We give educators the tools to promote inclusive school cultures around mental health
Adolescent depression lives in the shadows. Young people facing it feel isolated and dangerously alone. We help schools provide their students with the skills needed to talk to each other, to their parents, to their teachers and to counselors. Our resources raise awareness, reduce stigma, educate students, promote good mental health and encourage help-seeking.
Classroom Education
Our free, easy-to-use and accessible programs put the student at the center, talking to them in a language they understand.
Teen Empowerment
We believe teens can change the world with the right tools. You can set up Teen Clubs, peer-led campaigns and fundraisers in your school.
Family Engagement
We have designed information, resources, workshops and more to equip schools to better interact with students and their families.
Policy & Staff
We have developed videos, staff trainings, frameworks, templates, best practices and more to align your policies & staff.
Recent Blog Posts
Seasonal Affective Disorder & Depression: Conversations Around “The Winter Blues”
As gloomy winter weather begins, kids and young adults may feel the effects of the changing seasons. While some may have the “winter blues,” others may experience Season Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression exacerbated by the lack of sunlight enjoyed during...
How Schools Can Promote Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Teenage Depression
Educators are often the first to notice mental health issues in children. That’s why throughout the month of October, we observe National Depression Education & Awareness Month, which aims to recognize signs, symptoms and treatments of depression. Depression among...
2020-21 School Yearbook
Check out our latest school-year Annual Report: the Yearbook. 2020-21 Yearbook Annual Report
Erika's Lighthouse Programs Are Near You
Our evidence-informed, depression awareness education programs are spreading around the world. See if a school or organization near you is utilizing Erika's Lighthouse Classroom Programs.
Help us educate students in your community by becoming a Community Ambassador today >
This School Year's Impact
Since August 2021
Countries
States
Schools Served
Teens Impacted
Teens Impacted Since 2004
We provide schools with ways to educate teens and families through messages of hope and resources to find help
Families
Schools can play a role in helping families recognize the signs of depression in their child. See if our programs are right for your school or community.
Teens
Learn about depression and take charge of your mental health. Together, we can Get Depression Out of the Dark.
Teen Depression Toolbox
Worrying that you or someone you love has depression can be overwhelming. You are not alone. Hope and help are possible and it all starts with a little education.
From Tragedy, Hope
Erika’s Lighthouse: A Beacon of Hope for Adolescent Depression was founded in 2004 by Virginia and Thomas Neuckranz after their daughter Erika lost her life to depression. In order to avoid another loss in the community, they founded Erika’s Lighthouse with the goal of creating educational materials to Get Depression Out of the Dark.
With help from the community, and from donors nationwide, we’ve grown and expanded our mission across the country. We know that working together, we can save lives.
Our school has partnered with Erika’s Lighthouse for several years, and I am always impressed with the quality of materials that they produce. Talking about depression can make both teachers and students uncomfortable, but the Erika’s Lighthouse programs are designed to decrease the negative attitudes of depression. The programs provide an opportunity for conversations about how students can contribute to a positive mental health culture in their school and community.
Partners
Donate to Erika’s Lighthouse
Your donation helps us provide school programs free of charge to Get Depression Out of the Dark.