Promoting inclusive school cultures
through mental health education
Erika’s Lighthouse offers a suite of programs designed to allow educators to empower
students and their families around depression and mental health.
We give educators the tools to create meaningful discussions about mental health and depression
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.
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 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.
Family Engagement
We have designed information, resources, workshops and more to equip schools to better interact with students and their families.
Recent Blog Posts
Five Reasons To Start A Teen Empowerment Club
An Erika’s Lighthouse Teen Empowerment Club is a school club that empowers and educates to eliminate stigma. In a Teen Empowerment Club, students are given a chance to make a difference in their school and normalize mental illness, promote good mental health and build...
Kiwanis and Key Club International Partner With Erika’s Lighthouse
We are excited to partner with Kiwanis International and Key Clubs around the world to bring mental health awareness to school communities everywhere! When was the last time you had a conversation with your peers or your teachers about mental health? Did any of your...
5 Reasons Your School Needs Erika’s Lighthouse Free Programming
Mental illness and suicide are closely connected. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “90% of young people who die of suicide have a mental health condition at the time of their death”. This demonstrates that suicide prevention programming...
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 2020
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.