John,
As we begin a new school year, I want to thank you for helping protect children nationwide. The generous support of this community is helping train more than 3 MILLION kids and adults to Know the Signs of potential violence and how to speak up to prevent shootings, suicides, bullying and more. This is lifesaving work that people like you are making possible every day.
Here's one example from Ohio a few weeks ago:
A high school student received a text message from a friend saying that he wanted to kill himself while at school. This friend had a plan to jump from the top of the school building within the next few minutes. Because it was immediately reported via our Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, our Crisis Center was able to immediately contact the school's administration, speaking directly to the principal. She, along with the school resource officer, were able to swiftly find the student and bring him into the office. The student met with the school counselor and admitted to wanting to kill himself. A safety assessment revealed the deeper need for support. That student is now receiving the ongoing counseling he needs to improve self-esteem and let go of those suicidal thoughts.
This is just one of hundreds of lives people like you have helped save. And the impact of this community ripples even further.
Thousands of schools are committing to Start with Hello training and activities in September, pledging to reverse the trends of social isolation that so many young people are feeling. Our all-new digital Start with Hello program, underwritten by Disney, will teach empathy and compassion to elementary school students nationwide through a virtual storybook, videos, games and more. Starting early is the best way to root these critical social skills in young people.
Given recent tragic mass shootings, our nation is more engaged in knowing the signs of potential gun violence than ever before. Your support of Sandy Hook Promise is helping shift the focus of the conversation on guns toward prevention: in the media and in Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle.
Words can't express how heartened I am to see the generosity of this community at work. I am grateful that, together, we are keeping our Promise to protect children from the devastating effects of gun violence in schools. We couldn't do this without you.
With love,
Nicole Hockley (Dylan's mom)
