OUR MISSION STATEMENT
We are the voice for those who feel they don’t have one.
We believe the power of compassion, connection, and hope will aid in the creation of bonds that will empower those we serve to build trust, overcome challenges, and create pathways to perseverance.
We aim for a unifying approach on prioritizing mental health, delivering education, and eradicating cultural stigmas.
We strive to prevent suicide by eliminating access barriers to care, facilitating mentorship programs, and connecting our clients to a comprehensive offering of support groups through our community partners – and providing graceful postvention support accepting those on their path to resilience.
know the warning signs
If you notice any of these signs in someone you know, PLEASE take action immediately!
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 or text 741741
Warning Signs:
Withdrawn- from friends and family. Isolating in their bedroom and not doing the activities they normally enjoy.
Changes in Sleep- they sleep more or are restless
Reckless Behavior- they act in ways that could be dangerous and seem careless about consequences
Personality Change-they behave aggressively, or become easily angered or irritated by others
Substance abuse- drinking alcohol or using other drugs
Physical Pain- they complain about physical symptoms such as stomachaches and headaches
Seem careless about personal appearance- neglect hygiene, personal appearance, or even basic grooming
Loss of Interest- they no longer want to do things they once enjoyed
Sudden mood change- suddenly happy after a period of sadness
Giving away belongings- they give away favorite possessions or throw them away
Posting comments on social media such as "someone talk to me before I kill myself" "I'm nothing but a burden" "I just want to die"
Talking about feeling hopeless, wanting to die, being a burden to others, or self harming (cutting, searching online for things
like ways to die) - it's time to call for help 1-800-273-8255 or 911 - seek immediate help, do NOT leave the person alone, take
them to the nearest emergency room, if you're concerned about your own safety please call 911
"Sadly for me, I missed the warning signs and lost my 14 year old son Zachary to suicide on September 16, 2018.
This is what I can tell you; If your friend or family member is constantly telling people they are depressed, don't
brush it off as a phase or take it lightly. Ignoring them would be like coming upon someone treading water, saying
they were about to drown. Sure, they may seem like they are treading water fine at the moment, but eventually
they will tire of the struggle and drown. Don't let that happen! Don't ignore them. If you don't know where the
lifesaver is located so you can throw it to them, find someone who does. Meaning, if you aren't sure how to help
them, reach out to people who can. Seek out the assistance of a parent, a school counselor, a family counselor, or anybody you trust. Depression is not a normal feeling that will simply go away like hunger pains. Often times,
there are reasons why a person is feeling depressed. Counseling can help people get to the root cause of why
they are feeling this way. Others experience depression because of imbalances in their body. Taking anti-
depressants can help them. Having to take medication does not make someone weak or inadequate, it simply
means that something is off inside their body and they need help to rebalance it. The bigger thing of all is to
surround them with people and instill hope. People don't just wake up and decide to die by suicide, they have
reached the point of hopelessness. There are often many little signs that go unnoticed. Mood swings, or isolation
can be signs that something is wrong. I dismissed my son Zachary's mood swings as a result of puberty. While I
don't want you to think that every moody teen is suicidal, I do want you to take notice of when and why they are experiencing these mood swings. Drug use and self-harm, or cutting, are often used to mask the pain that is
being felt. If someone you know starts using drugs or harming themselves, do not overlook these things. There is something else lurking just below the surface, something that they are struggling with. If you're the one struggling, please know that you never have to suffer in this pain alone. There are people that love you. There is help!
People DO CARE in spite of what your mind is telling you. I'll say it again, YOU ARE LOVED! Please, please talk
about it. Don't go through this darkness alone. Please find hope in knowing that the pain you're feeling will become manageable, and you can live out a full life!" - Laura
SUICIDE SURVIVOR SUPPORT
Lost a loved one to suicide? Although our primary focus is to help prevent this from happening, we are here to offer you support. Our founder lost her son to suicide and we understand your pain and know the lifelong journey you're on. We have your back. Please contact us, we are truly sorry for your loss, we are here to support you!
*postvention services available to survivors
Other services we offer:
-Customized HERO mentor resilience training
-free membership to all our HERO AND ZOWs to Anderson Japanese Gardens
-Community Education & Outreach
-Middle School & High School Suicide prevention assemblies and presentations
-Parent Education
-One-on-one parent and family support to our HERO families
-free community give back events
-Holiday give back to our HERO families Holiday food and gifts
-resources to promote self-esteem for our ZOWs (haircuts, clothing, dental braces and more!)
-referrals to support groups for families, youth, veterans, and adults living with mental illness through our community partner NAMI Northern Illinois
*Working to provide innovative technologies for suicide prevention- to be announced soon!