Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lombardi.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Though I’ve officially been on the Flatwater team for a little over a year, my heart has belonged to this mission since 2012. Before finding Flatwater, I saw cancer mostly through a clinical lens. I was no stranger to the disease, but I hadn’t yet grasped its quiet depth—the profound, cascading weight it places on families, loved ones, and entire communities. When this role opened up, it felt like the stars had aligned. Every day, I am deeply humbled by the lives we are able to touch, and endlessly grateful for the incredible community that gathers to keep hope afloat.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to becoming Director of Events for Flatwater was a smoothly paved, albiet not void of personal challenges. Before Flatwater, I was fortunate to work for great people in the service industry, teach & coach at the middle and high school levels, and take time to start a family – all ventures I have a deep passionate for. I did a lot of reflecting in my choice to return to the work force, but I couldn’t let the opportunity pass to make a difference in our community through Flatwater.
We’ve been impressed with Flatwater, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Flatwater connects anyone touched by cancer with mental health therapists to help heal and navigate what lies ahead. Flatwater is a 501c3 non-profit organization that serves Austin and surrounding Central
Texas counties. We cover the full cost of mental health therapy (up to 40 sessions) at no cost to the
participant, and with no clinical referral needed. A cancer diagnosis impacts not just those diagnosed, but also their loved ones around them. Mental health is an often unaddressed but essential aspect of any cancer diagnosis, therapy can help people through challenges that may arise. What sets Flatwater apart is our laser focus on a need that has the potential to impact everyone, world wide. We exist in a broken health care system, and we’re committed to filling the mental health gap in the healing process of a cancer journey. We pride ourselves on removing barriers to access support and care. Our hope is that anyone dealing with cancer takes care of their mental health alongside their physical health, and is aware that Flatwater can be the key to unlocking life-saving support.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I would encourage anyone starting out to take the leap, go for it, and look for silver linings in every opportunity – whether it was your desired job or career path. I did not dream of managing bars when I moved to Austin, Texas, but I gained so many valuable and lasting relationships during those years that continue to positively impact my life.
Pricing:
- $105 covers the cost of 1 mental health therapy session for an individual
- $120 covers the cost of 1 mental health therapy session for a couple or a family
- $4200 covers 40 sessions of mental health therapy sessions
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flatwater.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flatwater/?hl=en
