Blogs

What We Learned Traveling to Advance Youth Mental Health Education

Over the past month, I have traveled across the country to represent Erika's Lighthouse. My goal was to observe new developments in mental health technology, share our...

National Estate Planning Awareness Week: Legacy Giving for Youth Mental Health

National Estate Planning Awareness Week: October 19–25, 2026 Gifts made through a financial or estate plan shape the future of youth mental health and protect generations to...

Corporate Volunteer Engagement in Action: Grainger Partnership

How to Roll Out K–12 Mental Health Training Without Teacher Burnout

Student mental health needs remain a critical priority for school leaders nationwide. While recent national trends show encouraging progress in student mental health...

Medicaid Managed Care & Youth Mental Health | MHPA26 Takeaways

At the MHPA26 conference in San Antonio last week, Executive Director Brandon Combs and I had the privilege of representing Erika’s Lighthouse as exhibitors. Standing at our...

What Are the Main Differences Between Top School Mental Health Programs?

Selecting the right youth mental health program is one of the most critical decisions K–12 administrators, school social workers, and counseling teams make. With adolescent...

Introducing Erika’s Lighthouse’s New K–12 Positive Relationships Curriculum

Healthy relationships aren’t just a nice-to-have, they are a cornerstone of student mental health. From a kindergarten student learning to identify a trusted adult, to a...

How Erika's Lighthouse Programs Fulfill State Suicide Prevention Mandates and ESSA Tier 2 Requirements

School administrators, district leaders, and student services professionals face a complex regulatory landscape. Across the country, state legislatures have passed laws...

Implementing K–12 Mental Health & Wellness Standards: A Complete School Guide

Youth mental health in America has reached an undeniable turning point. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 50% of all lifelong mental health...

What Should a Tier 1 School Mental Health Approach Include?

What Should a Tier 1 School Mental Health Approach Include? A strong Tier 1 school mental health approach includes universal strategies that promote mental health literacy...

What Is Mental Health Literacy for Students? A Guide for K–12 Schools

What Is Mental Health Literacy for Students? Mental health literacy is the knowledge, understanding, and skills students need to recognize mental health challenges, reduce...

7 Ways Schools Can Encourage Student Help-Seeking

Why Student Help-Seeking Matters Young people spend a significant portion of their lives at school, making schools an important setting for mental health education,...

How to Help School Staff Become Trusted Adults for Students

For many students, having a trusted adult at school can make it easier to ask for help when they are struggling with their mental health. But being a trusted adult is about...

Students Are Ready for the Conversation: What Educators Are Seeing in Schools Today

Students may be more ready to talk about mental health than many adults realize. That was one of the strongest themes to emerge during a recent Erika's Lighthouse webinar...

Why Teach Mental Health Education in Kindergarten Through Grade 3? Introducing "We All Have Feelings"

Every educator who has ever stood at the front of a Kindergarten through Grade 3 classroom knows the scene. A standard Tuesday morning can instantly pivot when a missing...

Erika's Lighthouse Receives Largest Gift in Organization's History

$540,335 award from the Scripps Family Impact Fund will expand free, evidence-informed mental health education for K–12 schools nationwide.

How to Choose a School Mental Health Curriculum

What Works in School Mental Health? Lessons From Reaching 1.7 Million Students Annually

Since 2004, Erika's Lighthouse has partnered with more than 6,200 schools and directly impacted more than 5.5 million students. What began as a local effort has grown into...

School Transition Stress: How Educators Can Help

Transitioning to a new school often causes stress and anxiety because students are navigating unfamiliar environments, new social dynamics, increased academic expectations,...

Now Approved: Erika’s Lighthouse Staff Training Added to SPRC Best Practices Registry

For school administrators, counselors, and educators, managing the youth mental health crisis is one of the most serious challenges faced in classrooms today. Fifty percent...

Mental Health Excellence in K-12: Honoring the 2025-2026 Peggy Kubert Model Schools

What is a Peggy Kubert Model School in Mental Health Excellence? At Erika's Lighthouse, we believe that every student deserves good mental health. Ensuring that students...

A New Way to Work: Our Resource Portal is Getting an Upgrade

Change is in the air this summer! We are thrilled to announce that we are officially transitioning to a brand-new, updated Resource Portal. We know that system changes can...

How Screen Time Affects Teen Mental Health: A Guide for Balance

In an era where digital devices are completely integrated into academic and social lives, finding a healthy equilibrium is one of the most critical challenges facing families...

