15 Years of Success as A Beacon of Hope for Adolescent Depression
Fostering dialogue, support, and empowerment through effective middle school and high school teen depression awareness programs and resources.
We give educators the tools to create meaningful discussions about depression
Adolescent depression lives in the shadows. Young people facing it feel isolated and dangerously alone. We help schools create hopeful dialogue so students can talk to each other, to their parents, to their teachers, and to counselors.
Classroom Programs
Our free, easy-to-use and accessible programs put the student at the center, talking to them in a language they understand.
Educator Support
As a school partner, we can work with you to make the most of the Erika’s Lighthouse programs and help you customize the programs for your school.
Teen Empowerment
We believe teens will change our world when given the right tools. We’ll help you set up peer-led campaigns, fundraisers and Teen Clubs in your school.
Authentic and Accessible Classroom Programs
Our easy-to-implement classroom programs are the product of years of conversations with educators, social workers, and especially teens. Programs are designed to:
- Reduce stigma by dispelling myths
- Promote early identification in oneself and others
- Encourage early intervention by peers and teachers
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Communities Served
Schools Served
Total Programs
We provide teens and parents with a message that instills hope and resources to find help
Parents
Learn how to recognize the signs of depression in your 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.
Jason DaneOur Corporate Partners
Recent Blog Posts
Riding the Wave: DBT and Distress Tolerance
A surfer doesn’t fight the powerful ocean wave; he moves with the wave riding its natural tide. “Riding the wave” is also a psychological practice of surfing your own powerful and negative emotions. Fighting emotions such as sadness and anger delays the acceptance of...
New Year, New You: Exercise and Health
I have struggled with food and weight for longer than I could remember. I always wanted dessert and lots of it! I was constantly overeating and I was moody, sad and displayed symptoms of depression. Eventually, I gave up and stopped caring about my health. I always...
My Road to 26.2
Prior to running the marathon, I ran a yearly 5k on Thanksgiving just to eat more and see if I could still do it. I watched Erika’s Lighthouse runners two years ago at the Chicago marathon and loved the energy of the day. Of course, Erika’s Lighthouse is near and dear...
Donate to Erika’s Lighthouse
Your donation helps us provide school programs free of charge and Get Depression Out of the Dark.
