LOS ANGELES — Pineapple Support is celebrating its sixth anniversary by reporting statistics on its successes and initiatives.
According to Pineapple Support, since its founding in April 2018, the non-profit “has provided more than $1.5M in therapy, support services, and resources to adult workers, reaching over 14,000 performers and creators.”
The organization reports that it has provided online therapy services to over 3,100 performers and workshops to more than 1,000 in the past year. Additionally, it is processing nearly 200 support requests per month, with another thousand performers using their Emotional Support text service.
Currently, a rep noted, Pineapple Support "is also one of the most efficient non-profits in the U.S. Since 2020, an average of 79% of all donations have gone directly to therapy and program costs. Pineapple Support now has nearly 400 mental health professionals registered, providing care across five continents and in 23 languages, as well as more than 750 volunteer listeners on their text support.”
Founder and CEO Leya Tanit said, “Looking back six years later, the number of lives we’ve touched is both moving and sobering. We still have a long way to go, but we’re ever closer to ensuring that no performer feels like they have to struggle alone.”
A 2023 mental health survey conducted by Pineapple Support provided insight into the needs of the community. More than 700 creators responded, with 60% reporting that they feel stigmatized due to their work in the industry and 43% saying the industry needed to provide additional support for their mental health.
“The need is there and the need is great,” Tanit explained. “However, with current funding constraints, we’re at maximum capacity and have a waiting list of over 160 performers. These are people who are in real need of someone to talk to. I’m so thankful to those who have supported this critical work, but there’s so much more we can do as an industry.
“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and are working hard to launch more initiatives, support groups, webinars, events, and campaigns over the coming months. I hope more people will join us in building a safer, healthier, more supportive industry. We must continue to work together to provide a safe and reliable place for our community to be supported.”
For more information about becoming a sponsor, visit the Pineapple Support Sponsorship page. Companies and individuals can find details about additional ways to support the organization here.