How School Staff Can Spot and Support Burned-Out High Achievers

In today’s competitive academic landscape, high-achieving students often carry immense pressure to perform. Whether it’s earning perfect grades, securing scholarships, or...

4 Free and Affordable Ways to Support Student Mental Health

In today’s fast-paced academic environment, mental health has become a primary concern for students of all ages. From middle schoolers facing social pressures to high...

When Kids Say “I’m Fine”: How to Recognize Hidden Mental Health Struggles

Many parents have heard it before. You ask how your child is doing, and the response comes quickly and quietly: “I’m fine.” But something feels off. Maybe their mood has...

Signs & Symptoms of Adolescent Depression

Adolescent depression is real, serious and treatable. However, adolescence is a time of major changes, both physically and emotionally. That may make it difficult to...

How Nutrition Impacts Children’s Mental Health and Well-Being

What children eat doesn’t just affect their physical growth; it plays a crucial role in how their brains function, how they feel, and how they cope with stress. According to...

How Schools Can Use Mental Health Data to Improve Student Wellness

The Erika's Lighthouse Data Center is a free resource designed to empower school administrators and educators to make data-informed decisions regarding student well-being....

What are the New K-12 Mental Health Learning Standards and Why They Matter for Every Student

By Britnee Weatherspon, Ed.D. The youth mental health crisis is a serious challenge, but it is one we can address by working together. Research from the World Health...

How to Help Children or Teens with Low Self-Esteem: Strategies That Work

Self-esteem plays a crucial role in a young person’s emotional, social, and academic development. When children or teens struggle with low self-esteem, they may experience...

How to Recognize Depression in Teens: Signs Every Parent and Teachers Should Know

Adolescence is a time of immense growth, but for many, it is also when symptoms of depression first appear. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in...

Simple Breathing Techniques Teachers Can Use in the Classroom

6 Simple Breathing Techniques for the Classroom 1. The 4-7-8 Technique Popularized by Dr. Andrew Weil, this method acts as a "natural tranquilizer" for the nervous system.

How Social Media Impacts Teen Mental Health

In today’s digital age, social media is a central part of daily life for teenagers. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) offer vital spaces...

How Physical Activity Improves Teen Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

How Physical Activity Affects the Teenage Brain When teens engage in physical activity—whether it’s dancing, basketball, or walking the dog—their bodies release...

Shining Brighter Together: Introducing Beacons of Hope+

Joining a Community of Action

How Can Schools Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in May?

What is the Positivity Pledge? The Positivity Pledge is a schoolwide awareness campaign by Erika’s Lighthouse designed for Mental Health Awareness Month in May. It is a...

How Can I Tell if My Teen is Depressed or Just Being a Teen?

Understanding Adolescent Depression Adolescence is a period of significant physical and emotional change, which can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish between...

The Ripple Effect: How Your Stories Power Youth Mental Health

A Shared Mission for Every Student At Erika’s Lighthouse, we sit at the intersection of professional educators and passionate supporters. While our donors provide the fuel,...

Turn Your Next Race into a Mission: Perks of Joining Team Resilience DIY

Your Race, Your Pace, Your Impact Are you training for an Ironman, a triathlon, or a local marathon? With Team Resilience DIY, you don't have to wait for a "signature" race...

School Refusal and Depression: How to Help Your Child Get Back to Class

Understanding the Root of School Refusal It is not uncommon for a child or teen with depression to avoid or refuse to go to school. This behavior can be disruptive...

How Can Schools Become “Sources of Strength” for Youth Mental Health?

Building a Culture of Care in Your School Community Every student deserves good mental health, but achieving this requires more than just a single lesson—it requires a...

Illuminating Hope: Why It’s Time to Shine A Light on Depression

Depression thrives in the shadows. It grows in silence, isolation, and the feeling that no one else understands. But at Erika’s Lighthouse, we believe that no young...

The Landscape of School Mental Health Today

The current landscape of school-based mental health services is facing a “perfect storm.” While student needs are rising, schools are battling...

What are the Best Resources for Families Dealing with Youth Depression?

Understanding Your Child’s Mental Health Journey Addressing youth mental health is a priority for every parent, yet many families feel overwhelmed by where to start....

Empowering Peers: Boost Self-Esteem and Shine a Light this February

Why Student Self-Esteem Matters in Mental Health Students often feel invisible when struggling with their mental health. Low self-esteem frequently acts as a silent...

