Empowering the Next Generation: How the RB DenUyl Family Foundation is Breaking Barriers in Youth Mental Health
After losing a brother to a long struggle with mental health and addiction, Clark DenUyl and his family sought a meaningful way to provide young people with the support his brother lacked during his school years. He recognized that significant barriers, including high costs and social stigma, often prevent students from seeking life-saving help.
Impact At A Glance
By supporting Erika’s Lighthouse, the RB DenUyl Family Foundation helps ensure that evidence-based mental health tools remain free for schools, removing financial barriers to early intervention. This partnership empowers students to build peer-led support systems that normalize conversations and foster an inclusive school culture.
A Personal Mission to Support Struggling Youth
For Clark DenUyl, the youth mental health crisis is not just a statistic; it is a lived experience. Growing up in the North Shore of Chicago, Clark witnessed his brother’s prolonged struggle with mental health, which eventually led to addiction and a tragic overdose. This personal loss sparked a deep passion for finding proactive ways to support young people before they reach a crisis point. Clark identified a critical gap: many students feel alone in their struggles and face significant barriers—ranging from financial costs to the stigma of reaching out to adults—that prevent them from seeking help.
Breaking Barriers Through Strategic Philanthropy
To address these challenges, the RB DenUyl Family Foundation turned to Erika’s Lighthouse. Clark was drawn to the organization’s commitment to providing a "Four Pillar" approach—classroom education, empowerment clubs, family engagement, and staff training—all at zero cost to schools.
Clark specifically values the Empowerment Clubs, which utilize a peer-to-peer model. Clark believes that students are often more comfortable connecting with those their own age, and these clubs provide a safe, student-led environment where they can share their experiences and support one another. By funding Erika's Lighthouse initiatives, the Foundation ensures that schools can implement high-quality, evidence-informed curriculum without worrying about budget shortfalls.
I was inspired to donate to Erika’s Lighthouse because I believe it is an organization that would have helped my brother with his mental health issues when he was in school.
A Legacy of Hope and Empowerment
The partnership between the RB DenUyl Family Foundation and Erika’s Lighthouse is creating a future where mental health education is woven into the fabric of every school. Today, Erika's Lighthouse impacts over one million students annually, with 91% of those students reporting they now have the information and ability to take care of their mental health.
By removing financial barriers and focusing on peer-to-peer empowerment, Clark and his family are helping to build a "sanctuary of support" in schools. This collaboration ensures that the next generation of students is equipped with the vocabulary and self-advocacy skills needed to care for themselves and their friends, turning a personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others.
RB DenUyl Family Foundation
Perspective: Foundation Partner
The RB DenUyl Family Foundation was established by Clark DenUyl and his family to honor his brother’s memory. The foundation is dedicated to supporting youth mental health initiatives that provide students with the support, tools, and community they need to navigate emotional challenges.