A Fort Worth real estate firm's mental health nonprofit has rebranded to Soar: The M2G Mental Health Initiative, signaling a new phase of growth and independence. The organization, founded by M2G Ventures, has already raised over $2 million for mental health services in North Texas and is now expanding its mission to include grief and trauma counseling.
The rebranding is not a change in mission but a strategic step to establish the nonprofit's distinct identity in the philanthropic community. The move follows a record-breaking fundraising year and reflects a deepening commitment to addressing critical mental health needs in the region, an effort born from a profound personal tragedy experienced by the firm's founders.
Key Takeaways
- M2G Ventures' nonprofit has been renamed Soar: The M2G Mental Health Initiative.
- The organization has raised over $2 million for mental health causes in North Texas.
- Soar is expanding its focus to include fundraising for grief and trauma counseling services.
- The initiative was founded after a personal tragedy involving the co-founders' family, highlighting a critical gap in local mental health care.
A New Identity for a Growing Mission
The decision to rebrand the nonprofit, initially launched in 2022, marks a significant milestone. According to Katie Wharry, director of social impact at M2G Ventures, the name "Soar" was chosen to represent a forward and uplifting trajectory for both the organization and the people it serves.
"We really wanted to convey that upward motion that elevates the organization," Wharry said. "It also elevates others. We want people to soar. We want them to experience the benefit of a powerful and strong mental health journey."
This strategic move aims to give the initiative its own distinct presence as it matures. "Every organization deserves to have its own name," Wharry added, noting that the community has responded positively to the change. "People are excited that we’re stepping out in this way."
The rebranding comes at a high point for the organization. Its annual fundraising gala, Art of the Mind, brought in over $520,000 in December alone, contributing to a total of more than $2 million raised to date.
By the Numbers
- $2 Million+: Total funds raised for mental health initiatives in North Texas.
- $520,000: Amount raised at the 2024 Art of the Mind gala.
- 2022: The year the nonprofit was formally established by M2G Ventures.
Expanding the Scope of Support
With its new identity, Soar is also broadening its focus. The nonprofit is actively searching for a third partner organization to support, specifically one that provides grief and trauma counseling services. This decision was influenced by a recent tragedy that affected the M2G Ventures community.
Wharry explained that the co-founders, sisters Jessica Miller Essl and Susan Miller, were moved to act after a close friend lost her daughter in the deadly Central Texas floods on July 4th. An initial effort to support flood victims evolved into a larger strategic goal.
"If we look at it in a larger holistic way, we can make a larger impact to, not only these people in Kerr County, but to the families all over the place," Wharry stated. The search for a new partner began in August, with interviews and site visits currently underway. An announcement is expected before the second half of the year.
Current Strategic Partnerships
Soar currently channels its fundraising efforts to two key partners making a significant impact in North Texas:
- UT Southwestern’s Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care: A leading institution focused on developing new treatments and understanding the biological basis of depression.
- The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation: An organization dedicated to providing evidence-based suicide prevention programs and education throughout the community.
The addition of a third partner specializing in grief and trauma will create a more comprehensive support system, addressing a wider spectrum of mental health challenges faced by the community.
An Initiative Forged from Personal Tragedy
The driving force behind M2G Ventures' commitment to mental health stems from a deeply personal experience. A year after Jessica Miller Essl and Susan Miller founded their real estate firm, Essl’s husband at the time experienced a severe mental health crisis and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
The Catalyst for Change
The family's struggle to find adequate and accessible treatment options in the Fort Worth area exposed a significant gap in the local health care system. This firsthand experience became the catalyst for their mission. In 2017, during a manic episode, Essl's husband was tragically hit by a car and died, cementing the sisters' resolve to bring better mental health resources to their community.
Determined to prevent other families from facing similar hardships, they dedicated themselves to making a tangible difference. Their journey began with a focus on bringing top-tier research to Fort Worth.
After connecting with Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, founder of UT Southwestern’s Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care, they were instrumental in establishing a clinical research presence at the Moncrief Cancer Institute in 2019. This laid the groundwork for their expanding philanthropic efforts.
"You can make a difference. You can make a change. You can make an impact if you care," Essl said during a panel discussion in May, reflecting on their motivation.
The Future of Soar and Mental Health in Fort Worth
The evolution into Soar represents the next chapter for an initiative that has already become a vital part of Fort Worth's philanthropic landscape. By establishing a separate identity, the organization is poised for greater growth and a broader impact.
The focus on adding grief and trauma counseling reflects an agile and responsive approach, adapting its mission to meet the community's emergent needs. As Soar continues to build partnerships and raise critical funds, it stands as a powerful example of how personal experience can fuel meaningful, community-wide change.
With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, Soar is prepared to elevate the conversation around mental health and expand access to essential care for countless individuals and families across North Texas.
