WHO ARE WE?
The Human Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to fostering authentic connection, reducing isolation, and promoting emotional well-being.
We achieve this by distributing custom, anonymous journals to community spaces, providing safe and welcoming opportunities for people to read, write, and reflect.
WHY?
One in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, yet nearly half don’t receive help, often due to stigma or limited access to care. As one Human Network entry reads, “I take meds and go to therapy, but the pain doesn’t go away. You learn to live with grief.”
Each journal offers a place for voices like this to be heard, connecting people through shared reflection and empathy, while building a community grounded in the belief that everyone has a story worth telling.
Our Story:
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December 2022
The first Human Network journal was crafted as a passion project by one of our founders during her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan. She was unsure if anyone would write it in, but before she knew it, all of the pages were full of beautiful, vulnerable, and inspiring entries.
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August 2023
After hand-making a few more journals and seeing such positive results, she produced hard-cover custom journals and started distributing them to a variety of communities. Again, the pages quickly filled with incredible stories and messages.
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July 2024
The most current “Share Your Story” Human Network journal was produced for all communities. If you have any questions about your community being a good fit, please contact us, and we are happy to connect to answer any questions you may have.
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January 2025
We launched our first formal partnership with Citymeals on Wheels, crafting co-branded, bilingual journals. If you’re interested in partnering with us, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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April 2025
Our first connection event was held in Ann Arbor at a local coffee shop. Joined by people who had never met one another, bonds were formed through group journaling activities, meaningful conversations, and some delicious food!
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August 2025
Achieving 501(c)(3) status has been an exciting step for The Human Network. It lets us expand our programs, distribute more journals at no cost, and bring our community-building work to even more people.
Proud Partners of:
The Human Network is Here for You.
If you or someone you know needs help, here are some THN-APPROVED resources that offer a variety of support services:
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - Website has amazing resources and support groups
800-950-6264
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Or call 988
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
1-800-662-4357
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
Trevor Project - Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth
Text START to 678678
Waking Up: Mindfulness Training App with many podcasts/guided meditations.
Headspace - app with guided meditations and mindfulness
Calm - another app with guided meditations and mindfulness
BetterHelp - offers professional online therapy