#United States #New York #Saks Fifth Avenue #Kayvon Thibodeaux #JREAM Foundation

Saks Fifth Avenue's Commitment to Mental Health

On October 10, 2025, Saks Fifth Avenue celebrated World Mental Health Day by unveiling its annual Impact Report from the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation and announcing a collaboration with football player Kayvon Thibodeaux. This partnership emphasizes mental health awareness and the importance of accessible mental health resources across communities. As we navigate the challenges posed by mental health issues, Saks Fifth Avenue is taking significant steps to ensure every individual in the community has access to the support they need.

The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation's recent Impact Report showcases their achievements over the past year. The organization has dedicated substantial resources towards enhancing mental health care accessibility and reducing stigma surrounding mental health. "Making mental health a priority is not just an organizational goal but a societal necessity. The disparities in mental health resources are more pronounced than ever, and we are determined to bridge that gap," said Emily Essner, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Saks Global and Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation.

2024-2025 Achievements

Between July 2024 and July 2025, the foundation facilitated incredible achievements including:

• - Grants Distributed: A remarkable total of $1.125 million was allocated.
• - Support for Grassroots Nonprofits: $250,000 was directed towards local nonprofits dedicated to mental health services.
• - Reach: More than 4,000 individuals benefitted from direct mental health support.
• - Youth Programs: Over 100 high schools received vital resources aimed at promoting positive mental health outcomes.
• - Community Focus: An impressive 86% of all grants were specifically aimed at underserved communities.

Since the foundation's inception in 2017, it has invested over $8.5 million into U.S. mental health initiatives. The impact has been profound, providing services to more than 714,000 individuals and spreading anti-stigma messages to over 15 million individuals. Moreover, it has funded research projects that garnered an additional $13 million in federal grants.

Local Grant Program and New Partnerships

One of the thrilling announcements from the report is the winners of the Local Grant Program. Out of an unprecedented 2,500 applications, ten nonprofits were selected to share $250,000 in total funding. This program is vital as it supports local organizations that empower youth, women, communities of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. The 2025 recipients include:

• - Black Men's Health Clinic
• - Bronx Tech Hub
• - Completely KIDS
• - Girls' LEAP
• - Greater Flint Health Coalition
• - Juvenile Protection Association
• - NewBo City Market
• - Roots of Recovery
• - Thrive Youth Center
• - Youth Advocates of Sitka

The foundation also announced a strategic partnership with RAISEfashion, an organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented designers. According to Felita Harris, Co-Founder and Executive Director of RAISEfashion, this partnership signifies a mutual commitment to enhancing mental well-being within the creativity-driven industry. By collaborating with Saks, they seek to integrate mental health support into their programming, affecting positive change for future generations in the fashion sector.

Collaboration with Kayvon Thibodeaux

In a novel move, Saks Fifth Avenue launched a campaign with NFL player Kayvon Thibodeaux, renowned for his philanthropic endeavors through the JREAM Foundation. This initiative highlights Thibodeaux’s mission to foster mental wellness among youth. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, "The JREAM Foundation aims to create inclusive environments that support the mental health of our young people. Knowing that Saks Fifth Avenue stands with us amplifies this essential mission."

This collaboration will feature stories from local grantees and the JREAM Foundation on Saks' digital platforms, enhancing visibility and support for mental health initiatives.

Furthermore, Saks is promoting a merchandise collection where at least 50% of the proceeds will benefit the Foundation and its partners, allowing customers to engage actively in the cause.

The Foundation's Vision

The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation remains committed to making mental health a priority in every community, particularly for those who often lack such resources. By fostering understanding and accessibility, they are helping to create an environment where everyone can seek help without fear or stigma. For more details or to support the cause, visit the Saks Foundation's official site at saks.com/saksfoundation.

Saks Fifth Avenue embodies a long-standing tradition of luxurious retail experiences while making strides toward social responsibility. As part of Saks Global, which comprises several luxury brands, Saks is committed to integrating meaningful change within the community by actively championing mental health awareness.