells the story of the campaign’s gratitude kits.
Share the Care also includes a free resource directory that connects students, families, educators, and community members with trusted national organizations for mental health, suicide and self-harm prevention, bullying prevention, eating disorder support, substance use support, and more.
Explore the Resource DirectoryIn their own words.
We asked high school and college students, nonprofit professionals, mentors, volunteers, and parents who received Wellness Kits what difference the items made. Here is what they said.
“I would want them to know NVEEE should continue to provide these items because they helped me create a wellness routine. Using the skincare and body care became the first step in taking initiative to become a more healthy person physically and mentally. I start my day by using my skincare and body care which has helped me create a routine that I use through out the day to be productive.”
High school and college students
- 100%said the items gave them a chance to do something positive for themselves (90% strongly agreed)
- 100%felt appreciated or recognized by NVEEE
- 90%received something they might not have bought for themselves
- 100%of those who received items during a workshop or activity said it made participating more engaging
“With their countless resources such as the "Share the Care" initiative and countless of workshops with trained professional, NVEEE prioritizes mental health among youth. Being with NVEEE for 4 years, in the beginning mental health curriculum always impacted me. As someone who grew up in a immigrant household, topics of mental health were always disregarded. When NVEEE started introducing this component to their self-care curriculum, it opened up a new avenue of mental health I never factored. Before I only took this education to spot my habits and better myself mentally. I heard how important self-care is but I could never put it into practice. With items such as skincare and mindfulness journals, it allowed me to create a routine solely dedicated to myself. Along with the breathing exercises and mindful thinking practices came a tangible way to prioritize myself and block out all the noise. I'm grateful for NVEEE to help me learn about self-care and put it into practice.”
Nonprofit professionals, mentors, volunteers, and parents
- 100%strongly agreed the items made them feel appreciated for their work and seen
- 100%strongly agreed the items reminded them that their own wellness matters
- 100%strongly agreed the items encouraged them to make time for self-care
- 89%received something they might not otherwise have purchased or accessed
“Self-care is so important and the items that NVEEE provides reminds [us] of this important ritual. NVEEE should continue providing these items for it promotes wellness, self-care and that each of us matter.”
“I would definitely encourage NVEEE to continue providing these wellness packages because they felt very intentional and thoughtfully put together. What stood out to me most was how personalized they were. Before receiving the products, there were questionnaires about my skin and my individual needs, which showed me that the items were not just randomly selected. There was clearly a lot of care behind making sure the products would actually work for me and be something I could use. Because of that, I ended up using every product that was included.
I also think the packages had an impact beyond just receiving skincare or self-care items. Since the products were tailored to my needs, I actually incorporated them into my routine. It created an extra step where I had to slow down, take time for myself, and focus on my own well-being. When you are constantly working and balancing different responsibilities, it can be easy to put yourself last. The package gave me a reason to be intentional about self-care, even if it was only for a few minutes. To me, that made the package feel less like a gift and more like a reminder that NVEEE also cares about the people doing the work.”
More from Wellness Kit recipients
Most Wellness Kit recipients below were answering: “If you were explaining to someone why NVEEE should, or should not, continue providing these items, what would you want them to know?”
“NVEEE should continue providing these items because receiving tangible items in addition to educational resources makes the experience feel more personal. Additionally, people are more likely [to] use a product regularly and be reminded of how NVEEE helped them than they are to consult resources regularly.”
“NVEEE should continue providing these items because they keep us motivated and encourage self care.”
“NVEEE should continue to provide these items because they really make us feel valuable parts of the organization and it is a great way to show appreciation. I use a lot of my gifts everyday, like the skincare and bag that I got. Specifically for these items, they’re little “luxuries” that I wouldn’t be able to get for myself, but would love to have if I could afford it. I bring the bag to work everyday and it’s the perfect size for everything I need, and really makes me feel put together and part of the office!”
“NVEEE should continue providing these items because it makes people feel appreciated and more engaging in activities.”
“NVEEE should continue providing these items because they are useful and feel genuinely thoughtful and encouraging. I’ve received journals, stress relief items and self care items, and it gives me an opportunity to slow down and take care of myself in ways I might not normally prioritize. I also really like the feeling of having someone else think about what makes me feel good or cared for. These gifts are a small reminder that self care matters and that I deserve to make time for myself.”
