Blog
Stay connected with Erika’s Lighthouse. Read personal stories, hear about program updates, explore ways to improve mental health and stay relevant with commentary on the latest topics.
Embrace the Chaos
We are living in a time that is different from any other time in history on many levels. For many, it seems like we are living in a state of perpetual chaos. COVID-19 has put a spotlight on uncertainty, created the need to isolate and lose connections with support...
Creative Classes Count
“No singing...”“No movement...”“No choir...”“No wind instruments...”(OK full disclosure, this gets rid of the recorder which is not an entirely bad thing if I’m honest... but I digress.) Music is the international language. We really have two viruses right now that we...
Resource Highlight: Intervention Language For Educators
What does it mean to be a “Trusted Adult?” According to our Shared Vocabulary, a trusted adult is a person whom teens feel comfortable or safe to turn to when they have a problem, need help, have embarrassing or difficult questions, and just need/want to talk to...
Back To School During A Pandemic
If 2020 has taught us one thing it is that we need to be flexible and resilient as everything is changing, sometimes even daily. Words we have heard more than we ever thought possible include unprecedented, social distancing, pandemic, masks, etc.When it comes to...
Every Step I Take In Memory
On September 26th, 2017 my world forever changed; my little brother, my best friend, had passed away. Nathaniel John Bauer was only 19 years old. He was a sophomore in college, still unsure of what to do with his life, but he knew he wanted to change the world....
The Power of You: Creating Inclusive Communities
Over the years we have seen incredible research showing the power of a trusted adult in the life of young people. Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child released a study saying, “Every child who winds up doing well has had at least one stable and committed...
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT: Shared Vocabulary
At Erika’s Lighthouse, we understand that discussing depression can be a challenging topic. As an educator or social worker, you are considered a trusted adult to the students who come to you. And while we realize this isn’t always part of your typical lesson plan, we...
2019-20 End of School Year Report
Download the report Erika's Lighthouse is so proud of the amazing work accomplished this past school year. Educating over 218,000 students is just the beginning and we look forward to having you join us on our journey.
We’re In This Together: New Year, New Challenges, New Resources
It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in 2020 and looking forward to a bright new year and new opportunities. But it simultaneously feels like forever since schools went to remote learning and the world stopped for COVID-19. What a difference just a few months...
Decoding the Secret Message
Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages10-24, making up 19.2% of all deaths among young people in 2017? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,...
White Paper: Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention: Implementing Effective Prevention Strategies
Download the White Paper Abstract Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention: Model Language, Commentary, and Resources is the recognized policy for effective district-level engagement for suicide...
You Are Not Alone
Depression is not a bad word, nor is it a diagnosis to be ashamed of a diagnosis. Chances are, every day you encounter a person with a mental health disorder. In fact, depression is the most common mental health disorder in teens. Did you know that: Each year, 1 in 8...
Finding Myself by Coming Out
Growing up, it didn’t take me long to notice that I was different then other boys… When my brother, who’s a year older than me, would grab for a G.I Joe or one of his Rescue Heroes, I had my eyes on the Barbies, the Beanie Babies, or any sort of Little Mermaid...
Spreading Hope, Saving Lives
It seems as if lately we cannot escape the media captivation with the topic of youth suicide, and more specifically, why it happens. The recent pandemic has stressed that depression and anxiety will be elevated and mental health will be affected by the sudden changes...
Food Is Thy Medicine
So you are feeling depressed. Getting out of bed is hard enough and maybe coffee is all you can handle in the morning. By the time lunch rolls around you are tired and preparing a sandwich and chips is all you can do. I get it. When depression sets in, many of us...
Racism, Mental Health & Challenging Conversations
The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and the countless others that came before have once again displayed the individual, systemic and institutional racism that exists in our society. We all have a role in addressing and correcting our history’s...
When the Casseroles Don’t Come
When our neighbor’s daughter had major surgery, I was struck with the number of people that came by regularly to drop off food and share resources. It looked like a revolving door of casseroles, open ears and shoulders to cry on. But it is different if mental illness...
Changing With The Times
Everything changed so fast and so completely. Now - two months in - we are all probably fairly well adjusted to it all. We are not necessarily enjoying it or thriving in it, but we have changed the way we are managing the day-to-day and we are getting by. We have...