Creating hope, preventing suicide

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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.

Creating hope, preventing suicide
JCH Foundation supporters at the organization’s fourth annual fundraiser last summer gave a nod to John’s love of football.

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.

Creating hope, preventing suicide 1
JCH Foundation supporters and staff attended a community walk to raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in 2019.

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, preventing suicide 2
Jack Hertvik, president of Hertvik Insurance Group, presents a check on behalf of the Hertvik Cares Program to Beth and Rick Haney, co-founders of the JCH Foundation.

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.

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5 hours ago

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Kathy Wertheim
2 years ago

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.

debbie wheeler
2 years ago

Thank you for making a change in the lives of our family

Heather Crabtree
2 years ago

Absolutely and amazing foundation to be part of.

Dom Gruttadauria
2 years ago

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.

Raghav Tanna
2 years ago

Great cause!!

marie curtis
2 years ago

This is a fabulous foundation.

Aly J
2 years ago

This foundation has and will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of so many people!

Sanya Neforos
2 years ago

I see so many students that are having issues and I am so happy that The Safe Place is available!

Kevin C
2 years ago

Yes!!!! This rocks!

Brian m
2 years ago

Love this! Just wonderful!

Keith b
2 years ago

This is great!!

Elaine
2 years ago

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!

Maddy
2 years ago

I support this amazing foundation !

Nora Jones
2 years ago

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!

Morgan Bair
2 years ago

This is so cool, and is doing such great things for the world! Love it!

Dave Opdycke
2 years ago

John’s safe place has helped so many.

Dave Opdycke
2 years ago

Great resource for students!

Catherine
2 years ago

Great cause!!

Maddie
2 years ago

amazing foundation!

Jacob
2 years ago

Great cause!!!

Andrea
2 years ago

This is a great foundation. Very impressive.

Victoria
2 years ago

This is great, thanks for your amazing work!

Chad
2 years ago

Great foundation!

Christy Wolshuck
2 years ago

A wonderful foundation. Bringing awareness to adults and kids! Giving kids a place to go when they need a moment to catch their breathe.

Annie McCoy
2 years ago

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.

K.M
2 years ago

An honorable cause

Christine Braelow
2 years ago

Such an important cause. Thank you for your amazing work!

Austin
2 years ago

Great cause!

Jason
2 years ago

Great cause!

Craig M Camp
2 years ago

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!!

Amira
2 years ago

Such a great cause!

Renee Bauman
2 years ago

I support this amazing organization.

Hannah
2 years ago

Love and miss you John! They deserve it

Chris Couch
2 years ago

Great cause!

Todd Taylor
2 years ago

I think this is a great cause!

Jordan Constantine
2 years ago

An honorable cause

Amanda
2 years ago

grateful for this cause

Tyler Williams
2 years ago

Couldn’t think of a better foundation to receive the money!

Natalie Peacock
2 years ago

Great cause!

Cheryl Sikorski
2 years ago

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.

Will Lowe
2 years ago

This is an incredible foundation helping many.

Kris
2 years ago

This an amazing foundation to give hope to young people who are hurting!

zoe
2 years ago

such a great cause!

AISHAH LISAULA
2 years ago

This is a wonderful foundation and a great way to honor John’s memory.

Claire
2 years ago

this is great!

Rip H.
2 years ago

We love Hertvik Insurance and the JCH Foundation!

Sophia
2 years ago

What a great cause!!

Tori
2 years ago

Amazing cause, thank you!

Serra
2 years ago

What a great cause, thank you!

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