“NVEEE is so unique in so many ways, and I believe that they should continue providing these items. Since it is one of the many things that always made me look forward to going to the meetings.”
“I would want them to know that because items were tangible and individualized, it showed more care for the person.”
“[…] these kits made me feel so appreciated and seen. Made me feel like you all thought of me.”
“A couple years ago for one of my wellness gifts, I was able to choose out of a list of items and got headphones and a journal that I still use everyday. Giving students options can help with finding the best items for people and the most practical according to their personal needs was a great help.”
“I would want them to know the NVEEE should continue providing these items because it made a positive lasting impression on me.”
“Skincare is very meaningful because many people cannot afford skincare so I believe that they should keep integrating skincare into the kits. They should also include pens, mechanical pencils; and much more. NVEEE really uplifted my experience with these wellness items/kits. :)”
“I believe that NVEEE should continue providing these items. These items make the students in the program feel seen and appreciated, and items such as a mental health planner can be very beneficial towards the student.”
“NVEEE should continue providing these items because they are helpful to some, thoughtful, and give students and any others who have received these gifts feel supported and encouragement when needed.”
“Essential to promoting personal wellness and self care.”
“I would say NVEEE should continue to provide these items because it demonstrates real consideration.”
“I loved the wellness items that I received last year! I have no notes!”
“It truly boosted my confidence and reduced my stress about purchasing items I would otherwise avoid due to their high cost or the potential impact on my budget.”
“I would like them to know that self care is a form of love.”
Source: NVEEE Wellness & Appreciation Kit Follow-Up Survey, administered through Jotform, September 2026. This survey is ongoing, so percentages update as responses come in. Quotes appear in full as respondents wrote them, with minor spelling and punctuation corrections; [brackets] mark an added word and […] marks omitted text. All quotes are shared with each respondent’s written permission; first names appear only where a respondent chose to be named.
Help more teachers, counselors, and nonprofit leaders receive a kit.
Support the Campaign44% of K-12 educators report frequent burnout, the highest rate of any profession surveyed. Gallup Education, 2022
Teachers and counselors take care of everyone.
Who takes care of them?
In October 2025, at the start of the 2025 to 2026 school year, NVEEE youth ambassadors surveyed educators about their own mental health, wellness, and self-care. Most of the educators who responded work in middle and high schools (grades 6 to 12) as teachers, counselors, and administrators.
None of them knew a Wellness Kit was coming. They were simply asked to complete a survey as part of a youth-led research project. What came back was candid, specific, and deeply human.
Self-care isn’t a luxury for the teachers, counselors, and school staff who hold up classrooms and hallways every day. It’s what makes it possible to keep showing up.
Source: “Student Research Project: Mental Health, Wellness, and Self-Care,” a survey of educators administered by NVEEE youth ambassadors in October 2025, before any Wellness Kits were given out.
What’s one small thing someone did recently that made your day better?
“A student left a thank-you note on my desk.”
Educator · West Broward High School
“Called to check up on me.”
Educator · McCarthy High School
“A kind text.”
Educator · Trinity Preparatory School
“Gave me a hug.”
Educator · Sheridan Technical High School
“Gone outside for a few minutes.”
Educator · Friends School of Baltimore
“A student left a thank-you note on my desk.”
Educator · West Broward High School
“Called to check up on me.”
Educator · McCarthy High School
“A kind text.”
Educator · Trinity Preparatory School
“Gave me a hug.”
Educator · Sheridan Technical High School
“Gone outside for a few minutes.”
Educator · Friends School of Baltimore
“Said thank you.”
Educator · Duke Ellington School of the Arts
“Gave me a small memento that was completely unexpected but amazingly thoughtful.”
Educator · Academies of Loudoun
“Just sharing good news with me.”
Educator · Aquinas High School
“My partner often does little things for me that make me feel loved.”
Educator · Flint Hill School
“Checked in on me.”
Educator · Immaculata-La Salle High School
“Said thank you.”
