Our Mission: Suicide Prevention

Elyssa’s Mission® provides resources to help prevent teen suicide.

The community-based organization was founded in 2006 in honor of Elyssa, a bright, gifted and outgoing Chicagoland girl who bravely battled post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Elyssa’s Mission® provides hands-on support to area public and private schools in order to educate students, staff, parents and guardians on how to recognize and assist those teens most at-risk. We have helped educate over one million students, staff and parents since inception.

Outcome Data

To learn more about our outcome data in the last two years click here.

  • "Even identifying one student is a positive in my book. I am so thankful to have the support from Elyssa's Mission- we couldn't do it without you!”

    Lake Park High School

  • “Like last time, this program helped the lives of students immediately. We also had a student later in the week come forward with self-harm concerns about a friend. They directly quoted ACT as their motivation. So I am also seeing students retain the knowledge from the lesson and reflect on its meaning. Thank you so much for your endless help in making this possible this year for students. I only wish we could do and could've been doing more all year for our student's mental health and suicide risk prevention. This is one of the greatest joys I get to participate in, so again, thank you.”

    Elm Middle School

  • "Elyssa's Mission works!!!!!”

    St. Laurence High School

  • “Thank you for making sure we have everything we need to run this program!”

    Aptakisic Junior High

  • "Thank YOU! Yes, absolutely, we thought the SOS program was worthwhile and beneficial. I think the sessions went well and students were responsive.”

    Maine South High School

  • "It's been such an odd year, so we weren't quite sure what to expect! However, we are so glad that we were able to use the program and identify students who needed support. Thanks, as always, for all your support!”

    St. Viator High School

  • "Thank you for all you and your amazing organization do! I am so glad that we were able to do something for our 8th graders.”

    Drauden Point Middle School

  • "The program was really smooth despite everything that is going on – definite win there and as always, in terms of reinforcing the critical messages and re-emphasizing school supports available too.”

    Naperville Central High School

  • "I appreciate all the feedback and the support. The modified program actually went very well and we are glad we were able to reach some of our students and provide resources for several families!”

    Indian Trail Middle School

  • "We always see and feel the benefits of the SOS program. We appreciate the resource, guidance, support and opportunity to continue to work with you. I do think our kids are learning the importance of ACT!”

    Springman Middle School

  • "The working relationship I have had with you and the success of the SOS program in CCSD 15 are two of the highlights of my career. Without Elyssa's Mission's support, we would have not had the success of implementing and growing our program over the last 10 years.”

    Community Consolidated School District 15

  • "Thank you for giving so much to our school and inevitably to our students. It was a great deal of work, but definitely worth it.”

    Grant Community High School

  • "The program was absolutely worth it... we all felt that way!”

    District 109

  • "Thanks again for all you do. You are my favorite organization to partner with!"

    Beecher Junior High School/Beecher High School

Our Programs

Elyssa’s Mission funds and implements the evidence-based SOS Signs of Suicide Program in 300 middle and high schools in Illinois (19 counties, 120 suburbs) through our partnership with MindWise Innovations, a Massachusetts-based organization that pioneered the concept of large-scale mental health screening and education programs. We assist with all components of the SOS Program including planning, teaching and training for staff and parents.

Feeling

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