Los Angeles, CA — October 15 — You’re Just My Type (YJMT) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a capacity-building grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, marking a major milestone for the organization and for the broader movement to strengthen mental health support within the Type 1 diabetes community. This grant will strengthen YJMT’s infrastructure, support long-term sustainability, and enable strategic growth for community-based events providing emotional support — at no cost to participants.

The Helmsley Charitable Trust has issued a community matching challenge for the grant that will double every donation made during this fundraising campaign. YJMT invites supporters, families, and allies to join in meeting this match and help secure the future of this work.

“For years, our events have been powered by passion, volunteers, and lived experience,” said Laura Pavlakovich, Founder of YJMT. “To have a foundation like the Helmsley Charitable Trust recognize the value of community spaces for people with diabetes is deeply validating. It confirms that this is not a ‘nice extra’ — it is essential.”

“Type 1 diabetes takes a toll on people and their families, and in the US, it is far too difficult to find whole-person care,” said David Panzirer, Trustee at the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “You’re Just My Type has the potential to address a critical gap by providing mental health support to people with type 1 diabetes.”

Founded in 2016 by Pavlakovich, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age five, YJMT began as a grassroots movement to make sure no one had to navigate this disease alone. Having lived with Type 1 her entire life, she knows firsthand the mental toll it takes: the burnout, the isolation, and the constant pressure that rarely gets talked about. YJMT hosts peer-led mental health events across multiple cities, offering free support to individuals and families who are often overlooked in traditional care models.

Learn more about the Helmsley Charitable Trust here.