Educator · Duke Ellington School of the Arts
“Gave me a small memento that was completely unexpected but amazingly thoughtful.”
Educator · Academies of Loudoun
“Just sharing good news with me.”
Educator · Aquinas High School
“My partner often does little things for me that make me feel loved.”
Educator · Flint Hill School
“Checked in on me.”
Educator · Immaculata-La Salle High School
The simplest things mean the most.
We asked high school teachers and counselors from across the country what makes them feel truly appreciated. Their answers were anything but complicated.
“When I feel seen.”
Teacher and counselor responsePre-kit survey, “Student Research Project: Mental Health, Wellness, and Self-Care”Responses in this section are from the same pre-kit educator survey, “Student Research Project: Mental Health, Wellness, and Self-Care,” administered October 2025.
Educators, mental health providers, nonprofit leaders, and students.
Share the Care was built for the people who show up for others. Kits go to high school teachers and counselors, college counselors, school administrators, mental health providers, mentors, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and high school and college students. Educator survey responses shaped what goes into each kit, and Wellness Kit recipient feedback continues to guide how the kits improve.
Teachers and counselors
High school teachers, counselors, college counselors, and school administrators who guide students every day and rarely have time for their own wellness.
Mental health providers
Therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals who support others through their hardest moments and need care themselves.
Nonprofit leaders
Youth workers and nonprofit professionals who serve their communities, often with little recognition and long hours.
Students
High school and college students who receive kits and share, through our surveys, what self-care and feeling appreciated look like in their own lives.
Supporting students with autism
NVEEE also donated a bag of supplies to each of the 30 students in an elementary school classroom for children with autism.
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Self-care is not a luxury. It is what makes everything else possible.
“They are a small but meaningful token of appreciation for people who are donating their time to work with the high schoolers. It also is good for mental health and preventing burnout.”
A message from a Share the Care Campaign Ambassador
One of our Share the Care Campaign Ambassadors recorded this message to share what the campaign is, what it took to build it, and why it matters for the teachers, counselors, and nonprofit leaders it serves.
The work behind every kit and every post.
From a blank page to 212 kits given out, here is how NVEEE youth ambassadors turned compassion into a real, measurable initiative.
Social Media Campaign
Each ambassador researched and created posts on topics they cared about (anxiety, self-harm, OCD, and body dysmorphia), using intentional design and the “myth vs. reality” format to fight stigma.
Mental Health Kits
We assembled physical care kits containing journals, stickers, skincare, and fidget spinners: items chosen to reaffirm positive mental health and encourage consistent self-care routines.
Distribution
Jowharah personally hand-delivered kits to college counselors, teachers, and school administrators, people who make a quiet difference every day and deserve to feel it. Distribution extended across the community to reach every Wellness Kit recipient.
“NVEEE provides you with these tangible items based off of you, what you say, how you look. They try to cater these items to what they feel will match you best.”
“That NVEEE takes the time to see what you actually need or want to better make a gift for you.”
Packed with love,
shipped with purpose.
Every kit was assembled by hand, by Jowharah alongside the youth leaders who contributed more than 100 collective volunteer hours to this campaign.
For counselors, teachers, and school administrators, each kit came with something even more personal: a handwritten letter from Jowharah, written individually based on answers each person shared in a mental health and wellness survey.
It was her way of showing gratitude to the people who give so much to others, and of making sure each one felt truly seen.
“The thought that Jowharah puts into getting such items and giving them out to students shows her commitment to the people who show their support and hard work within NVEEE.”
43 photos · sorted, assembled & delivered by hand
The shelves behind the kits.
Eight months of gathering. Every product chosen for a reason. 212 kits given out so far.
Given
Started
Per Kit
What’s inside the kits.
Each kit includes a combination of items chosen from survey responses. Every product is selected with care and tested personally.
Cleansers
Gentle, effective cleansers to start every routine
Toners
Balancing toners to prep skin and restore pH
Actives & Serums
Vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides
Moisturizers & Creams
Nourishing hydration for day and night
SPF & Protection
Broad-spectrum daily defense
Regenerative
Overnight repair, masks, recovery
Eye & Lip Care
Targeted care for delicate areas
NVEEE Branded Items
PALS journal, pen, tote, lanyard, keyring, program materials
Personal Insert Card
A handwritten note for each Wellness Kit recipient
“These products were well thought out so that people with different skin types received products that worked for them.”
