LOS ANGELES – Pineapple Support is celebrating its sixth anniversary by reporting statistics on its successes and initiatives.
According to Pineapple Support, since its founding in April 2018, the nonprofit has “provided more than $1.5 million in therapy, support services and resources to adult workers, reaching more than 14,000 artists and creators.”
The organization reports that it has offered online therapy services to more than 3,100 adult performers and workshops to more than 1,000 in the past year. She processes almost 200 support requests per month, while another thousand artists use their text message service for emotional support.
Currently, a representative noted, Pineapple Support “is also one of the most efficient nonprofits in the US. Since 2020, an average of 79% of all donations have gone directly to therapy and program costs. Pineapple Support now has nearly 400 registered mental health professionals, providing care on five continents and in 23 languages, as well as more than 750 volunteer listeners for their text support.”
Founder and CEO Leya Tanit said: “Looking back six years later, the number of lives we touched is both moving and sobering. We still have a long way to go, but we are getting closer to ensuring that no artist feels like they have to fight alone.”
A 2023 mental health survey conducted by Pineapple Support provided insight into the community’s needs. More than 700 creators responded, with 60% saying they feel stigmatized because of their work in the industry and 43% saying the industry needs to provide extra support for their mental health.
“The need is there and the need is great,” Tanit explains. “However, with current funding restrictions, we are at maximum capacity and have a waiting list of over 160 artists. These are people who really need someone to talk to. I am so grateful to those who have supported this vital work, but there is so much more we can do as an industry.
“We are proud of what we have achieved and are working hard to launch more initiatives, support groups, webinars, events and campaigns in the coming months. I hope more people will join us in building a safer, healthier and more supportive industry. We must continue to work together to provide a safe and reliable place to support our community.”
Visit the Pineapple Support Sponsorship site for more information about sponsorship. Businesses and individuals can learn more about additional ways to support the organization here.