2023 Impact
As we prepare for another year of truly life-saving work, we are fueled by startling CDC youth mental health statistics indicating a greater need than ever for youth mental health support. While post-pandemic momentum around mental health support continues to be encouraging, there is still much work to do.
Led by our Youth Ambassadors and in partnership with Elyssa's Mission for Hope Squads, we teach peer-to-peer suicide prevention and intervention through education and training. Our school outreach and teen Mental Health First Aid programs have record levels of participation, and we need to hire a third educator.
This year, we are pleased to announce our first-ever CHALLENGE MATCH for our End of Year fundraising campaign. For Existing Donors, every dollar you contribute that exceeds your previous donation will be matched. For New Donors, 100% of your donation will be matched. Thanks to the generous support of a few special Gabriel's Light supporters, matched donations can reach a total of up to $40,000 through January 31, 2024. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support.
2023 Happy Highlights
With help from our amazing donors, we were able to launch these new initiatives, and more:
Expanded School Presentations, Hope Squads, & Events
Gabriel's Light has expanded our team of trainers to accommodate this increased need.
Debuted Our New #WordsMatter Program
Youth Ambassadors spread the message of why you should never say “commit suicide” through media outreach and social media campaigns.
New Partnership with Aetna Better Health of Illinois
Together, we bring mental health and wellness programming to under-resourced Chicago neighborhoods.
Created 3 Free Resource Guides in Both English & Spanish
Topics: Navigating a Mental Health Crisis, How to Address Bullying, and Suicide Loss Survivors. Download Here.
2023 Impact by Numbers
With the help of our wonderful donors and supporters, this is the impact we were able to make this year to inspire vital action and further our mission of preventing youth suicide:
Join Our Mission! Get Involved
Host a Grassroots Fundraiser
Let us help you, help us! Consider hosting a fundraiser. We can easily create a fundraising webpage for your event with a donation link.
Connect Us With Your School
If you think your school could use mental health education or a kindness program, please reach out to us and we can work directly with them.
Youth Opportunities
Teens can sign up to be certified in Mental Health First Aid and middle/high school students can join our Youth Ambassador Program.
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Please share any feedback or topics that interest you by emailing us here.
About Gabriel's Light
In 2019, Carol and Brendan Deely founded Gabriel’s Light in honor of their son who died by suicide at age 12. In honor of Gabe and all those lost to suicide, they share their journey with the hope that others may learn and grow from their tragedy. Focusing on three pillars of cyber safety, suicide prevention, and kindness campaigns, through outreach, programs, partnerships, and funding, they raise awareness and inspire youth, parents, and educators to take action and help forward their mission.