September 24, 2023

Dear AJF Supporters:

This past weekend was one year since our AJF 10-Year Anniversary Gala.  We recognized and honored community leaders, philanthropists, rising stars, mental health advocates and mental health professionals (see images and short movie clip below).  Our mission to prevent youth suicides by increasing community awareness through education and advocacy is more important than ever before.  Suicide, and mental illness associated with it, is on the rise in our communities. We remain focused on sustaining HOPE and protecting our youth. Thank you for your continued support in our mission.

We are sharing an abbreviated summary (with photos below) of our 2023 activities made possible by your generous support for our 10-Year Anniversary Gala:

• In April, we hosted the AJF Lecture Series at Westbury United Methodist Church in Houston, TX. For our Suicide Awareness and Prevention Workshop, our theme was It Takes a Village: Parents, Clergy, Educators, and Mental Health Professionals Working Together to Prevent Suicides.
  
  
• In August, six AJF One-Wing Scholarships ($1250 each) were awarded to assist graduating high school seniors with educational expenses to pursue their goals and reach their potential. Two scholarships were funded by Mrs. Deanna Breaux-Gathe and Dr. Joseph Gathe Jr, MD.

After a 3-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have announced our 6^th Annual Health Fair and 5K Walk.  Our theme for this H.O.P.E. Walk is Helping One Person Everyday.  It is scheduled for Saturday November 4^th at Kitty Hollow Park in Missouri City, TX.  Online registration will open later this week.  For more information on sponsorship opportunities, to partner with us, and to donate please visit our website or Facebook and Instagram. 

With gratitude,  

Patrice O. Yarbough, PhD
AJF President

Cheryl L. Duncan, BSN, RN, CVRN
Honorary Doctorate in Humanity
AJF Founder

Renato Nero, PhD
AJF Board of Directors, Chair