Jon Stojan
Photo credit: Wraption
In memory of Monique Woolley, whose life was tragically cut short by suicide, The Monique Woolley Foundation was founded with the mission of raising mental health awareness and supporting those who struggle with depression and other mental health conditions. Eight years ago, the world lost Monique, but her legacy lives on through this impactful nonprofit organization, unwavering in its commitment to creating a society where mental health care is accessible, and stigmatization is a thing of the past.
As a nonprofit still in its building phase, The Monique Woolley Foundation operates on a limited budget and looks to the community to find individuals who resonate with their vision and mission. The inception of The Monique Woolley Foundation was sparked by the personal tragedy faced by CEO and Founder, Amour Delus. A devoted mother of four, she encountered unimaginable loss when her eldest daughter, Monique, took her own life leaving behind her son, Noah Jordan Meeker. Noah continues to be the inspiration behind the foundation’s mission to save lives and honor Monique’s memory through a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health advocacy.
Photo Credit: Amour Delus
Determined to make a difference, Amour Delus has developed a platform where suicide survivors can share their stories, find comfort, and break the stigma surrounding mental health struggles. With the motto #WhenFeelingBlueThinkYellow, the foundation seeks to bring light and hope to those in dark places.
The Monique Woolley Foundation has outlined a powerful vision for its future. They envision a world where mental health awareness is widespread and the stigma surrounding it is eliminated. Their goal is to expand support networks by providing resources and education to more families and communities. The foundation also aims to establish oasis centers where individuals can access comprehensive mental health services.
Furthermore, they strive to empower more suicide survivors to become ambassadors, inspiring hope and resilience in others. Ultimately, they hope to create a society where open and honest conversations about mental health are the norm, leading to early intervention and support.
The foundation’s dedicated team, comprising mental health advocates, therapists, survivors, and supporters, works tirelessly to offer services like therapy group sessions and resources. They recently expanded to include virtual therapy options, making support more accessible regardless of location.
Looking ahead, outreach programs aimed at schools and workplaces are in development, focusing on education and mental health resources. These initiatives, coupled with their ongoing work, are geared toward breaking down barriers to mental health care and fostering an environment where it’s okay not to be okay.
One of the organization’s most anticipated events is just around the corner—an initiative that exemplifies the heart of its mission. “Stories From The Frontline” will take place later this August in Beverly Hills at the SLS Hotel at the end of August. This gathering aims to honor the unwavering dedication of the Police Department, Fire Department, and first responders. The focus of this year’s event will be on their mental health, aiming to raise awareness about depression—the silent killer that affects countless lives.
In these challenging times, first responders, including nurses and ambulance crews, face a unique set of stressors. Yet, their mental well-being often goes unaddressed. The Monique Woolley Foundation wants to send a powerful message: “It’s okay not to be okay.” Through this event, they hope to provide resources and foster compassion for the daily challenges faced by these everyday heroes. Tickets are available at themowoolleyfoundation.org.
Your participation is crucial to The Monique Woolley Foundation’s transformative mission. We invite you to join in sharing the vision, and build a community that embraces the importance of mental health. Together, we can pave the way for positive change and ensure that everyone receives the support they need to thrive.
Remember, mental health matters. Let’s honor our everyday heroes and help those who need it most. Join us on this vital journey to spread hope and resilience. To find out more about The Monique Woolley Foundation and ways to get involved, visit themowoolleyfoundation.org.
Photo credit: OnTay Johnson Photos