Childhood may evoke images of care-free days for some, but many kids experience a darker reality. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems put them at risk for suicide. Learning healthy ways to cope can help them stay hopeful.
With support from Hertvik Insurance Group, the JCH Foundation is working to end the stigma of mental illness and prevent suicide among students in northeast Ohio. If this story receives 500 votes, the $5,000 donation the JCH Foundation has already earned will double to $10,000.
Rick and Beth Haney describe their son John as “the life of the party” and “happy-go-lucky.” His college football teammates describe him as family. But John suffered silently, hiding his pain from loved ones. In 2017 he died by suicide.
“We want to let young people know it’s OK to feel down or depressed.”
— Beth Haney, co-founder, JCH Foundation
Being OK with not being OK
To honor John’s memory, Rick and Beth created the JCH Foundation. “We want to let young people know it’s OK to feel down or depressed. We create safe spaces and offer resources so they can learn to cope and move through difficulties to find hope,” says Beth.
The organization builds John’s Safe Place rooms in local schools, which serve as calming spaces to help students cope with social and emotional issues. Designed with feedback from the Cleveland Clinic, each room features low lighting, comfortable couches, games, puzzles, art materials and an aquarium.
In addition to John’s Safe Place rooms, the foundation provides Mental Health First Aid seminars, where teachers can learn to recognize and respond to students who may be at risk for suicide.
Making positive change in their community
Hertvik Insurance Group has been a longtime supporter of local and national nonprofits as a way to give back to the communities the agency serves. Agency staff have volunteered at the JCH Foundation since 2018, helping set up new John’s Safe Place rooms and contributing to fundraisers.
“In addition to raising funds for the JCH, we’re proud we’ve been able to help raise awareness of their mission.”
— Julie Mikalacki, marketing director, Hertvik Insurance Group
Through the Hertvik Cares Program, the agency chooses a nonprofit every quarter and donates $20 for each new policy they write that quarter. Last year, the agency chose the JCH Foundation to be one of the beneficiaries of the program because of the foundation’s commitment to improving the mental health of young people in their community.
“In addition to raising funds for the JCH, we’re proud we’ve been able to help raise awareness of their mission by creating a video showcasing our partnership,” says Julie Mikalacki, marketing direct at Hertvik Insurance Group. After seeing the video posted online, outside vendors emailed the JCH Foundation asking how to be involved in the next room creation.
Creating hope for more students
A Make More Happen Award will allow the JCH Foundation to create up to three new rooms, allowing more students a safe space to process difficult emotions. Funds will also be allocated toward suicide-prevention training for teachers.
Help Hertvik Insurance Group win another $5,000 for The JCH Foundation by cheering them on with a vote!
If your agency volunteers with a 501(c)3 nonprofit, learn how you can win a Make More Happen Award here.
This is a tremendous idea. I wish my insurance company sponsored local charities like this. I like the idea of a space for kids – every school should have that.
Thank you for making a change in the lives of our family
Absolutely and amazing foundation to be part of.
The JCH Foundation’s mission is as impactful as they come! The JSP Rooms provide a safe and inclusive space for our students to confidentially address their emotional needs for self regulation. Much love on your continued journey to end the stigma against mental health.
Great cause!!
This is a fabulous foundation.
This foundation has and will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of so many people!
I see so many students that are having issues and I am so happy that The Safe Place is available!
Yes!!!! This rocks!
Love this! Just wonderful!
This is great!!
John’s Safe Place is a calming place for all! I can’t imagine not having it in our school! All schools would benefit from having one!
I support this amazing foundation !
What an amazing resource to have in our building. Even more are the wonderful people who support it and help inform and teach others the importance of the foundation. It is truly a gift to so many. Thank you!
This is so cool, and is doing such great things for the world! Love it!
John’s safe place has helped so many.
Great resource for students!
Great cause!!
amazing foundation!
Great cause!!!
This is a great foundation. Very impressive.
This is great, thanks for your amazing work!
Great foundation!
A wonderful foundation. Bringing awareness to adults and kids! Giving kids a place to go when they need a moment to catch their breathe.
An amazing foundation!! There is a John’s Safe place in North Olmsted Middle School~ A perfect place for kids to go when they need a peaceful environment to unwind.
An honorable cause
Such an important cause. Thank you for your amazing work!
Great cause!
Great cause!
What a great foundation! I feel blessed to be able to donate a homemade American flag in Johns name to the North Olmsted High School and Middle School in his honor!!
Such a great cause!
I support this amazing organization.
Love and miss you John! They deserve it
Great cause!
I think this is a great cause!
An honorable cause
grateful for this cause
Couldn’t think of a better foundation to receive the money!
Great cause!
Benn looking for a new agent! Heard amazing things and the fact that they support a great foundation much needed is a bonus. The JCH Foundation is incredible and much needed.
This is an incredible foundation helping many.
This an amazing foundation to give hope to young people who are hurting!
such a great cause!
This is a wonderful foundation and a great way to honor John’s memory.
this is great!
We love Hertvik Insurance and the JCH Foundation!
What a great cause!!
Amazing cause, thank you!
What a great cause, thank you!
A truly wonderful cause!