Changing the Mental Health Narrative—One Voice at a Time

In 2015, my cousin Christopher lost his battle with depression.

He was young, full of promise, and deeply loved by his family and friends.

Losing him left a void that words can’t describe — but it also sparked a mission: to ensure other teens and young adults never feel unseen or unsupported in their struggles with mental illness.

About the Foundation

This fundraiser supports the Christopher R. Arayata Foundation (CRA Foundation), a 501(c)(3) organization founded in Christopher’s honor.

Since 2016, the foundation has worked to make mental health education accessible and stigma-free for school communities across northern New Jersey.

Our Mission

Teach students, families, and educators that mental illness is real and can affect anyone

Provide mental health education and suicide prevention resources directly in schools

Create safe, stigma-free spaces for students to ask questions and seek help

Through this campaign, we’re ensuring mental health education covers a broad range of conditions — including depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health challenges — helping teens, parents, and teachers recognize signs early and offer compassionate support.

Fundraising Goal: $20,000

Every dollar raised goes directly to expanding the CRA Foundation’s school-based programs and resources.

Your donation will help:

Mental Health Workshops: Deliver expert-led educational sessions and suicide prevention programs to schools

Educational Materials: Develop professionally designed resources for families and educators to understand mental health illnesses, including depression, bipolar disorder, and other conditions

‍‍ Family Support Resources: Provide high-quality, evidence-based toolkits and access to trained mental health advocates who guide families step-by-step in recognizing signs of struggle and finding proper care — eliminating the need to rely on confusing or unreliable online searches

Student Programs: Fund safe, supportive environments for students to learn and access help without stigma

How You Can Help

Donate: Every contribution brings life-changing education and support to hundreds of students

Share: Spread this campaign with your network — your share could save a life

Use Your Voice: Help break the silence surrounding mental illness and offer hope to those who feel alone

Together, we can honor Christopher’s memory by building a future where teens and young adults know:

Mental illness is not weakness

Help is available

They are never alone

Thank you for standing with us and helping change the mental health narrative — one voice at a time.