Impact 2030: Why Investing in Mental Health Literacy is the Future of Education

How is Impact 2030 Transforming Youth Mental Health? The youth mental health crisis is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with 50% of mental illnesses...

Beacons of Hope: Lighting the Way for Youth Mental Health

We are thrilled to announce that Beacons of Hope has officially launched! You are invited to join an exclusive community of philanthropic leaders dedicated to...

Mental Health Literacy in 2026: Building a Sanctuary of Support

The Evolution of Mental Health Literacy It is 2026, and the definition of a “mentally healthy school” has deepened. While we once focused heavily on simply identifying...

The Future of Staff Training is Here: Revolutionizing Mental Health Conversations with AI

We are on the brink of a new era in school mental health, and Erika’s Lighthouse is leading the charge. We are thrilled to unveil a...

Empowering Youth Mental Health: Joining the Erika’s Lighthouse Professional Community Ambassador Program

In the world of youth mental health, awareness is only the first step. The real work lies in action, education, and community-building. For professionals who are...

Stronger Together: How Strategic Alignments are Revolutionizing School Mental Health

What are S trategic Alignments? Strategic Alignments are purposeful partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to youth wellness. Whether...

How Can 5-Minute Mental Health Breaks Improve Student Focus?

Why Students Need Mental Health Breaks In today’s fast-paced world, students are constantly bombarded with stimuli that can lead to stress,...

Celebrating Team Resilience 2025

Team Resilience 2025 Update The collective energy of Team Resilience has been felt across the globe. We are incredibly proud to celebrate the...

A Lifeline for the Future: Your Year-End Gift Fuels Hope for a Million Students

The year 2025 is coming to a close, a time for reflection on what we’ve achieved together and a moment to look ahead with hope and ambition. The youth mental health...

LISTEN NOW: How One Free Program is Reaching 1 Million Kids Worldwide with Life-Saving Depression Education

💡 The Free Program Reaching 1 Million Kids Worldwide In a world where youth mental health is an ever-growing crisis, one organization is...

See Your Donation in Action: Introducing the Erika’s Lighthouse Impact Calculator

At Erika’s Lighthouse, we believe that every student deserves good mental health. We also believe that every donor deserves to know exactly how their...

Welcome, ShineLightonDepression.org Visitors! Find All Your Familiar Resources (And More) Here.

Welcome to the Source If you were trying to visit ShineLightonDepression.org, you’ve landed in the right place. While that website will shut down at the...

The Power of a Monthly Gift: Your Steady Support Makes A Difference All Year Long

At Erika’s Lighthouse, our mission is driven by a powerful vision: to ensure no young person ever feels alone in their depression. We do this by providing free,...

Giving Hope All Year Long: Light the Way for Youth Mental Health This Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is Tuesday, December 2 — a global movement of generosity. But for the young people in our lives, every day presents a critical need for support,...

Beyond Donations: Crafting Hope with Erika’s Lighthouse Good Mental Health Toolkits

{% video_player "embed_player" overrideable=False, type='hsvideo2', hide_playlist=True, viral_sharing=False, embed_button=False, autoplay=False, hidden_controls=False,...

Reducing Mental Health Stigma for Students and Children | Mental Health Matter: A podcast with LeeAnn Trotter, Katie Conklin, and Candice Florance

Making mental health education a priority in schools isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential. This podcast episode focuses on the effectiveness of Erika’s...

Building a Foundation of Hope: How Schools Support Student Mental Health

When a child struggles to read, we provide a reading specialist. When a student has a fever, we send them to the school nurse. We instinctively understand that for...

Make-a-Will Month: A Legacy of Hope for Youth Mental Health

August is Make-a-Will Month—a time dedicated to the powerful act of planning for the future. While it may not be a topic we discuss every day, creating a will is...

Erika’s Lighthouse Announces Inaugural Award Recipients

2024-25 Peggy Kubert Model Schools for Mental Health Excellence Erika’s Lighthouse is thrilled to recognize its first cohort of Peggy Kubert Model...

Introducing Beacons of Hope

Join an exclusive community shining a light on youth mental health. At Erika’s Lighthouse, we are dedicated to ensuring every student has the...

2024 Annual Report Snapshot

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Friends, At Erika’s Lighthouse, we believe every student should have the knowledge and tools they need to care for their mental...

