Our For-Ever Goal 

It began with two young girls navigating the complexities of life on their own—Abby and Proud. Each carried personal burdens, quietly enduring the weight of their struggles side by side as the years passed. With every new responsibility, the pressure grew heavier, compounding stress and emotional exhaustion until it became overwhelming.

​

Let us begin with Abby, one of Ever’s founders. From early childhood up to her current age of fourteen, she often felt lost. While those around her seemed to have clear ambitions—dream careers in medicine, law, education, or architecture—Abby wrestled with uncertainty. She had always been drawn to the world of art, yet she questioned whether her passion could sustain a future as secure or respectable as the traditional paths celebrated by others. When asked about her aspirations, her response was often hesitant: “Something related to art.” As time went on, self-doubt crept in, accompanied by the persistent anxiety of not being “enough.” Even halfway through middle school, Abby began to feel an increasing pressure to excel in areas that didn’t come naturally to her. She believed she needed to become academically outstanding, maintain high grades, master English, and appear perfect in all that she did. This self-imposed demand for perfection further fueled her anxiety and caused her to internalize her struggles.

​

Still, she kept showing up. Her days were filled with quiet effort—offering help when she could, listening more than she spoke, and putting care into even the smallest gestures. In giving so much of herself to others, she rarely paused to understand her own weight—but it was there, and she carried it with grace. Not aimless, not passive—just moving, thoughtfully, through the unknown.​

​

Meanwhile, Proud, Ever’s co-founder, was navigating her own internal challenges. From a very young age, Proud felt the heavy burden of expectation pressing down on her. The desire to make her parents proud, to win, to achieve, and to always perform at her best became a core part of her identity. This intense pressure instilled a deep-seated fear of failure, one that followed her relentlessly through childhood. There came a point when she questioned whether winning and constant achievement were worth the emotional toll, and for a while, she stepped back from the endless race.

 

However, the relief was short-lived. At the start of middle school, as she began achieving academic success and consistently earning top marks, the expectations surrounding her reignited with even greater intensity. With each recognition, each report card marked with A’s, came a renewed pressure to maintain perfection. Proud found herself expected to excel without fail—anything less than an A felt like a personal defeat. A single subpar grade could shift her entire mood and occupy her thoughts for days. She poured countless hours into studying, dedicating immense effort to every assignment and task, driven not only by a desire to succeed but also by the fear of disappointing others and herself. The mounting expectations and her unwavering determination to meet them created an environment where she struggled to simply exist without stress. She was excelling on paper, yet inside, she was silently unraveling. She bore her hardships in silence, unsure of how to process them or where to turn for support. 

​

​After years of living in a dark room built on having to be perfect, Proud slowly found her way toward the light. Learning to balance school with life and cope with the stress that once consumed her didn’t happen overnight, but she still thrived through it while maintaining straight A's. Throughout the journey, she had questions in her mind about whether she’d ever be enough. Over time, she began to see that her value wasn’t defined by grades or perfection and that needing help isn’t a sign of weakness. Escaping from that dark room made her want to be the person she once needed—someone who could help her find a way out of the same darkness she had lived in for so long.

​​​​​

Throughout their individual challenges, the one constant was their friendship. When they finally opened up to each other and shared their feelings, they discovered something powerful: they were not alone. The weight they carried was familiar to many others—stress, anxiety, fear, self-doubt. Their conversations led them to learn about the very real and dangerous effects of chronic stress, both mentally and physically.​ 

 

They came to understand that long-term stress does not simply burden the mind—it can wreak havoc on nearly every system in the body. Chronic stress has been linked to weakened immune response, cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attacks, digestive conditions like IBS and gastritis, reproductive and hormonal disruptions, as well as mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. It can also manifest in eating disorders, insomnia, menstrual irregularities, skin and hair conditions, and chronic muscle tension. The consequences were far more serious than either of them had realized.

​

It was through this realization that Ever was born.

​

Ever was created with a clear purpose: to provide a strong, compassionate support system for individuals facing emotional and mental challenges. It seeks to alleviate the weight many carry in silence, offering tools, community, and comfort for those in need. Abby and Proud envisioned Ever as a safe haven—a space where people of all ages can be reminded that they are never truly alone. Whether through conversation, community events, donations, or education about mental health, Ever exists to ensure that no one has to face their battles unsupported.

While many organizations focus on support groups or therapy resources, Ever connects emotional care with creativity, expression, and accessibility. One of Ever’s key differentiators is “Leave it with Ever,” a 24/7 accessible activity designed to promote expression, healing, and connection. Each individual is encouraged to write down their thoughts, worries, affirmations, or even draw as a way to process emotion on sticky notes. These notes are then placed on a board located at Ever events or partner spaces. To amplify the impact of shared expression, Ever periodically collects these notes and transforms them into collages that are delivered to hospitals, museums, or other healing spaces. These collages serve as visual reminders that no one is alone in their emotional journey, no matter how long or difficult it may feel. They are also meant to give encouragement—a gentle reminder that healing is possible and hope exists even in the darkest moments. By offering this space for both vulnerability and encouragement, “Leave it with Ever” embodies our mission to create a compassionate, inclusive environment where every voice matters.

​​

Ever is committed to fostering emotional resilience and promoting mental well-being through thoughtfully designed in-person events and inclusive virtual support. Our in-person events are carefully structured to reduce stress and encourage meaningful human connection. Each gathering features engaging activities, including interactive games that promote social interaction in a relaxed environment. These activities not only provide enjoyment but also serve as an important tool to help individuals reconnect with reality, offering a sense of presence and grounding in the moment. As a way to make these experiences even more rewarding, participants can earn stress-relief items, such as stress toys, which they can take home to continue their self-care beyond the event.

​

A core component of each event includes guided sessions on healthy coping techniques. These techniques are taught by compassionate volunteers or professionals to help attendees better manage stress in their daily lives. Research consistently shows that positive human interaction plays a vital role in improving emotional well-being. It can boost the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters associated with pleasure, while also helping to reduce feelings of anxiety, isolation, and emotional fatigue.

​

However, Ever recognizes that not everyone thrives in social settings. Many individuals, particularly those who identify as introverted, may find large gatherings overwhelming or emotionally draining. To ensure inclusivity, Ever offers a virtual alternative in the form of moderated Discord chats. These online spaces allow individuals to connect at their own pace with others who may be facing similar challenges. Whether someone prefers to read, listen, or engage actively, the platform provides a flexible and safe environment for expression, understanding, and support.

​

These chats are carefully cultivated communities where individuals can be heard, validated, and supported without judgment. Ever’s team will be actively present within these virtual spaces, offering encouragement, sharing resources, and fostering healthy dialogue. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of personality type or comfort level, has access to a reliable support network.

​

At Ever, we believe that no one should navigate stress or emotional hardship alone. Whether through face-to-face events or virtual conversations, we are here to offer connection, comfort, and a reminder that healing is always possible—with others by your side. In a world that too often overlooks emotional well-being, Ever stands as a reminder that healing, hope, and understanding should always be within reach.