About Us - Fighting Mental Health (FMH) | Our Story & Mission

About Fighting Mental Health

Breaking Stigmas, Building Hope, Creating Community

From a personal battle to a community movement - learn how FMH is transforming mental health support across America.

Our Beginning

What began as a simple pin and pad put on a t-shirt at Cleveland Job Corps has grown into a beacon of hope for countless individuals who suffer in silence. FMH started as a personal reminder for Co-Founder Andre Barnett—that he could win his own battles if he kept up the fight.

That personal declaration has since transformed into a movement that reaches communities across the United States, providing vital mental health resources and breaking down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help.

FMH Logo

Our Mission

FMH exists to fight for mental health equity by raising awareness, expanding access, and delivering life-changing resources to underserved communities. We strive to ensure that hope, healing, and support are within reach for all.

We Believe:

  • Mental health support should be accessible to everyone
  • No one should fight their battles alone
  • Community connection is essential for healing
  • Breaking stigma starts with open conversations

Our Vision

Our vision is to be able to help as many people as we can in this world by helping them find the mental health resources that they need or didn't know they had access to in underserved communities.

Our Impact

Our goal is to make change in this world when it comes to mental health.

Meet Our Founders

Andre Barnett - CEO & Co-Founder

Andre Barnett

CEO & Co-Founder

Andre is an ex-college athlete who was kicked out of the NCAA and given a chance at Cleveland Job Corps. He later transferred to Flint Genesee Job Corps where he obtained a degree in Homeland Security. While pursuing his degree, Andre became a leader and public speaker in schools. His personal journey with mental health challenges sparked the creation of FMH, turning his reminder to himself into a rallying cry for others facing similar battles.

Our Core Values

Community

We believe healing happens in relationship with others. Building strong communities is at the heart of everything we do.

Accessibility

Mental health support shouldn't depend on zip code or income level. We're committed to reaching underserved communities.

Hope

Even in the darkest moments, we believe in the power of hope and the possibility of healing and growth.

Action

Awareness without action isn't enough. We turn conversations into concrete resources and meaningful change.

Dignity

Every person deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their mental health journey.

Our Journey

2022 - Apparel Brand

It started as just an apparel brand with the "Fighting Mental Health" message.

2023 - Sharing the Story

Andre started using his apparel brand to tell his story to people and share his mental health journey while graduating from Flint Genesee Job Corps.

2024 - Career Transition

Andre took a break from the apparel brand as he stepped into the law enforcement and security occupation.

Beginning of 2025 - The Vision

Andre envisioned what Fighting Mental Health could become and how it could impact and be more effective in communities by becoming an organization that serves as the bridge between the community and mental health resources.

2025 - FMH Fest & Beyond

Launch of the inaugural FMH Fest 2025 and expanding programs to reach communities in need of mental health support and resources across the United States.

Be Part of Our Story

Every person who joins our mission helps write the next chapter of hope and healing in mental health. Together, we can create communities where no one fights alone.

Support Our Mission Get Involved Join FMH Fest 2025