Rocky Mountain House, AB – What started as a search for personal purpose has blossomed into a powerful movement for community wellness in Rocky Mountain House. Local resident Dustyanne Evans has turned her own mental health journey into a driving force behind two impactful programs: a youth mental health group and an innovative “Death Café” series.
After leaving her career as a licensed practical nurse due to mental health struggles, Dustyanne found a new path through the Rural Mental Health Project, becoming a community Animator. Now three years in, her commitment to building mental health awareness and social connection is transforming her hometown.
“Once I stabilized, I wanted to find something meaningful,” Dustyanne explains, “Getting trained as an Animator gave me the tools to support others and keep doing what I love—planning and connecting with people.”
In 2023, Dustyanne secured funding for two key initiatives: Creative Now, a youth group for ages 10–17, and the Death Café 2.0, a four-part discussion series tackling death, dying, and grief in a safe, open environment.
Despite unexpected health setbacks and last-minute staffing challenges, Dustyanne stepped up to lead the youth group herself. The program blends crafts, discussion circles, and wellness activities, all centered around mental health and emotional safety. With strong engagement from young participants and their parents, the group now meets biweekly and plans to continue beyond the original funding period.
Dustyanne also partnered with the Compassionate Care Hospice Society to host the Death Café, a community series inviting local professionals to speak about palliative care, funeral planning, and grief. “Western culture avoids talking about death,” Dustyanne said. “The Café gave people a place to open up—and it worked. We had powerful conversations that people are still talking about.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. The Compassionate Care Hospice Society plans to continue the Death Café series, and the youth involved in Creative Now are open to fundraise so the group can run into the summer and beyond.
For Dustyanne, the biggest success is seeing her efforts live on. “This is the first time programs I started are continuing past the grant. That’s what matters most—knowing they’re making a real difference.”
Watch the full video interview with Dustyanne to hear her inspiring story and learn more about how community-led mental health efforts are reshaping Rocky Mountain House.
To learn about all of Rocky Mountain House's projects visit Rocky Mountain House.
June 6, 2025 - Emily Wilkes