200,000+

              ” I am so appreciative of the AIR grant, that is amazing!! I have forwarded your message to my principal (David Winston, winston@lincpk.com) and my replacement (Jackie Heftler, heftler@lincpk.com). I am leaving my position this week, but wanted to get this confirmed for next year as I agree that your program is life-saving, and life-changing. The last time you were at LPMS I had a student who was experiencing depression. Her parents and I had tried to encourage her to participate in therapeutic counseling, but she was really resistant. After your presentation and the breakout session with our school psychologist, she came to me and shared that she thought she was ready. It really hit her when she realized that her symptoms and feelings were not simply “being sad,” they were signs of depression. That same student will be a Senior next year. She still participates in counseling and has developed a love for Physics. Your program makes such a difference, I can’t wait for you to reach another group of Lincoln Park students.”

“AIR has come 2 times a year to our school for at least the last 10 years, This program is a must for young people…Every time Trish talks to our kids, we have students coming forward recognizing that some of their thoughts and behaviors may not be healthy for them and they reach out, or a friend feels safe enough to reach out to their safe adult here at school. She has saved lives…This I know for sure…

Please, if you have the opportunity have her come to your organization and speak to adults, parents, and the kids.”

It was such a wonderful visit! Just taking the dogs to the office, we were stopped multiple times by students and adults in the building who just lit up and asked to pet them. The students were so excited to see the dogs and were so amazed that we were able to have them in the school for them.

One young man said “This is the only time you will see my sensitive side – when I am with animals, I am happy.” Another student came back to our office upset later in the day and said she had been having a really rough day but when she came during lunch and saw the dogs, they made her feel calm and happy and she was okay to make it through most of her day. Our staff members said it was like a gift for them to have the dogs in the office during the day – they said they thought is meant as much to them as it did to the students. Our principal said she wants the dogs here all of the time!

I have such a strong connection to these animals and I truly believe they positively affect people of all ages. They seem to have an innate sense and so many of our students truly come alive when interacting with the dogs. They truly are furry little healers. Thank you again for coming to our school and sharing. So many students came to my office to tell me how much they loved the program and how hearing Kenny’s story moved them. Keep doing what you are doing. It helps so many.

It is I who should be thanking you! The presentation brought a few students to Guidance, all of whom decided it was time to talk. We took it one step further with one senior girl who is having suicide ideations. She will be getting treatment immediately.

During my time as Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma, I personally witnessed the power of the AIR program, and its positive impact on young people. It was palpable, it was real, and there is no doubt in my mind that it made a difference in the lives of every participant, not just students, but parents and faculty as well.

Attitudes In Reverse^® has provided our students with a most important resource. Due to the work of the AIR volunteers, our students know that they are not alone. They learn that the stigma associated with mental illness need not close them off from normal functioning….from happiness. There are people out there who will listen and help them when all seems lost. AIR tells them that they can…that they deserve the help they need.

Mrs. Baker has related to me emails from our students thanking them for opening their eyes to the resources available, and perhaps more importantly, how to be that good listener for others. We hope to continue our relationship with AIR in the future for the benefit of our students.