Erika's Lighthouse

Erika's Lighthouse co-Sponsors Educating the Whole Student: Integrating Academic, Social and Emotional Learning

Wednesday, February 8, 7:00-9:00 PM, New Trier High School/Winnetka, Gaffney Auditorium, 385 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka.

In 2003, the State of Illinois passed the Children's Mental Health Act mandating the inclusion of social and emotional learning in public schools (SEL). The evening's event features Roger Weissberg, Ph.D. longtime Wilmette resident and pre-eminent researcher in this area, his findings and personal experiences with New Trier Township schools, an overview of social and emotional learning (SEL), the benefits of a preK-12 SEL program, and research about the links between academic success and SEL. A panel follows Dr. Weisberg's presentation and includes Catherine Wang, Glencoe D35 Director of Curriculum; Ryan Mollet, Central School (Glencoe) Principal; and Tim Hayes, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at New Trier Township High School.

The event is co-sponsored by the Family Awareness Network of New Trier Township Schools (FAN), New Trier High School's ECGC Parent Committee, Glencoe D35, and Erika's Lighthouse. The program is free and open to the public. For more information and to register for the event, visit www.fan-ntts.org.

Read More | Read about Dr. Weissberg

Highland Park's Edgewood School 8th Graders Take Depression Awareness to state level.

The program developed by Erika's Lighthouse in response to Illinois' recent state mandate of teacher depression awareness training, has catapulted middle school English class to statewide prominence, thanks to Mrs. Elaine Juarez and her Highland Park, IL Edgewood School 8th graders. Mrs. Juarez was so impressed with her training that she presented it to her 8th graders as a class project. The kids liked the idea and ran with it. Dubbed "Project Citizen," the students entered "A New Direction from Dark Depression" and in a statewide competition and won the regional round of competition to compete at the state level. The project was a finalist for the state, and although it did not take first place, the students are continuing the work of raising awareness regarding adolescent mental health issues.

Read all about it.

Serve Illinois Honors Ginny and Tom Neuckranz for Exemplary Community Service

Governor's Volunteer Service Awards Highlight Volunteerism

SPRINGFIELD - April 6, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn and the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service today presented 25 Illinoisans with the Governor's Volunteer Service Award. Among the recipients of this prestigious award were Ginny and Tom Neuckranz co-founders of Erika's Lighthouse. The award recognizes volunteers who have made a difference in Illinois and highlights the importance of volunteerism and community service. The Governor and Serve Illinois Commission hosted a luncheon to honor the recipients at the Executive Mansion in Springfield.

"Every day in Illinois, thousands of volunteers donate their time and talents to help others and to build stronger communities," said Governor Quinn. "We are recognizing these individuals for their initiative, creativity and energy that have made a positive change and have set an example for others to follow."

"Rock & Rally Walkathon" on Make It Better

You know their names. You know their faces. You think you know them, until you don't. They are the 15-20% of our children and adolescents who suffer with depression, many of whom statistically will not survive high school, leaving their communities to wonder what they could have done. This year, you can do something.

Teen suicide: More schools bring issue out of shadows
Talking it out can be a preventive step, educators say

The paper handed to each freshman at Oak Lawn Community High School recently was filled with blunt and uncomfortable questions. Had they lost interest in everything? Did they feel they weren't as smart or good-looking as most other people? Were they thinking about killing themselves?

A squad of counselors stood by to interview those who, based on their answers, might have been struggling with depression or contemplating suicide. By the end of the day, more than 50 teenagers had come to see them.

Read the full article

Ten and Counting to donate profits from iTunes release to Erika's Lighthouse

Music is powerful stuff. Just ask the Glen Ellyn-based band, Ten and Counting.

In June, 2009, the band's close friend, Iain Steele, Lyons Township High School Sophomore, committed suicide as a result of depression and bullying. While an entire community wondered "What could I have done?" the band vowed to make that question obsolete. On January 29th, they released "Iain's Song," as a tribute to Iain and as a message of hope to everyone suffering from depression.

Then they pledged to donate 100% of net profits from their iTunes release to Erika's Lighthouse to help educate people on the signs of depression and how to deal with it.

You can help them help us. Spread the word and download "Iain's Song" now.

Read an interview with the Band

Check out the band's website.

Chicago Trib Article Highlights Erika's Lighthouse Philosophy

Recently, Page 1 of the Chicago Tribune featured a timely article entitled "From the Edge of Suicide: A suburban mother recounts how her teenage daughter was brought back from despair by family, friends, luck." The piece, written by John Keilman, gives an in-depth account of one family's journey, often in the daughter's own words, and reminds us of how anyone at any time can be instrumental in deterring a child from suicide. The article is an excellent example of the Erika's Lighthouse philosophy in action and prompted several responses including one from our Executive Director, touting a "comprehensive school community" approach.

Read the article

Read Peggy Kubert's and others' responses to it

Visit The Screening Room 2010!

Featuring the top entries from our recent Video Contest - including Honorable Mentions! We hope the work of these talented and insightful teens will help shed light on adolescent depression for you and everyone you know who's been touched by adolescent depression.

Watch now, then visit the Screening Room for more.

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