To provide peer support services, education, and resources to those in mental health crisis to live happier and healthier lives.
WHY ARE WE DOING IT?
On November 19th, 2020, Marius Hathaway, my beloved son, tragically took his own life. He struggled, for years with his Mental Health. He was an amazing brother, son, and person; he lit up a room, he could make anyone laugh, and made everyone around him feel safe and comfortable. Unfortunately, Marius struggled with depression and felt that the world would be better without him in it. That is why we started this foundation, for people like Marius who felt that he was alone and unworthy and could not talk about this dark passenger that invaded his thoughts and his life. We are creating an environment that destroys the stigma that Mental Health is something you keep quiet about, that you don’t share because it is “embarrassing” or “not normal”!
We want to break the silence so people like Marius, don’t end up feeding into that darkness, so they can speak about their emotions out loud and not be ashamed. To be able to access the care they need no matter their financial status, age, believes, race, or social status.
Marius was an amazing young man with the heart of a saint who should still be here with us today, laughing, graduating from High School, and starting his life as an adult. We were not able to save Marius but this foundation is striving to save you or a loved one in need of help, no matter what. EVERY LIFE MATTERS! ONE LIFE AT A TIME…
OUR MISSION
- Educating the community/ individuals about mental health and creating awareness.
- Suicide Awareness/Prevention Programs.
- Improving interpersonal communication for veterans, teens, and their families.
- Creating stronger family and social bonds.
- Hosting of informational classes.
- Resources to improve the quality of life for those struggling with drug/alcohol addictions.
- Providing education and classes on how to reduce recidivism of at-risk youth and other individuals within Cumberland County, NC.
- Working with local government and non-profits to improve community relations and outcomes.
OUR PLANS FOR MAKING IT WORK
- We have 3 major fundraisers a year, those will be posted on our website and on social media.
- We work with local government facilities and other local non-profits to ensure obtainable resources.
- We get appointments scheduled as soon as possible based on need.
- Provide FREE peer support services for those who qualify.
- Provide resources for mental health services and suicide awareness/prevention and substance abuse services.
WHY WE PICKED CUMBERLAND COUNTY
- Poverty in Cumberland County is higher than many other counties in North Carolina
- With the poverty rate of North Carolina at 14%, Cumberland County is at 18.7% according to a survey done by the State and the county health department.
- The percentage of uninsured in North Carolina is 12.7 % and of that 10.7% reside in Cumberland County.
- Cumberland county has the highest rate of veterans in the state, and 17% of the population live below the poverty line even while holding a job.
- There are 5.6% of uninsured children in Cumberland County and 13.8% of Adults, within a population of 350 000.
- 22 Veterans lose their lives every day to suicide because the help they need is not readily available
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in teenagers in the entire country, and on average per year 450 000 teens either attempt suicide or succeed at it.
WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE BY EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY
- We can change these statistics; we can break the stigmas attached to Mental Health, Suicide and Substance Abuse.
- We can educate, we can lead, and we can inspire. We can save the future of our children and give back to those who have given the most.. Our veterans.
- Our Foundation needs the help and support of kind and generous people like you, to help us make a difference that can last a lifetime and save a life.