Testimonials

“We are grateful to Elyssa’s Mission for providing Grayslake Central with the SOS program. We launched the program this past October and we were able to identify and intervene with many students. The program is helping us to change the culture and break the stigma of depression and teach the importance of “ACT”. Please know that not just students, but staff also have been impacted. Knowledge is power and Elyssa’s Mission is helping us educate and inform on depression and suicide prevention. Thank you for providing the SOS program and resources to our school with no cost. And, thanks to Jodie for her direct support both during planning, implementation and presenting to staff.”
- Roslyn Lessem, LPC, Student Assistance Program Coordinator

“Words cannot express Loyola Academy’s deep gratitude to Elyssa’s Mission for the SOS Signs of Suicide® Program you gave to our students this year. You have made an impact on the students and faculty at Loyola Academy by raising the awareness of the signs and symptoms of suicide. You have changed the way our students view each other. You have inspired them to view the world around them with care and concern. You have given tools for students to help their friends in crisis. For that, we are forever grateful. Your care and concern, and your commitment to the safety and well-being of adolescents are nothing short of amazing.”
- Debra Larrea, LCPC, Guidance Counselor, Loyola Academy, Wilmette

“We have been using the SOS Signs of Suicide® Program in our sophomore health curriculum for two years. It teaches our kids how to recognize some signs of suicide in their peers, and then what to do: ACT. Acknowledge their pain, show you Care about them, and Tell an adult who will take action. The DVD vignettes act this out and show what NOT to do. It makes a topic that can be difficult to discuss a little easier to understand. Counselors do report that each semester, several of our students have come to them with concerns about themselves or a friend after the two day program. Thanks should go to Elyssa’s Mission for supplying the SOS program, training and for their continued support.”
- Tricia Moore, health teacher at Hersey High School

“We are most thankful for the opportunity to use the SOS Signs of Suicide® Program materials that Elyssa’s Mission provided with our middle school students. The DVD’s and reference materials are well matched to the realities our students face. We have seen a strong impact as students reflect and consider their role in responding to signs of suicide with peers. As we consider the social and emotional well being of our students, the SOS program is a critical tool to address student needs.”
- Catherine Wang, Director of Curriculum, Glencoe School District

“Our middle school has been using the SOS Signs of Suicide® Program for two years. This interactive program helps me teach my students the various signs of suicide and the skills needed to help others who are having suicidal feelings. There are components to this program that truly allow students to feel comfortable about their feelings and encourages them to seek help when necessary. It is definitely an eye opening lesson for my students, but I know they walk away from this unit with the necessary tools to help prevent teen suicide.”
- Jessica Levin, Deerpath Middle School, Lake Forest

“I appreciate the resources and know that we’ll continue to refine our approach and greatly value our connection and collaboration with Elyssa’s Mission. The students responded well to the video options which then led to very productive conversations. Some students commented on the subtle differences between the “what to say” and “what not to say” and appreciated the option to talk through those differences. Our Health teacher would continue to use components of this with a group next year as well.”
- Anonymous