Plant hope.
Grow resilience.
Flourish together.
Our Mission
The Dandelion Foundation is dedicated to advancing mental health and emotional well-being by addressing challenges such as bullying, addiction, abuse, trauma, and the stresses of everyday life. We provide resources, education, and community support that empower individuals to heal, build emotional resilience, and thrive. Our mission is to create a culture of compassion and connection where every person has the support they need to navigate life’s challenges and live with strength, hope, and purpose.
About Us
Inspired by the quiet resilience of the dandelion, The Dandelion Foundation—co-founded by Barb Schmidt and Michelle Maros—is a public charity dedicated to transforming the landscape of mental health.
We believe healing begins with compassion, education, and connection. Our work brings these values to life through accessible programs, practical resources, and meaningful community partnerships that promote emotional resilience and self-awareness.
By meeting people where they are and providing tools for growth, we aim to make emotional well-being a shared, sustainable part of everyday life—for individuals, families, and communities alike.
Join our Emotional Well-being Toolkit
In partnership with our sister organization, Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life®, The Dandelion Foundation is proud to offer the Emotional Well-being Toolkit—a practical resource designed to support your mental and emotional health. Our goal is to help you gain a deeper understanding of emotional well-being, while equipping you with the skills and tools to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
Inside our online toolkit, you’ll find valuable resources such as mindfulness practices, journaling prompts, and self-care strategies to help reduce stress, build resilience, and cultivate a more balanced, intentional life. When you’re ready to go further, you can enroll in our full version, where you’ll create your own personalized Emotional Well-being Toolkit—customized to support your ongoing growth and development.
Funding
Our work is made possible by the generosity of donors who fund scholarships and programs that make mental health resources accessible to all. Every contribution helps us expand our reach, deepen our impact, and deliver vital tools and support to the individuals and communities who need them most.
How We Do It
The Dandelion Foundation takes a holistic and multi-pronged approach to mental health that is education- driven, prevention-focused, and rooted in compassion and accessibility. Here’s how:
Workshops & Programs
We provide practical tools to build resilience and emotional well-being, including workshops on bullying, self-worth, mindfulness, and suicide awareness. Our toolkits and digital resources are designed for teens, parents, educators, and communities.
Retreats & Events
We offer retreats, keynotes and workshops that teach everyday, practical tools for coping with the stresses of today. From student-focused sessions to specialized programs for athletes and corporate audiences, our gatherings create space for learning, growth, and lasting well-being.
Partnerships & Outreach
We collaborate with schools and nonprofits to co-create programs, provide training, and offer micro-grants—amplifying impact in underserved communities and ensuring access to vital mental health resources.
Check Out the Latest from Barb and Michelle
The Latest Podcast Episode
The Latest Newsletter
The Latest Blog
Inspired by the Dandelion
The Dandelion Foundation takes its name and inspiration from the quiet resilience of the dandelion—a plant often underestimated, yet profoundly steadfast. As Barb shares in The Practice: Simple Tools for Managing Stress, Finding Inner Peace, and Uncovering Happiness, the dandelion teaches us that even in the harshest conditions, growth and beauty are not only possible—they are inevitable. With a single breeze, its seeds are carried far and wide, bringing new life wherever they land. In this same spirit, we strive to spread seeds of healing, hope, and transformation, empowering individuals and communities to rise, rebuild, and flourish.