Big Lots Is Breaking Behavioral Health Stigmas
Big Lots is BIG on transforming children’s mental health and breaking the stigmas that often come with it. That’s why Big Lots supports the On Our Sleeves® movement for children’s mental health.
You can donate online and be part of the Big move to create a brighter future for our next generation.
Each dollar raised supports providing every community in America access to FREE educational resources for parents and families to promote mental wellness and break stigmas.
Big Lots Foundation's Transformational Gift
In March of 2020, the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion on the campus of Nationwide Children’s Hospital opened its doors. At nine stories tall, it is America’s largest and most comprehensive center dedicated exclusively to child and adolescent behavioral and mental health on a pediatric medical campus.
The Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion and Big Lots Behavioral Health services are named in honor of a transformational $50 million gift from Big Lots and Big Lots Foundation – one of the largest corporate donations ever specifically devoted to a pediatric and adolescent behavioral health program. The Pavilion stands as an extension of Big Lots’ commitment to the lifesaving treatment and discovery happening at Nationwide Children’s.
Big Lots Behavioral Health Scholarship
Ayan Haji
The Ohio State University
Meet Ayan Haji, recipient of the 2021 Big Lots Behavioral Health Scholarship. Ayan is currently working towards a master’s degree in Counselor Education with a projected graduation date in 2023.
As a Mental Health Specialist II on the Psychiatric Crisis Department team at the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion in Columbus, Ohio, Ayan practices a trauma informed care approach with patients, families, and team members.
While working towards her bachelor’s degree in psychology at The Ohio State University, Ayan served as the Community Outreach representative and President of the Somali Students’ Association, working with local community members to design and implement community events for the Somali student population. The goal of these efforts is to begin to bridge the gap between the negative stigma associated with mental health and accessible community-based resources.
Ayan also completed an independent honors research thesis after working alongside Dr. John Gibbs, a psychology faculty member at The Ohio State University. They studied the effects of hope therapy on youth offenders, teaching techniques to children in this situation to explore their personal strengths and establish long-term goals.
Ultimately, Ayan wants to be in a position to develop more community-based events to help spread awareness and bring resources to community members with a method that is comfortable for their culture. This includes translators at events, organizing events in spaces they recognize, and targeting the events towards specific issues. She would also like to assist employers that have a high number of immigrant associates to organize employee assistance programs – assisting with therapy, financial and legal education and counsel to provide a full and equal opportunity.
The On Our Sleeves 5k
Make moves with Big Lots for children's mental health! Run, walk and fundraise for the On Our Sleeves 5k, formerly known as the Butterfly Run, presented by Big Lots Foundation.
Every dollar raised makes a BIG impact by supporting the mission of On Our Sleeves. No action is too small, no voice is too young. Gather your family, friends and community and sign up for the On Our Sleeves 5K virtually or in person in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday, September 18, 2022.
Check back for information on how to register.
