I’m not really sure if I can really express what today meant to me. It was amazing having you and Nicole there this morning. Looking into the student’s eyes, I know your words changed their lives. Elyssa’s story is a powerful one, and having you there to answer questions and shed light on the subject was something I will never forget. I appreciate your strength and courage; I know it’s not easy for you to be there. I have loved teaching the program, it has been therapeutic for me in a way and I always feel Elyssa’s warmth in the room. Thank you for coming back for the afternoon session. Today is a day I’ll never forget.

Posted by Melissa Malnati, Intern – Social Work

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I joined a team of counselors and social workers at a northwest suburban high school to help them implement the SOS program for the very first time. For 8 consecutive class periods, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., we taught all freshmen (close to 500 students) how to recognize the warning signs of suicide and depression, and, more importantly, how to help friends in need by seeking help from a trusted adult. School staff did a fantastic job of not only teaching the program, but also emphasizing its importance. For me, this was a new experience, as well; while I have had the opportunity to observe the program at many schools, this was the first time that I assisted with the teaching. It was wonderful to see how engaged students were both while watching the DVD, and participating in the group discussions. They took the topic very seriously and seemed moved by the real stories in the DVD, particularly Elyssa’s. When I talked about Elyssa’s Mission, and how we got started, all eyes were on me and the room was silent—every single time. Students clearly were shaken with the prospect of losing a friend to suicide. They asked how old Elyssa was when she killed herself, and gasped when they discovered she was not much older than they are now. We talked about adults in their lives that they could go to if they had a friend like Elyssa; by a show of hands, virtually all indicated that they would go to one of these adults, and not keep their friend’s suicidal thoughts a secret. Today, at the close of “day two,” I feel exhausted yet exhilarated at the same time. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel at knowing that 500 more teens are armed with the tools they need to help save a life.
-Posted by Jodie Segal, Director of Education

It’s not to early to mark your calendars for Elyssa’s Mission’s annual benefit “Racing To Save Young Lives” August 12, 2012 at Arlington Racetrack.

This past Sunday, Elyssa’s Mission had the opportunity to teach the educational component of the SOS Signs of Suicide® program to members of the 8th grade youth group at Old St. Pat’s Church. We were so impressed with the turnout, not only of the students, but also of the parents; every seat was taken! Joanne Meyers, President of Elyssa’s Mission, initiated the presentation by posing the following impossible-to-ignore question: “Did you know that suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens ages 15-24?” She went on to explain why we do the work we do, revealing that when her daughter Elyssa completed suicide, educational programs about suicide really didn’t exist within most schools. Joanne made the point known that through education to teens about the warning signs of depression and suicide, many young lives could be saved.

What followed was a showing of the “Friends For Life: Preventing Teen Suicide” DVD, paused at key points to allow for discussion. Several of Elyssa’s friends (who are also Board members of Elyssa’s Mission) were present to aid with the discussion and respond to the group’s questions about Elyssa. Melissa, Pat and Zach clearly reiterated the ACT message that appeared throughout the DVD (Acknowledge that your friend has problem, Care-show them that you care, Tell a trusted adult), expressing their personal regret about not having taken Elyssa’s warning signs seriously enough. Teens and adults alike were touched by their stories, and discussion in the room flowed following the DVD segment on “Elyssa’s Story.”

-Posted by Jodie Segal, Director of Education