In The Press
Take a look at Erika’s Lighthouse coverage in the news.
Educators Speak Out for Erika’s Lighthouse
New Professional Community Ambassadors program is up and running! Our newly launched Professional Community Ambassadors (PCA) program brings together volunteers nationwide to help Erika’s Lighthouse...
SADD and Erika’s Lighthouse Partnership
STUDENTS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS (SADD) TO PROVIDE ITS CLUB MEMBERS WITH RESOURCES FROM ERIKA’S LIGHTHOUSE TO DEFEAT THE STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES Winnetka, Ill., November 3,...
A Partnership Between Erika’s Lighthouse and School Day
Chicago, Ill., September 6, 2022 – Erika’s Lighthouse and School Day announced a partnership today to collaborate and cross-promote their resources to promote a culture of positive mental health and...
Lady Gaga’s Foundation Supports Erika’s Lighthouse
Before Lady Gaga took the stage for her long-awaited concert at Wrigley Field, the star’s foundation showed support for a Chicago-area nonprofit. NBC 5’s Jen DeSalvo reports.
Art Auction Benefits Winnetka Youth Mental Health Nonprofit
WINNETKA, IL — A Glencoe-based artist is using her work to support a local nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about teen mental health and depression. Angelina Vivant has...
Erika’s Lighthouse: A Shining Light for Childhood-Teen Depression
Erika’s Lighthouse: A Shining Light For Childhood-Teen Depression Kiwanis International, Local Nonprofit Establish Partnership By Denise Fleischer | on September 01, 2021 You can view the article...
Erika’s Lighthouse urges teens to take Positivity Pledge
WINNETKA, Ill. (WLS) -- Erika's Lighthouse is asking teens to take the Positivity Pledge in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month. The Positivity Pledge Calendar includes themed weeks...
Local Nonprofit Spotlight: Erika’s Lighthouse Illuminates Hope with Adolescent Depression
Welcome to Chicago North Shore Moms Local Nonprofit Spotlight, where we highlight and introduce a local nonprofit’s inception and mission. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and thus, CNSMoms is...
‘Help them ask for help’: More calls to increase mental health education in schools
Erika's Lighthouse, a program designed to curb mental health and depression for younger adults, is hoping to bring awareness to North Carolina schools. After a year of young children and teenagers...
How to support CPS students worried about going back to school
Chicago Public Schools is reopening classrooms for kindergarten through fifth grade Monday. Giving students a sense of transparency and protection is essential to smoothing this transition, mental...
How one school is coping with mental health: Social workers delivering technology, food and counseling to kids at home, and open office hours all day — even when school is out
Several times a week, Ericka Santiago-Diaz can be found driving around her low-income, underserved school community in New Jersey’s Asbury Park with bags of school supplies, replacement technology,...
Remote Learning Causing A Mental Health Crisis Among Teens And Children?
At the beginning of the school year, Paige Gagerman was highly motivated. The Deerfield High School junior got dressed each day and set...
Winning the John Fish ’55 Award For Distinguished Service to the Community
I was walking in a small town on the island of Kauai last February when I received a call from Peter. After some small talk, Peter told me that the Princeton Club of Chicago wanted to award the John...
Erika’s Lighthouse Shines A Light On Depression
The pages of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School junior Sylvana Prieto’s leather journal are covered with messy doodles, notes and illustrations. Journaling is one of the many coping skills that...
Mental health groups mobilize virtual community for those isolated by coronavirus outbreak. ‘This is a lifeline for people’
While seemingly everyone retreated to their homes amid the global pandemic, Kaitlin wondered about the 15 people she saw every Thursday. They all lived with depression or bipolar disorder, and they...
Stress & Anxiety Of Pandemic Is Taking Its Toll On Youth
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Erika’s Lighthouse is encouraging everyone to take the Positivity Pledge The Positivity Pledge includes themed weeks focused on nutrition and mindfulness...
Be There To Help Teens, Seniors Cope With Stay At Home Pressures
It's been 26 days since Gov. J.B. Pritzker told Illinois residents to stay at home to blunt the spread of the COVID-19 virus and by now, you're likely feeling a touch of cabin fever.The truth is...
6 Mental Health Resources For Students During The Coronavirus Pandemic
In addition to physical health concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak, the global pandemic is causing most people–especially children–mental health stress and concerns, too. With schools across...
Kiwanis International Youth Programs to Benefit From Partnership with Erika’s Lighthouse
July 19, 2021
Kiwanis International is pleased to announce a new partnership with Erika’s Lighthouse, which will give students involved in Kiwanis Youth Programs — and the adults who lead them — the tools to empower them to learn about mental health.
Erika’s Lighthouse to Discuss the Importance of Mental Health Education in Schools at the 2021 SHAPE America National Convention and Expo
April 12, 2021
Erika’s Lighthouse announced today that it will be making two presentations on the importance of mental health education in schools at the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo, which will be held virtually between Tuesday, April 13 and Saturday, April 17. Erika’s Lighthouse will also be virtually exhibiting at the event.
