EP #201 How Yet Stand Helps People Notice What They Feel

Stress doesn’t usually announce itself. It shows up as irritability, shutdown, overwhelm, and that quiet feeling of “something’s off” you can’t name. We’re joined by Elaine Crocker, founder of Yet Stand Inc, a Fredericksburg VA nonprofit built to make mental health awareness practical, everyday, and stigma-free.Elaine explains what Yet Stand actually does: helping people slow down, check in with what they’re thinking and feeling, and use simple tools like breathing to steady the body so the mind can catch up. We talk about Yet Stand’s “power chats” and why interactive, trauma-informed workshops matter, especially for youth mental health. Through a partnership with Stafford County schools, the organization brings these conversations directly to students, with a goal of expanding beyond high schools into middle and elementary grades.Elaine also shares the personal story behind the mission, including childhood trauma, years of addiction, and the long road of therapy, training, and recovery that turned pain into purpose. If you’ve ever thought about launching a nonprofit, her advice is blunt and helpful: be ready, get clear on your purpose, expect your focus to evolve, and take compliance and reporting seriously. We close with ways the community can support Yet Stand, from donations and events to getting involved with the board.Subscribe for more local Fredericksburg stories, share this with someone who needs a reset, and leave a review to help neighbors find us.Elaine CrockerYet Stand [email protected]+1 571-393-1693