Adult industry mental health nonprofit Pineapple Support is celebrating its sixth anniversary, a significant milestone for the organizations. Founded in April 2018, Pineapple Support now reports it has “provided more than $1.5M in therapy, support services, and resources to adult workers, reaching over 14,000 performers and creators.”
“Looking back six years later, the number of lives we’ve touched is both moving and sobering,” said Leya Tanit, founder and CEO of Pineapple Support. “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.”
In the last year, the organization reports it has provided online therapy services to over 3100 adult performers and offered workshops to over a thousand. Pineapple Support said the organization is now “processing nearly 200 support requests per month, with another thousand performers using their Emotional Support text service.”
The organization says it is also “one of the most efficient non-profits in the US.”
“Since 2020, an average of 79% of all donations have gone directly to therapy and program costs,” the organization said. “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.”
Tanit said the “need is there and the need is great.”
“However, with current funding constraints, we’re at maximum capacity and have a waiting list of over 160 performers,” Tanit added. “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.”
A 2023 mental health survey conducted by the organization provided insight into the needs of the community. Pineapple Support says 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.
“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,” Tanit said. “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.”
To learn more about becoming a sponsor of Pineapple Support, click here. For both companies and individuals, details on additional ways to support the organization can be found at PineappleSupport.org.
