Zendo Project: Peer Support and Compassionate Care

Dear Zendo Community, As our third year as a nonprofit comes to a close, I'm filled with gratitude for how far we've come together. In 2025, we didn't just expand our reach—we transformed our impact. We trained over 1000 people, provided more than 220 scholarships, and supported nearly 500 individuals. We also did something no other organization is doing: we proved it works. Through Zendo Lab, we presented our first peer-reviewed research at the American Public Health Association conference, demonstrating that our training creates measurable, lasting change. We've been able to do this because community members like you believed in a different way forward. Thank you. The need has never been more urgent. Every 11 minutes someone dies by suicide. Emergency departments are overwhelmed. Mental health professionals are burning out. Communities watch their loved ones suffer without knowing how to help. But here's what we know: there is a solution. We've spent 13 years perfecting it, and now we're proving it through thoughtful research. We're teaching people to become emotional paramedics—equipped to support others through crisis with confidence and compassion. Making an impact when the world feels like it's unraveling can feel impossible, but every person we train creates ripples of compassionate response that can transform entire communities. Which is why I'm asking you to join me in making a gift to support Zendo Project's Year-End Giving Campaign. We've set an ambitious goal of $250,000, which will allow us to scale our proven model into the systems that need it most. With your support we will: Launch and pilot our EPR (Emergency Psychological Response) training in three crisis care systems (in Colorado, Oregon, and California) with research documenting outcomes that will accelerate nationwide adoption Complete our groundbreaking embedded medical pilot with Stadium Medical , proving the efficacy of peer support at major events Fund Zendo Lab's research infrastructure, ensuring every program generates evidence that drives policy change and field transformation Double our scholarship fund , ensuring no one is turned away from our courses due to cost Publish peer-reviewed findings that establish Zendo as the thought leader in compassionate crisis response We're not just another training organization. We combine direct service with research, proving what works and building the evidence base that healthcare systems, universities, and communities need to adopt these life-saving practices. Everyone, at some point, will be called on to support a loved one, friend, or stranger during emotional crisis. Together, we can ensure they're prepared. Your support doesn't just teach compassion—it funds the research that makes compassionate crisis response the new standard of care. Here's how you can help: Donate Today: Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Every dollar helps—whether it's 5, $25, $250, or more. Your support prepares someone to meet emotional distress with presence and funds the research that proves this model saves lives. Share Our Campaign: Spread the word! Share this email and our mission. Every person who learns about this work brings us closer to a world where no one faces crisis alone. Thank you for standing with us as we rewrite how society responds to emotional crisis. Each gift doesn't just fund a program—it builds the foundation for compassionate infrastructure as fundamental as any other emergency response, backed by evidence that drives real change. Through, not down. Chelsea Rose Executive Director Zendo Project P.S. Have an idea to support our mission? I'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to me at chelsea@zendoproject.org.

Dear Zendo Community, As our second year as a nonprofit comes to a close, we reflect on the profound impact we’ve made together. In 2024, we brought compassionate psychedelic care and education to more communities and audiences than ever before– we trained over 1,500 people, provided more than 400 scholarships, and cared for over 500 guests! We’ve been able to do this because community members like you have placed your trust in us. Thank you. Meanwhile, there is still so much work to be done. There remains a huge need for quality, psychedelic care and harm reduction education. And there is also a growing, collective need for connection and understanding as our planet faces an increasing number of challenges. Making an impact when the world's problems seem insurmountable can feel impossible, but even simple acts of care can build a bridge to a more compassionate world. In learning to support one another, I know we can make a difference, which is why I’m asking you to join me in making a gift to support Zendo Project’s Year-End Giving Campaign. We’ve set an ambitious goal of $150,000 , which will allow us to further expand our training and provide compassionate care at more events next year and beyond. With your support we will: Expand psychedelic care to more mainstream events Launch a pilot training tailored for county-based crisis response teams in California  Expand our Zendo SIT Course to reach more students, providing valuable skills for supporting people navigating difficult psychedelic or complex emotional experiences    Offer more scholarships to students, ensuring our training remains accessible  Publish educational materials to promote safer psychedelic practices, harm reduction principles, and practical considerations for engaging with psychedelic facilitators  Everyone, at some point, will be called on to support a loved one, friend, or stranger during a time of crisis or upheaval. Together, we can ensure that communities are more knowledgeable and resourced to care for one another. Your generosity will help make our education programming even more accessible, so the skills we teach are available to all who seek them. Here’s how you can help: Donate Today: Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Every dollar helps—whether it’s $5, $100, or more. Your support ensures we can continue providing care where it’s needed most. Become a Monthly Donor : Want to make a lasting impact? Consider becoming a monthly donor . Your ongoing support will sustain us throughout the year and allow us to plan for growth. Share Our Campaign: Spread the word! Share this email on your social media or website to amplify the impact of your support. The more people we reach, the closer we get to reaching our goal. Enroll in our Zendo SIT Course: Our next Zendo Sitting and Integration Training takes place in February 2025. Click here to learn more and register!  Thank you for standing with us as we work to create a more caring world. Each gift brings us closer to ensuring that psychedelic experiences and other non-ordinary states are met with care and compassion. Warmly, Chelsea Rose Executive Director Zendo Project P.S. Have an idea to support our mission? I'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to me at giving@zendoproject.org