Turning Grief into Purpose: Dr. Liz Willers and the Goldfinch Foundation

In this deeply moving episode of *Finding New Waters*, we sit down with Dr. Elisabeth "Liz" Willers, a physician and the founder of the Goldfinch Foundation, created in honor of her late son, Owen. After losing Owen to an unintentional overdose, Dr. Willers channeled her grief into advocacy, working to change the culture around mental health and addiction among young people. She shares Owen’s story, the stigma surrounding mental health struggles, and how her foundation empowers teenagers to openly discuss their challenges. Through vulnerability, education, and the arts, the Goldfinch Foundation is helping to shift how we approach youth mental wellness and substance use awareness.---### **Timestamps:**- **[00:00] Introduction**: Welcoming Dr. Liz Willers and introducing the Goldfinch Foundation.- **[03:00] Owen’s Story**: The journey that led to the creation of the foundation.- **[08:00] Mental Health and Stigma**: Why teens often feel alone in their struggles.- **[12:00] The Role of Social Media**: How it impacts self-image and mental health.- **[17:00] Creating Safe Spaces for Teens**: The importance of peer-led conversations.- **[22:00] Intervention and Prevention**: How to approach someone struggling with addiction or mental health challenges.- **[28:00] The Power of Vulnerability**: Why openness leads to strength and healing.- **[35:00] Music, Art, and Expression**: How creativity plays a role in recovery.- **[42:00] Goldfinch Foundation’s Future Plans**: Expanding impact through education and outreach.- **[48:00] How to Get Involved**: Ways to support or connect with the foundation.**Dr. Elisabeth "Liz" Willers****Physician, Founder of the Goldfinch Foundation**Dr. Liz Willers is a pulmonary critical care physician who transitioned her focus to mental health advocacy following the tragic loss of her son, Owen. She founded the Goldfinch Foundation to create a safe space for teens to openly discuss mental health and addiction. Through speaking engagements, peer support initiatives, and creative outlets, Dr. Willers is working to reshape the way society addresses youth mental wellness and substance use.---### **Resources Mentioned:**- **Goldfinch Foundation Website:** [https://www.thegff.org](https://www.thegff.org)- **Goldfinch Foundation Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/thegff24](https://www.instagram.com/thegff24)- **QPR Training (Suicide & Substance Use Prevention):** [https://qprinstitute.com](https://qprinstitute.com)- **12-Step Programs (Find a Meeting):** [https://www.aa.org](https://www.aa.org)---### **Follow Us:**- **Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery](https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery)- **Facebook:** [https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery](https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery)- **LinkedIn:** [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery](https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery)- **TikTok:** [https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc](https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc)---### **Watch & Listen:**- **Podcast Website:** [https://www.findingnewwaters.com](https://www.findingnewwaters.com)- **Spotify:** [https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw](https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw)- **Apple Podcast:** [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608)- **YouTube:** [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw)- **YouTube Music:** [https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn](https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn)