Erika's Lighthouse: A Beacon of Hope for Adolescent Depression
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November 26, 2012
I love being a part of a strong and important organization. Adolescent depression is something that many people do not want to discuss. However, it is very crucial to inform adolescents of the signs and symptoms, so they can receive help in a timely matter, or know what to do to help a friend. It is important that we spread awareness and work towards breaking the stigma of depression and that is exactly what Erika's Lighthouse strives to achieve!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 20, 2012
I have witnessed the tremendous change Erika's Lighthouse has brought to a community over the last ten years. The educational programs offered have had a great impact on so many lives. Reducing the stigma surrounding depression so teens can get the help they need, and proceed with productive lives is the core of the organization's message. Programs offered for educators can be easily integrated into various curriculums and school cultures. There are videos featuring real teens speaking candidly about mental health and important skills needed to help themselves or a friend and let their parents know what they may be feeling. The Parent Handbook gives families much needed support and is full of valuable information. The website has lots of information about programs offered - www.erika's lighthouse.org
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 19, 2012
I love the innovative approach to suicide prevention through depression education and advocacy. The programs at Erika's Lighthouse are very effective in providing awareness to this community. The support I have seen throughout the community has been astounding for this organization. It is truly amazing how a community can come together to support a necessary cause, and help get depression out of the dark.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 17, 2012
I can't tell you how much this organization has helped me personally and helped our North Shore area in Chicago. Invaluable!!
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 15, 2012
We started Erika's Lighthouse to change attitudes about mental health, and i think that slowly but surely, we make a difference in young peoples' lives. Join us, on our quest!
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 14, 2012
I have been involved with ELH for the past 5-6 years and it's been amazing to watch the impact the organization has had on the communities in the Chicago suburbs. In a relatively short time Erika's Lighthouse has provided area schools with the tools with which to educate students, faculty and parents about the signs and symptoms of adolescent depression. The best part is that the students in the ELH clubs (at quite a few schools now, and growing!) are the ones sharing this information with their peers and opening up dialogue that wouldn't have taken place just a few years ago.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 13, 2012
Erika's Lighthouse is an exceptional organization on the northshore of Chicago that is doing dynamic work in the field of mental health education and awareness. Our community has a wealth of top notch therapeutic resources, but until Erika's Lighthouse came around, no one was addressing the largest reason why people weren't getting help, STIGMA! Erika's Lighthouse educates communities about teen depression in a way that is accessible and helpful. I have seen first hand that mental health education reduces the shame, gives people a new way to talk and think about mental health and most importantly, provides hope. I would, without hesitation, recommend this organization to educate my school, place of worship, hospital or parent group on the topic of depression and good mental health.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 6, 2012
I was researching curriculum that would be relevant, interactive and educationally appropriate for high school students. This is the second year that I have provided a lesson to our sophomore health classes. The materials that Erika’s Lighthouse provides are outstanding. I was impressed by the empirically based data that was used in the creation of the curriculum. The lesson plans are thorough and allows the students to interact and discuss depression and suicide in a safe and supportive environment. The video, Real Teen's has a significant impact on our students as well. They "see" kids who look just like them and our students immediately can relate to this. Moreover, Erika's Lighthouse is providing student's an opportunity to get involved and to do something about "getting depression out of the dark". I would highly recommend this program and curriculum to any high school.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 4, 2012
When helping a friend who works with teenage clients I was amazed by the number of students who had signs of depression. After many discussions with Ginny Neuckranz, the founder of ELH, I realized that the major goal of this organization, to get depression out of the dark, was such a necessary force in our communities in the Chicago area. Fifteen to twenty percent of our youth suffer from depression. Many people are unfamiliar with the signs of depression and do not realize how prevalent it is and may miss the signs of depression in their own families. As a nurse I know that depression is a real and physical illness which can be successfully treated but it must first be recognized in order to be treated. That is our goal and over the last nine years we have educated a multitude of students, parents and faculty through a multi-pronged approach. We have developed study guides, parent handbooks, videos and other educational materials available at no cost. We have health care professionals who present to these groups on a consistent basis. We have fostered the development of teen clubs in our highschools to help us promote our message. As a board member I have been priviledged to work with a dedicated group of volunteers and staff who truly give so much time and effort to reducing the stigma surrounding depression. The personal rewards of working with ELH are too numerous to list. I know that we have made a difference. Linda Monico MS. RN
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012