MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — During more than 20 years as a clinical social worker, Jennifer Voorhaar repeatedly encountered people who wanted mental health care but could not afford to get it
Some were uninsured or underinsured. Others faced copays they could not manage or needed services their insurance would not cover. In late 2025, Voorhaar founded The Butterfly Effect Project Inc. to begin addressing those barriers in Southern Maryland
On Sunday, Oct. 4, the nonprofit will hold its first annual Flutter Fest 5K at John V. Baggett Park in Mechanicsville. Proceeds will form the foundation of a scholarship fund that Voorhaar, the organization’s founder and executive director, hopes to open in 2027
“I’ve seen over and over again how folks lack the access to mental health and wellness services due to being uninsured, underinsured or come up against other barriers,” Voorhaar said in an interview with The BayNet
Voorhaar said the proposed scholarships could help pay for mental health care as well as wellness services that insurance may not cover. She cited massage, one-on-one trauma yoga and trauma-informed personal training among the services the organization hopes to support
The Butterfly Effect Project has partnered with local mental health and wellness providers who have agreed to accept payment through the organization and reduce their rates for people it serves, she said
The 5K will provide the initial funding. Voorhaar described the planned scholarships as a goal for 2027; the fund is not yet open for applications
Flutter Fest will offer a timed 5K race and an untimed fun run and walk. Both are scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. at Baggett Park, 26929 Three Notch Road. Race morning packet pickup is scheduled for 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. Organizers plan to recognize top timed runners by age group. The Beanery and Healthy Vibez are expected to offer food and drinks for purchase, Voorhaar said. runsignup.com
Voorhaar hopes the event will show participants how individual contributions can add up
“We hope that participants will see that not only can we come together for a common mission but that every donation of time, talents and/or re impacts make big change and help transformation take flight in Southern Maryland.”
Registration closes at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and there is no race-day registration, according to the event’s registration page. Readers can find current prices, register or donate through the Flutter Fest 5K page. More information about the nonprofit is available at thebutterflyeffectprojectinc.com
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