Friends for Life

Friends for Life:

 “Being a friend for the sake of saving someone's life is powerful.”

As an organization, we like to give more life to those in need by improving quality of life, by raising awareness, and providing direct support. I could show you quantitative data, numbers on how loneliness effects the human condition, especially young adults and adolescents. But what's more is me knowing what I know about people, and I know that there is potentially at least one person out there, if not many more, who really need social support, someone who hears them, someone who is listening. And I know that there are potentially people who need SOMETHING and they may not know what that SOMETHING they need is, but it's hurting them all the same, and they could use a strong support system that is invested in seeing them thrive and live.

I'm passionate about changing the data. I'm passionate about changing the quality of life in this room. I am and always have been interested in supporting others and advocating for others. We need friends for the sake of our lives. For lifers is not just a cute thing to say on TikTok. Being a friend for the sake of saving someone's life is powerful.

We have implemented a project, the Friends for Life project, to connect those in need with one of our highly valued volunteers, and streamline a means of communication via written letters. I know that hand writing is a bit outdated in modern society, but it's effective for the mind and gives you the freedom to say thing that you can't bear to say out loud. And that is powerful.

The Friends for Life program will provide qualitative and individualized support in the form of hand-written correspondence modeled as “pen-pal” letters to emotionally at risk adolescents and young adults with depression and/or anxiety, to moderate the risk of mortality by suicide, decrease the likelihood of suicidal ideation, and support mental health counseling in the treatment of mild to chronic conditions of depression and anxiety. We desire to reach the youth within urban communities, high schools and college/university settings. Individuals will be connected with knowledgeable, prepared, and available volunteers with whom they will communicate with via written letters on a continued basis. These letters will allow those in need to voice the daily challenges that consistently effect their mental well-being. The program will included occasional prompts and quality assurance driven data collections, as well as possible professional advisements.

You can make a difference by donating today to Life Without A Fork.

While most people believe a solid mission statement is the soul of their company, we believe our company’s soul is the people we serve every day. At Life Without a Fork, our mission is simple: To raise awareness and improve the quality of life for all those suffering from overlooked and invisible disabilities.