Depression Education From Erika’s Lighthouse Can Fill The Pressing Need For Mental Health Education Across The Country
March 3 2021
A recent poll from John Zogby Strategies found that teens overwhelmingly reported anxiety and depression as key factors for keeping them up at night. Read about how Erika’s Lighthouse programs can be incorporated into schools working to help teens in their school communities.
Parents Unsure About Mental Health Counseling For Kids, But Resources Available
February 16, 2021
Watch Executive Director Brandon Combs speak about how Erika’s Lighthouse resources can help break stigma. Also, our school partner from Alan B. Shepard High School is featured talking about how school counseling services are available for students.
Mental health eduation needed now more than ever as pandemic rages
January 29, 2021
Brandon Combs, Executive Director of Erika’s Lighthouse, talks about the desperate need for mental health education in wake of COVID-19.
Depression education programming from Erika’s Lighthouse available for remote learning in the 2020-21 school year
January 5, 2021
Erika’s Lighthouse announced today that throughout the 2020 – 2021 school year, its free depression education programming has been made available for remote learning, hybrid environments, and the traditional classroom setting.
Erika’s Lighthouse Updates Its Depression Education Programming To Meet National Health Education Standards
August 25, 2020
Erika’s Lighthouse announced today, together with Cairn Guidance, the release of the newly-developed National Health Education Standards version of depression education programs for middle and high schools. This new program is now available on the Resource Portal and joins the library of existing classroom programs.
Erika’s Lighthouse Wins the 2020 Community Builder Award From the Child Mind Institute
July 16, 2020
Erika’s Lighthouse announced today that it is the winner of the 2020 Community Builder Award from the Child Mind Institute as part of its annual Change Maker Awards.
The Positivity Pledge from Erika’s Lighthouse Brings Out the Fun in Mental Health Empowerment
April 29, 2020
Erika’s Lighthouse, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating and raising awareness about adolescent depression, promoting good mental health, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues, announced today that it is encouraging everyone to take the Positivity Pledge in May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Erika’s Lighthouse on WBBM Radio
March 27, 2020
Erika’s Lighthouse Executive Director Brandon Combs was interviewed on Chicago’s WBBM Radio to address the need to support teens during this unprecedented time of school cancellations. Listen to the clip here.
Erika’s Lighthouse Launches “We’re in this Together” Campaign
March 24, 2020
Erika’s Lighthouse is launching the “We’re In This Together” campaign to empower teens who feel isolated and alone during this unprecedented health crisis. It provides practical, meaningful tools to support teens through these uncertain times when many people around the world are self-isolating. These resources are available at www.erikaslighthouse.org/together.
Webinar: Shine Light On Depression
Shine Light on Depression is a unique collaboration of organizations committed to raising awareness of depression and preventing suicide among young people. Our Director of Education, Ilana Sherman, teamed up with the American School Health Association (ASHA) and the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to promote this collaboration.
View the webinar here. The presentation slides may be viewed here.
Erika’s Lighthouse Featured on Hubbard Helps
Every Sunday morning, 101.9fm The MIX presents special public affairs programming to address the issues and concerns facing the people of Chicago and its surrounding communities. Rather than focus on the problems we like to emphasize the solutions, so our locally-produced Hubbard Helps features conversations with Chicago-area officials, experts, and every day citizens who are working to make a difference in our communities.
Listen to this podcast. Our Executive Director, Brandon Combs is interviewed by Susan Wiencek of Hubbard Helps.
Erika’s Lighthouse Partners with the Chicago Wolves To End The Stigma Of Teenage Depression
Event planned at Downers Grove North High School on Wednesday, March 4 featuring Tyrell Goulbourne from the Chicago Wolves March 2, 2020 – Winnetka, Ill. – Erika’s Lighthouse, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating and raising awareness about adolescent depression, encouraging good mental health, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues, announced today that it is partnering with the Chicago Wolves to bring awareness and support to ending the stigma of teenage depression. On Wednesday, March 4, Erika’s Lighthouse, Chicago Wolves player Tyrell Goulbourne, Skates, the mascot of the Chicago Wolves, and the Downers Grove North High School Teen Club will be raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and spreading empathy about teenage depression. More events with Erika’s Lighthouse, the Chicago Wolves, and other schools in the Chicago metropolitan area may be planned in the coming months.
Erika’s Lighthouse is a finalist for the 2020 Community Builder Award from the Child Mind Institute
Winner determined by online voting from February 25 through March 15
February 25, 2020 – Winnetka, Ill. – Erika’s Lighthouse, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating and raising awareness about adolescent depression, encouraging good mental health, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues, announced today that it is one of six finalists for the 2020 Community Builder Award from the Child Mind Institute as part of its annual Change Maker Awards. The winner will be decided as a result of online voting which is open to the public from February 25 through March 15 at childmind.org/vote. The winner will be announced in late March and will receive the award at a ceremony hosted by NBC News veteran journalist Cynthia McFadden at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Tuesday, April 28.
