Hey friend, 

It’s Erica, writing you with a personal note, and an update about what we’re doing for Pride this year. If you’ll indulge me, it starts with a story.

Earlier this year, I found myself in the middle of a mental health crisis.

I had insurance. I had a PCP, a therapist, and a pharmacy I'd been with for over a decade. And when I went to use them, I found out none of them were in my new network. Not one.

If you've ever been in that moment, you know what it feels like. I was already not doing well, and now the hill seemed steeper to climb. I was met with a bunch of bad online directories, offices that weren’t accepting new clients and a long wait for those who were. 

I honestly didn't know where to turn. And then I remembered the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center​ in NYC. 

I showed up for my appointment not sure what to expect. Without hesitation, they took me in and when they asked how I was doing, the tears came. I couldn’t hold it back, and I needed help.  

What happened next made a profound impact on me, both in the moment and now, reflecting back. They helped me find services that worked with my insurance, and gave me what they called a "warm handoff." They didn’t just send me off with a list of numbers, they literally fed them to me, curated those that are known to support the LGBTQ+ community, within which I belong and they did it with kindness, compassion and care. 

I am a few months out from that moment, and I can tell you all I am in such a different, better, place. And I am profoundly grateful for Callen-Lorde. 

Callen-Lorde has been doing this work for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, and they serve everyone regardless of ability to pay. They are the safety net under the safety net, and I am so grateful for this affirming, professional, extraordinary service that they provide. 

So this Pride, we're doing something a little different.

• Starting today, 100% of sales from our Pride Bundle will go to Callen-Lorde.

• Starting in June, 100% of sales from every New Savant candle sold at​ The Locavore Variety Store will go to Callen-Lorde. We are hosting a kick off party at their Greenwich Village shop on Thursday, June 4 from 6-8pm, and would love to see you there. No tickets necessary, just pop by after work and say hi!

If you've been thinking about picking something up, please consider doing it this month. And if you're someone who's struggled with the system the way I experienced, I hope you know there are people out there who will catch you. Callen-Lorde is one of them.

And above all, Happy Pride. 

With love and gratitude,
Erica
Co-founder, CEO