Rotary International has recognized six club members aged 30 or younger as People of Action: Champions of Tomorrow, including Olivia Raley, from the Rotary Club of Bardstown, Kentucky, in District 6710. Olivia has worked to reduce the stigma associated with mental health in rural communities. This youth-led initiative raises awareness about mental health issues and promotes suicide prevention through educational campaigns and visible symbols of hope.

The project established 22 Hope Gardens at schools, parks, jails, shelters, and police departments in Nelson County. More than 100 volunteers planted and maintain the gardens, create educational materials, and lead workshops about mental health.

Olivia coordinated and promoted the project, secured funding, mentored participants, led workshops, and established the framework for measuring its outcomes. In its first year, surveys showed a 35%-42% increase in young people’s comfort discussing mental health issues and a 42% increase in their awareness of resources. Partnerships with area schools, law enforcement, and health providers yielded a 20% increase in the number of youth accessing counseling services.