“I would urge someone that NVEEE should continue giving these items as they are more avenues into wellness. While I was interested in skincare, I never made the initiative to purchase it myself. These items have made me feel more confident in myself, gave a wellness routine, and made me excited to continue my day if it meant I could radiate confidence through a skincare routine.”
“We were taught that sacrificing ourselves for others is generosity. But I have learned the hard way that it is not. When you are depleted, you are not giving from overflow. You are borrowing from a future version of yourself that has nothing left. That is not selfless. That is not sustainable. And it does not serve anyone well.”
This is me sharing what I have learned about care. Starting with your skin. Then going deeper.
Jowharah Sanders, Executive Director, NVEEEWhen teachers, counselors, and nonprofit leaders feel genuinely supported, the students and communities around them thrive too.
Not all support is monetary.
Some of the most meaningful contributions to Share the Care come in the form of experiences, products, and services. If your company or organization would like to donate goods that go directly into care kits for educators, nonprofit leaders, and students, we would love to connect.
Skincare & Beauty Products
Brand samples, travel-size products, gift sets, or full-size items chosen with care. We curate each kit personally, so your donation will be placed thoughtfully.
Spa Days & Wellness Experiences
Gift a spa visit, massage, facial, or wellness day for a Wellness Kit recipient. These elevated experiences are among the most meaningful additions we can include and they align perfectly with our mission.
Toiletry Bags & Backpacks
Travel-size toiletry sets, mini skincare kits, quality backpacks, and organizer pouches designed for high school and college students.
Journals, Stationery & Reflection Tools
Notebooks, guided journals, planners, pens, stickers, and sensory items: stress balls, fidget tools, aromatherapy roll-ons, and calming tactile objects.
Gift Cards & Gift Certificates
Flexible contributions that let Wellness Kit recipients choose what they need most. Retail, restaurant, or wellness-related gift cards are always welcome.
Custom or Branded Items
Branded wellness products, candles, tote bags, merchandise, or custom items that tell your company’s story alongside ours. Co-branded opportunities available.
Want to donate products or services?
Reach out to our team and let us know what you would like to contribute. All donations go directly into care kits for educators, nonprofit leaders, and students, and your brand will be acknowledged in the kit and in our campaign materials.
Get Started
Donor Spotlight
A heartfelt thank you to Medik8 for gifting our founder Jowharah with a curated collection of premium skincare. Your generosity is a living example of what it means to show up for women who serve.
Does your brand believe in restoration and self-care? Join Medik8 in supporting our Share the Care initiative, donate products or services and be celebrated as a champion of well-being.
Donor Spotlight
A heartfelt thank you to Mel of @mel84journey on TikTok, who has donated thousands of dollars in skincare and body care products to the Share the Care Campaign, including two Medicube Booster Pro devices, along with items for our students. Mel’s generosity helps us care for the teachers, counselors, nonprofit leaders, and students we serve.
Shopping from Mel’s TikTok Showcase is another way to support the Share the Care Campaign.
Visit Mel’s TikTokGET INVOLVED
Support a Changemaker Today
Every kit in this campaign is funded by community members, corporate sponsors, and social media influencers, with a small portion from grants. Together, these supporters make it possible to show up for the teachers, counselors, and nonprofit leaders who show up for students and communities every day.
Your donation goes directly toward purchasing and assembling hand-crafted wellness kits for the educators, counselors, professors, nonprofit professionals, and community leaders in your life. Any amount makes a difference. When donating, select “Add note/comment” and write “Share the Care Campaign” so your gift is directed to this campaign.
Make a DonationNVEEE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
Is Your Organization Ready to Make an Impact?
Corporate sponsors and organizational partners can fund entire school cohorts, co-brand the campaign, or dedicate a gift in honor of a team member. We welcome businesses, foundations, and employee giving programs. Reach out to explore how your organization can get involved.
Become a Sponsor“They offer ongoing support to individuals who rely on them. And help create consistency, accessibility and positive experiences.”