The Cost of Spring Break: Alcohol, Risky Behavior, and Traffic Safety Concerns for Students

The Cost of Spring Break: Alcohol, Risky Behavior, and Traffic Safety Concerns for Students By: Blossom Thao (Maine State Coordinator for SADD) Spring break is all...

Mental Health Crisis

If you are experiencing mental distress or having a mental health crisis, please talk to a trusted adult or call 988.

Erika’s Lighthouse Recognizes 20 Years of Providing Depression Education and Suicide Prevention Programming to Schools Nationwide

Since Erika’s Lighthouse was founded in 2004, it has touched the lives of more than 2.6 million students. Erika’s Lighthouse, a not-for-profit organization...

Erika’s Lighthouse ’23-’24 Program Report

Erika’s Lighthouse releases an annual program report to highlight the impact that our programs have made in schools nationwide with our Level II and Level III...

The Positivity Pledge: Mental Health Awareness Month Campaign

Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit organization that provides mental health education and resources to schools and communities. The Positivity Pledge campaign is a...

Share Your Story

Do you want to share your story and empower others? Erika’s Lighthouse is on a mission to provide free mental health education to any school, anywhere. Erika’s...

School Refusal: When Your Child Doesn’t Want to Go to School Due to Depression

It is not uncommon for a child or teen with depression to avoid or refuse to go to school. Inability or reluctance to wake up and get dressed in the morning,...

Make A Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA to Erika’s Lighthouse

If you are an IRA owner age 70½ or over, you may be eligible to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA. A QCD is a tax-free distribution from...

Program Evaluation Surveys and Their Impact

What program evaluations are included in Erika’s Lighthouse Resources?Erika’s Lighthouse classroom education programs each come with the option to utilize...

A Framework for Culture Change in School Communities

Erika’s Lighthouse believes every school community can be inclusive, empathetic and supportive around mental health. Our framework for promoting inclusive school...

How to Start a Facebook Fundraiser for Erika’s Lighthouse

Erika’s Lighthouse is a nonprofit organization that helps schools provide their students with the skills needed to talk to each other, to their parents,...

Enlighten Learning Management System

Erika’s Lighthouse Enlighten Learning Management System is preparing school communities around mental health. We offer a variety of course selections and hope that...

Memorials

Erika’s Lighthouse was founded following the loss of a 14-year-old girl who lost her life to her depression. When Erika died, her family and friends felt that the...

Self-Referral Cards

One of the important aspects of a tier 1 program according to Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) is that it connects students to support and offers a referral...

Be a Professional Community Ambassador

Erika’s Lighthouse: A Beacon of Hope for Adolescent Depression is a non-profit organization committed to raising awareness about youth mental health in elementary...

Becoming Sources of Strength with Erika’s Lighthouse

Sources of Strength in a School Community Erika’s Lighthouse offers a variety of free resources that can help educators, families, staff and students serve...

Mental Health Literacy in Schools

Erika’s Lighthouse is a beacon of hope for schools seeking to create inclusive and supportive environments where mental health matters. Mental health literacy is...

Team Resilience Marathons & DIY

If you love Erika’s Lighthouse and are looking to combine supporting our mission and your endurance hobbies, then you must join our endurance program, Team...

Spreading Kindness with Erika’s Lighthouse Compliment Poster

Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit organization that provides mental health education and resources to schools and communities. One of their many resources is the...

Empowerment Clubs

What programs or resources are included in Erika’s Lighthouse Empowerment Clubs? We offer opportunities for students to take on leadership roles in their schools...

Family Conversations: “Let’s Talk” During the Holiday Season

The holidays can be a busy and sometimes stressful time for families, especially for children and teens. There are often long days and lots of changes in routine which...

The Impact – End of Year Giving

In February 2023, the CDC reported that an alarming 22% of young people said they had seriously considered suicide and stated, “The data make[s] it clear that...

Improve Your Family’s Mental Health & Prepare for Next Year!

As we approach the end of another year, it’s a good time to start thinking about how you and your family can improve your mental health in the year ahead....

Resource Highlight: Help Seeking Worksheet

When you’re struggling with mental health challenges, it can be tough to know where to turn for help. You may feel like you’re all alone, or that you don’t deserve...

Holiday Market Supporting Mental Health

Join us in support of Erika’s Lighthouse this holiday season! Adolescent depression lives in the shadows. Young people facing it feel isolated and dangerously...

