Hello, my name is Dawn Baldwin. I’m here to share a journey that has taken me from a severely traumatic childhood to an executive corporate career to the RAW reality of the pavement and FINALLY, to a place of purpose. 

A psychotic break led me from my professional career at Boeing to the intake chairs of Lafayette Transitional Homeless Services. I wasn't medication-compliant! I self-medicated with vodka! I was in and out of the psychiatric ward over 30 times! I knew the exhaustion of sleeping outside when the shelters were full. I was homeless for 10 years! I have lived in the gaps in our system because I have fallen through every single one. 

But today, I stand here on the other side of that history. I am an Officer on the Board of Directors at the organization that housed me! I am a business owner, aviation and marketing consultant, mental health and homeless spokesperson, and a community activist.  My most important credential is not my resume—it’s the fact that I have lived the reality of the people I am trying to help. From mentoring and advocating for the mentally ill to raising thousands of dollars for the nonprofits that fund programs for them, I am dedicated to ensuring that lived experience has a permanent seat at the table. 

I am living proof that our beginnings—no matter how traumatic—and our darkest chapters do not get the final word! 

Mocktail Monday 2026 is a Mental Health fundraiser supporting Mental Health America (MHA). They provide free crucial mental health services to those in need. These services are at risk due to the Federal funding cuts. This fundraiser could easily be a make it or break it for MHA's services.

I’m passionate about this cause and need your help! Every donation—big or small—helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!
• Buy a ticket to the event! Get your best James Bond theme on, and join in the fun! Your ticket includes entertainment as teams compete to create the best mocktail. Sip and taste all the entries, be entertained by the most creative team, and get your fill of hors d vours. 

Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me!