Last year, we profiled the Around the World 5K, an annual Foreign Service run for charity that takes place every April. The participants nominate non-profits to benefit from the event and this year, they selected the Mountain Seed Foundation, an EFM-led NGO supporting people impacted by war through art and wilderness therapy, housing and refuge support, and ongoing networks of alumni. In this episode, Lauren talks to Bryn Beary and Nathan Schmidt about their work with the foundation and the great things that are happening. The team behind Mountain Seed all met while serving in Ukraine in the mid 2010s, now they're all over the world, but dedicating their careers and hearts to restoring hope and confidence to Ukrainians and others impacted by war.

They're here on Available Worldwide to ask you to spread the word about the Mountain Seed Foundation and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Mountain Seed Foundation (MSF) is a veteran-led nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that aims to provide healing to children and families who have been affected by war. Our approach involves a range of experiential programs, including mountain-based healing programs, art therapy, and outdoor therapy. By utilizing the healing power of the mountains and mountain climbing, we help individuals regain their self-confidence which trauma often steals away.MSF was founded by Nathan Schmidt, a U.S. Marine who served in many war-torn countries during his career. Through his own experience with PTSD and its impacts on his family, he grew to recognize the importance of mental health support, and found a powerful way to cope and heal through experiences in nature, most notably in mountaineering.

Nathan’s story and dream of providing support to families of war and trauma was brought to life by a team of EFM's that met during our overlapping postings to Ukraine. It was during the early years of the invasion that these strong relationships, bonds, and experiences were established, in turn empowering us all to take the leap of faith and build Mountain Seed.Learn more about Mountain Seed at

• https://mountainseedfoundation.org