State Expansion Through Community Ambassadors

“I am extremely satisfied with Erika’s Lighthouse Program. As a new school social worker, I find their provision of numerous free resources to be invaluable,...

Depression Education is Suicide Prevetion

Depression is a common mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including sadness, hopelessness, fatigue,...

Support Erika’s Lighthouse on Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving that happens on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a chance to celebrate generosity and give back to the causes that...

Staff Training Pillar

What programs or resources are included in Erika’s Lighthouse School Policy pillar? Erika’s Lighthouse offers school communities robust resources around school...

Staff Mental Wellness Highlight

Erika’s Lighthouse believes that practicing good mental health is just as important for educators and administrators as it is for students. Schools can create a...

Erika’s Lighthouse Legacy Society

Erika’s Lighthouse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and raising awareness about adolescent depression, encouraging good mental health and...

How Using New RECHARGE Program Can Support Student Learning

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult for students to focus for long periods of time. They are constantly bombarded with stimuli, both in and out of the...

Empowerment Club Sponsorship

One in five teens experiences a mental health disorder each year. That’s a lot of young people who are struggling in silence. Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit...

As Funds Expire, Equity & Sustainability Are Key

As Funds Expire, Equity & Sustainability Are Key A flurry of recent articles has raised the reality that federal COVID-19 relief funds are set to expire, and their...

Classroom Education’s Impact

We offer a suite of three educational programs designed to allow educators to empower their students with an introduction to mental health, depression literacy,...

NEW Student Fundraising Center

Erika’s Lighthouse has created a one-stop shop for student fundraising! Erika’s Lighthouse is a nonprofit with the mission to make sure no young person feels alone in...

The Benefits of Donating Stock to Erika’s Lighthouse

By donating stock to Erika’s Lighthouse, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on adolescent depression and ensure school communities have the...

You Are Never Alone: Understanding Teen Depression & Suicide Prevention

September is National Suicide Prevention Month—a time to break the silence, look out for one another, and remind everybody that your mental health matters. If you’ve...

The Four Pillars

Erika’s Lighthouse focuses on equipping school communities with the mental health education needed through four main pillars. Classroom Education, Family...

Portal Sponsorship: The Opportunity to Empower School Professionals Around the Country

You have the opportunity to empower school professionals around the country by sponsoring Erika’s Lighthouse Resource Portal. By focusing on a specific state or...

Erika’s Lighthouse 2022-2023 Program Report

Erika’s Lighthouse is a nonprofit dedicated to providing free turn-key resources to educators to create inclusive school cultures around mental health. Every...

Suicide Prevention Week: GIVE VOICE Campaign

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24 in the US. Nearly 20% of high school students in the US report having serious thoughts...

Giving Crypto to Erika’s Lighthouse

Cryptocurrency is one of the fastest-growing types of donations to charities. Over 300 million people hold cryptocurrency, and in 2022, over $125 million was donated...

Erika’s Lighthouse: Family Engagement Conversations

Are you looking for free, turn-key family engagement resources around mental health? Access Programs The resources we offer include two youth...

Minority Mental Health: The Importance of Culturally-Sensitive Care and How Your Donation Can Help

In 2020, suicide was the third leading cause of death for black and African American youth ages 15-19. Mental health disparities among minority groups are a severe...

The Benefits of Using a Donor Advised Fund to Support Mental Health

Erika’s Lighthouse is a nonprofit organization that provides free, donor-funded depression education programming to teens and educators. Our mission is to raise...

The Family Conversation Journal: A Tool for Building Stronger Relationships

There are many different ways to communicate, and not everyone prefers or feels the most comfortable doing it verbally. It’s important to be aware of different...

Support the Beacon of Hope Golf Classic and Help Fight Adolescent Depression

Depression is a serious mental illness that affects millions of people around the world, including teens. According to the National Institute of Mental Health,...

Key Club Raises Funds to Support Mental Health

The Wilmot Union High School Key Club raised funds to support mental health education by hosting a Snowball Dance at their school. Hello! My name is Katherine...

Support Erika’s Lighthouse in Kind and Volunteering

At Erika’s Lighthouse, we believe in creating a more equitable and inclusive world around mental health. We want every student in every school to have access to mental...

Mental Health is School Health

The American School Health Association (ASHA) is a national, multidisciplinary professional association that collaborates with Erika’s Lighthouse and others on a...