Erika’s Lighthouse to Partner with the Los Angeles Unified School District at the CAHPERD Conference
February 17, 2020
The California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance will hold the conference between Thursday, February 20 and Saturday, February 22 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Garden Grove, CA. Staff from Erika’s Lighthouse will be at booth 305 and can discuss its free depression education programs.
Erika’s Lighthouse Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary Gala
March 4, 2019
Erika’s Lighthouse, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to announced today that it will be holding a celebratory event to celebrate its 15th Anniversary on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m.
Midday Fix: Depression education – expert advice on how to help teens and kids recognize the signs
WGN Midday News, August 15, 2018
Ginny and Tom Neuckranz, Co-founders and Board Members of Erika’s Lighthouse and Heather Freed, the executive director of Erika’s Lighthouse, visited WGN’s studios to talk about the importance of depression education in schools.
Erika’s Lighthouse Helps Hope Grow
By Libby Elliott, The North Shore Weekend, April 28, 2018
Heather Freed always knows what to expect at the office in the days following a local or national tragedy involving teenagers.
“We see an uptick in people reaching out to us,” said Freed, executive director of Erika’s Lighthouse, the Winnetka-based non-profit founded nearly 15 years ago to educate school communities about teen depression. “It’s typically teachers, education administrators or kids wanting to start a discussion about the issue of depression in their school. Unfortunately, tragedy is sometimes the trigger that motivates them.”
Everyday Athlete: Kathleen Hooper
By Mark Buciak, Chicago Athlete Magazine, May/June 2018
Erika’s Lighthouse is celebrating its 5th year as an official charity team of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Chicago Athlete features team member Kathleen Hooper’s experience running with the team. Go Team Erika’s Lighthouse!
Getting Depression Out of the Dark
By Alice York, Sheridan Road Magazine, April 1, 2018
What began as a parent’s response to a daughter’s tragic battle with depression has blossomed into Erika’s Lighthouse, a Winnetka-based organization armed with a passion to empower young people and those around them with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and cope with depression. Its annual gala, on Saturday, May 12, is what helps make it all possible.
Discussing “The Mental Health Issue” After Parkland
By Julia Delacroix, Teaching Tolerance, February 26, 2018
“When talking with students about mass shootings, you can’t avoid addressing mental health. This TT staffer offers recommendations for ways you can talk about mental health with your students—without adding to the stigma already in place.” Erika’s Lighthouse is mentioned as a resource for schools to use to support students who might be struggling.
Bremen High School Teams up with Erika’s Lighthouse to Discuss Teen Depression
By Bremen District 228, Patch Contributor, Oak Forest Patch, September 26, 2017
Bremen High School Social Workers, in conjunction with P.E. teachers, have teamed up for a two-day presentation in all BHS freshmen Heath classes entitled, “Teen Depression: Stories of Hope & Health.” This marks the third year of District 228’s collaboration with Erika’s Lighthouse, a non-profit organization focused on depression awareness and suicide prevention.
Kyle Anderson to host third annual ‘Celebrate Life Day’
By Cody McCrary, MySanAntonio.com, August 10, 2017
On Aug. 12, Kyle Anderson of the San Antonio Spurs will host the third annual Celebrate Life Day in his home state of New Jersey.
Anderson started Celebrate Life Day in 2015 after a close friend of Anderson’s, Paul Kim, died by suicide in 2014 during Anderson’s rookie season in San Antonio.
Proceeds from Celebrate Life Day will benefit Erika’s Lighthouse, an Illinois-based group that educates communities about teen depression, and a scholarship in Paul Kim’s name at his alma mater, Cliffside Park High School.
Some Schools Warn Families about Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why”
By Vince Gerasole, CBS News, April 24, 2017
Read and watch the news story in which Executive Director Heather Freed addresses the many questions on how to talk about “13 Reasons Why.”
Lighting The Way
By Kemmie Orquiz, Sheridan Road, April 11, 2017
“What began as a parent’s response to a tragic outcome of teenage depression has grown into a nationwide campaign to “Get Depression Out of the Dark.” Erika’s Lighthouse (ELH) continues to open up conversation and destigmatize depression, while providing knowledge and skills that families and teens can use to cope during trying times.”
GBN Holds Fundraiser to Raise Awareness of Youth Depression, Suicide Prevention
By Karie Angell Luc, The Northbrook Star, June 29, 2016
“The annual GBN Fundraiser Tournament at Techny Prairie Park & Fields in Northbrook drew an estimated 250 people on June 26 to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention among youth. In its fourth year, the event raised $1,600 to benefit Erika’s Lighthouse of Winnetka and TotalLink2 Community of Northbrook.”
For Teens in Crisis, Texting Provides an Outlet for Assistance
By Lauren Zumbach, Chicago Tribune reporter, October 23, 2013
“Picking up the phone can be tough for teens in crisis. A new hotline aims to make it easier by letting them seek help through their preferred mode of communication: texting.”
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