A year of great economic stress has come to an end. 2009 was a year that tested the fortitude of the Stay Strong Foundation. Pervasive financial stress forced donors to make tough choices about giving. Now more than ever donors need to know that their philanthropic dollars are being spent wisely for maximum impact. Please take a moment to think about making a difference and being a part of something that has the capability to change lives.
Mental illness is one of the leading causes of disability world-wide--yet it receives very little attention and even less funding. Health advocates aggressively compete for funding against illnesses such as tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, cancer and respiratory diseases, even though mental and physical illnesses are intimately connected.
The Stay Strong Foundation is a New York based not for profit (501 c 3). Since 2001 we have worked diligently and intelligently to incorporate a myriad of unique and innovative programs designed to transform lives. Through the Foundation’s “Healing Starts With Us” (HSWU) campaign and our “Used 2 Be Me” movement, we have begun to chip away at the negative and unflattering stigmas surrounding the topic of mental health that have kept so many suffering in silence for far too long. We have and continue to work tirelessly to get our message out—if you need professional help do not be ashamed to seek assistance. The consequences of not seeking help are dire if left undiagnosed and untreated. The “HSWU” campaign is a public awareness effort designed to educate the public – in particular, people of color – about depression and its impact on the community. The campaign is an outgrowth of the overwhelming response to a book that I have written entitled “Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting”.
The Campaign’s goal is to reduce the frightening number of individuals who are undiagnosed and suffering from depression, and to serve as a community supported network for awareness, dialogue, education and inspiration. Our focus for this campaign is to build up the grassroots mental health movement which will help people recognize and understand what depression looks like, sounds like, and feels like. We need your help!
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and the many individuals that are benefiting from the work of the foundation, we ask that you invest in our mission. Through the generosity of people like you, we will have an active, effective and influential voice. Your gift will enable us to continue to make a difference.
Contact us at 212.316.0305 for information on how you can help.
The Stay Strong Foundation is a National Movement to Support, Educate and Inspire Our Youth and Minority Communities.
“If We Don't Give Our Kids Time…The System Will”
The Stay Strong Foundation (SSF) works to support, educate and inspire America’s youth through a series of programs and events that are designed to raise awareness of teen issues, promote the personal well-being of young people, and enhance their educational and professional development.
The Foundation encourages corporate and individual responsibility; develops educational resources for youth and youth organizations; provides and coordinates internships; sets up mentoring opportunities; and facilitates visits by prominent individuals and business professionals to schools, libraries, youth organizations and group homes.
SSF also promotes initiatives to benefit the community at large, such as Healing Starts With Us Campaign.
The Stay Strong Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by Terrie M. Williams and Xavier Artis.
Contact Us:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Stay Strong Foundation (SSF) works to support, educate and inspire America’s youth through a series of programs and events that are designed to raise awareness of teen issues, promote the personal well-being of young people, and enhance their educational and professional development.