Parenthood

A Heart on the Outside of the Body That is what it’s like having children. That’s what we’re told and we accept that as how it is. However, I am sitting here...

Mental Health Awareness Month: Take the Positivity Pledge

Access Programs The end of the school year is right around the corner and it brings an exciting time for change and new chapters in students’ lives. Erika’s...

Promoting Student Thriving by Connecting SEL and Mental Health

Access Programs Where It Begins For many districts, the path they follow into a more systemic approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) begins with...

Why Educators Must Focus on Student Mental Health

Access Programs Erika’s Lighthouse at SHAPE Florida I heard an amazing presentation on Erika’s Lighthouse curriculum at a conference hosted by SHAPE...

Schools Can Address Mental Health Smarter, Better, Easier

Access Portal Another study. Another confirmation that our youth are struggling with their or their peers’ mental health. In fact, student mental health...

Skills-Based Health Education Beyond the Classroom

Holly Alperin, Ed.M, MCHES, has worked for over 20 years in public health and education. Currently she works at the University of New Hampshire preparing...

Erika’s Lighthouse Update on Adolescent Mental Health: February 2023

Access Programs Erika’s Lighthouse is dedicated to adolescent mental health and our mission of ensuring no young person ever feels alone in their...

The Importance of Reaching Out to a Trusted Adult

Access Programs Trigger Warning: Suicidal Ideation My Story I have always been someone who is afraid of reaching out for help. However, that had to...

Utilizing Tier 1 Universal Supports and Practices to Provide Mental Health Education to All

Nancy Watson (LCSW, CADC) is a psychotherapist at Lake Forest Wellness (Lake Forest, Illinois) specializing in working with children, adolescents, and...

The Power of Programs with Impact Part IV:School Policy & Staff Development

Does the school policy at your school account for students who may be experiencing mental health challenges? Do staff know how to be trusted adults? How do your...

SEL and Mental Health Education Build on One Another

Access Programs Serving Students with SEL During a recent conversation with a colleague who is in charge of social-emotional learning (SEL) for a large...

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...

How Culture Affects Mental Health

Patricia Voloschin-Weiner, LCPC has been working as a therapist with children, adults, and couples for the past 30 years and has addressed a variety of...

Strategies to Take Care of Your Mental Health

Access Programs The Basics “You’re not alone,” a phrase so simple yet it’s the hardest to grasp when struggling with mental health. It’s what I like to...

The Power of Programs with ImpactPart III: Family Engagement

Do the family members of your district have the tools and knowledge they need to recognize signs of depression? Are they trusted adults who can address mental...

The Power of Programs with ImpactPart II: Teen Empowerment

When you look at the teens at your school, do you see empowered students who know they can build the school culture they aspire to thrive in? When given the right...

Erika’s Lighthouse Program Report 2021-22

How many students did Erika’s Lighthouse reach this past school year? Erika’s Lighthouse is reaching more students than ever with our evidence-informed programs and...

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...

Reframing the Narrative – Empowering Youth

Access Programs We have heard so much about everyone’s declining mental health – particularly our young people. In our effort to bring attention to this...

Mental Health Education: The Power of Programs with Impact

Erika’s Lighthouse Core Value Series Part 1: Classroom Education Do you think students would benefit from depression and mental health education in your...

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...

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...

CDC Report on Youth Mental Health: The Erika’s Lighthouse Perspective

Access Programs In April, the CDC published a report on youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The statistics are grim. But the survey also...

The Erika’s Lighthouse Perspective to the CDC’s Recent Youth Survey on School Connectedness and Mental Health

An examination of the mental health impact of COVID-19 and how connectedness to school, family, friends and community groups impact mental health outcomes. Please...

10 Advantages of Erika’s Lighthouse

Our programs can work in any school community. 1. Wraparound ProgrammingWe don’t just offer a standalone curriculum, we believe in impacting the whole school by...

White Paper: Integrating Mental Health into the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Model for School Health

[xyz-ihs snippet=”HubSpot—Access-Free-Programs-Button”] Download the PDF >

A Family Workbook Series on Childhood Mental Health and Adolescent Depression

Somewhere between 15 and 20 percent of children and teens will suffer from at least one depressive episode before they reach adulthood. These episodes come in many...

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...

White Paper: Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention

Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention: Model Language, Commentary, and Resources is the recognized policy for effective district-level engagement for suicide...