|
The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is an outreach program of Light for Life Foundation of MN (our legal name). Yellow Ribbon and Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program are assumed names under which we operate as well. We are a 501(c)3 tax exempt charitable organization with a territory covering the entire state of Minnesota and are governed by a twelve-member board of directors. Our home office is in North Mankato – located at 12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 2085. We are a state chapter of the international office located in Westminster, Colorado.
|
We work to save and enrich lives through suicide prevention efforts using education, advocacy and support strategies. Our work encompasses the entire community, is organized by the community, for the community with our technical assistance. In this way, high risk populations are addressed and sustainability for programming is built.
|
1. Educate all ages about symptoms of depression, warning signs for suicide, and associated risk factors (or “triggers”).
2. Create awareness that Depression is a treatable, physical illness and that it is a factor in the majority of all suicides.
3. Provide the Yellow Ribbon Ask4Help card for those in need to use even when they don’t have the words.
4. Attempt to reduce the stigma surrounding having depressive illness and asking for help through all our efforts.
5. Teach life skills on how to handle an imminent suicidal situation “STAY, LISTEN, GET HELP” and training adults on how to ask the suicide question if they are worried about someone, then how and where to refer them.
6. Build collaboration and capacity for communities to respond to suicidal crisis and mental health needs.
7. Youth development, mentoring and asset building opportunities through our Yellow Ribbon Youth Boards.
8. Distribute educational and potentially lifesaving literature and promotional items.
9. Support for youth, families, and schools
during and/or after a mental health crisis or suicide.
|
THE YELLOW RIBBON ASK FOR HELP CARD IS THE HALLMARK OF OUR PROGRAM:
|
Collaborations of concerned citizens call on us to bring the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program into their community. Full program implementation is built using our comprehensive Three Phase Model, which includes community organizing, presentations for students, staff and other adults, plus promotion and publicity, and plans to continue the messages into the future. Some of our efforts include:
Yellow Ribbon Ask4Help Presentations
Be A Link Adult Gatekeeper Training (can be modified for any adult audience)
Yellow Ribbon Teen Suicide Prevention Training (classroom training)
Who Wants to Be A LINK Game (for break out sessions at health fairs, etc.)
Yellow Ribbon Youth Board events (Advocacy Campaign and Day on the Hill, Recognition Day, Leadership
Training, etc.)
Survivors After Suicide Support Group, bereavement literature and sessions/workshops.
Walking in summer parades, presence at health fairs, county fairs, professional conferences, etc.
Roundtable Discussions – building collaboration and working relationships with a wide range of community members
and professionals
Annual conferences and training for professionals and community on suicide prevention and related issues
Promotional items, advertising, newsletters, posters, and point of purchase displays of literature
|
As our organization grows and expands we are constantly evaluating and then evolving to be consistent with current research and community needs. Moving forward we will need the support of multiple community resources in time, talent and financial commitment. Together we can prevent suicide and improve the health and well being of our communities in Minnesota.
|
PDF of About Us
|
|
In partnership with: |
|
| |
With special help from: |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
