MAURICE’S PARTNERS WITH SeekHer FOUNDATION: FASHION FOR MENTAL HEALTH
By: Prachi Khatri
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 970 million people are living with a mental disability. Roughly 1 in 8 people live with anxiety and depression. Poor mental health not only affects an individual’s life but also impacts their relationships with family, friends and community.
People suffering with mental health conditions are likely to die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population. Having a mental condition also increases the risk of human rights violations and suicides in extreme cases. Even with these alarming facts, mental health support is lacking in funding and those who find the courage to seek help are still stigmatized.
In the light of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Maurice’s, America’s leading women’s fashion retailer has partnered with SeekHer Foundation, a non-profit organization to support the mental health of women.
“At Maurices, we believe in showing up for women—not just through body-inclusive fashion, but by standing alongside them during life’s most meaningful and challenging moments. Partnering with SeekHer allows us to take a meaningful step in shining a light on mental health and supporting the well-being of women everywhere.” - said Kristine Koetter, VP of Integrated Marketing, Maurices, in a press release to GlobeNewswire
SeekHer Foundation is bridging the gender gap of mental health to empower more women for the greater good, advocating for their mental health, which is often concealed in silence. The pressure of work-life balance, parenthood, caregiving, and societal expectations can take a heavy toll on women's health but rarely gets any attention. According to studies from the SeekHer Foundation, approximately 60 percent of women have been reluctant to seek help for mental well-being, and 80 percent of women have experienced a lack of emotional support at some point in their lives.
Maurice's x Seekher collab is helping support women through by amplifying the message “#Wehearher” through fashion. Using its visibility for the greater good, the organization is reaching millions of hearts spreading the message that “Your mental health matters.”
Connection, Compassion, Coping, Community and Care are 5C’s of mental health used to promote well-being and resilience. Maurice's dedication to mental health aligns with its long-standing goal of empowering women to feel good about themselves, not just their appearance.
From April 28 through May 31, 2025, the company is running a nationwide campaign to raise funds for mental research to empower women during life’s most critical transition. In-store shoppers can simply round up their purchase total to contribute to this donation program. The company is also contributing directly to SeekHer’s foundation research and their mental health awareness campaigns.
In recent years many brands have become agents for change as consumers are more aware of world issues and want to associate them with labels that hold some meaning to their name. Fashion houses recognize their impact on society. Afterall nothing better than shopping but also helping a good cause when doing it. Companies like Maurices are not just selling clothes but a forward-thinking mindset of awareness, hope, and information. Initiatives like Maurice’s transform a brand journey from a pure business to a changemaker.
Evolving fashion reflects evolving society. When companies like Maurices decide to embody empathy, support, and activism through their clothes, they not only transform lives but also society. With more funds, nonprofit organizations such as the SeekHer Foundation can serve more people and spend more money on research and innovation to better support individuals struggling in silence.
In a world that can feel divided and challenging, initiatives like these serve as a reminder that fashion can be so much more than what we carry on our body. What’s more fashionable than a world with great mental well-being?