Meet Yammy Bear
Yammy Bear is Minnesota’s Iconic Mascot of Love! Yammy Bear and Family was created in 2021 in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic to bring hope and comfort to those most effected by social isolation and social injustice. Founder Charles Jackson was at work and asked God, “how can I be more effective in the kids lives in the community?” He began to imagine himself dressed as a banana on the street corner and got him to thinking how that could bring people hope and joy! but then thought, “Oh Lord, I don’t wanna be a Banana!” shortly after he went on break and began to scroll through costumes and mascots online. He quickly realized many were not approachable or just as silly the banana but then he found the brown bear mascot with the soft blue eyes, heart shaped nose, and soft brown fur that he would go on to name “Yammy Bear”!
YB’s first ever appearance was preforming at a girls birthday party where only one friend had shown up an hour after the party started! For whatever reason her friends from school hadnt made it and we can all empathize with how that could make her feel! Yammy Bear, his wife, and children all came and the young ladies close family all did as well! The party was more then a success! YB danced and sang with the children and beautiful memories were made that day for everyone. It was the beginning of realizing how a simple bear can bring smiles and laughter that completely transform peoples moods and bring pure joy to their lives.
Our mission:
Yammy Bear and Family brings comfort, hope, and encouragement through acknowledging everyone’s unique difficulties of life and reminding them that they are not alone, that others do care, and that they matter.
Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact. Social isolation is a lack of social connections. Social isolation can lead to loneliness in some people, while others can feel lonely without being socially isolated.
What many don’t realize is that, even before the pandemic, rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide were on the rise among adolescents, and schools—which have in many areas become the de facto mental health-care providers for children in their communities—have been struggling to keep ahead of the ever-growing need.
Health Risks of Loneliness
Although it’s hard to measure social isolation and loneliness precisely, there is strong evidence that many adults aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk. Recent studies found that:
Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia.
Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.
