Securing dates for the Barrel House, 5th annual Longball 22 at Grand Falls and a tentative date at The Levitt have all been done. We are truly grateful for the continued relationships we have built with these organizations.
We would like to congratulate our friends from The Fellowship who have gotten married recently: Jimmy Burma to Alexis Flynn and Noah Bell to Sophia Christie. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend Jimmy and Alexis’s big day.
On October 28, 2024, our second Caring Companion training took place. It was an incredible day with the best professionals in their fields of expertise giving their time to the incoming volunteers. Thank you Mary Weber, Officer Erin Bertram, Thomas Otten, Dr. Jackmon and Dr. Ermer!
We continue to work with Avera Behavioral Health in providing Caring Companions to those struggling with mental illness. Not only are we able to provide companions for individuals struggling with their mental health, our volunteers are going to ABH on a weekly basis to offer companionship to inpatients. The feedback from patients and Caring Companions alike, continues to be positive. We remain hopeful in our goal to expand our Reach In program beginning in January 2025. As soon as we have details ironed out, More information will be provided.
Outpatient Therapist
Ur family
University of Lincoln Nebraska – CAPS
Counseling And Psychological Services (CAPS)
Since the day Ben became unwell while attending UNL, a relationship was formed between our family and Dean Kathy Farrell, head of the School of Business, Rik Barrera, Associate Dean of Operations, Inclusion and Chief of staff.
We all know the tragic story that unfolded for our Ben; however, the relationship between UNL and the Longley Foundation remains one of friendship and united determination to serve college age students from mental illness and the struggles that go with these diseases.
The attached article is written by a faculty counselor and a student, both part of the CAPS team.
UNL Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and counselors that works collaboratively with Nebraska students to help them explore their feelings and thoughts and learn helpful ways to improve their mental, psychological, and emotional well-being when
issues arise.
Our staff support all University of Nebraska-Lincoln students. We understand that students may experience anger, fear, pain, and frustration with current events. We are here for all our students to listen and provide support.
CAPS offers 24/7 crisis services with our on-call counselor. These services provide an opportunity to speak with a counselor about an immediate crisis, get support and develop a plan to help you manage your crisis.
CAPS also offers suicide prevention training for individuals and units.
Anyone can help. Know the risk factors and warning signs. Learn how to intervene.
PREVENT SUICIDE is a 60-minute in-person training for University of Nebraska-Lincoln students, faculty and staff.
“I have become all too familiar with the effects of suicide and the mental health crisis on my community, friends, and family. Continuing the conversation about mental health and spreading resources is a crucial step in our collective battle against suicide.”
“I am here today to fight for those who have felt the same need to struggle in silence and for those who have died by suicide. Because of the stigma and misconceptions surrounding suicide, it oftentimes gets overlooked and underreported. Suicide is not something to avoid talking about.”
I know how hard it is to go through obstacles when you feel alone. I had a tough time during my freshman year, but I found resources and people who supported me through my challenges. Now I want to do the same for people on campus who might need it.”
The Longley Family donated a suicide awareness bench to UNL in 2022 and this has become a focal point in the business school where hundreds of students pass by it on a daily basis. UNL and the CAPS program have built on the bench location and provide information regarding suicide and prevention.
We would like to thank UNL, Dean Farrell, Rik Barrera and the CAPS team for being willing to share openly about the mental illness crisis across the USA. Serving your students and faculty in knowing and understanding the devastation these illnesses can cause is pro-active and an important step in
suicide prevention.
As 2024 comes to an end, I look back on the past year with both grief and joy!
Unfortunately, the suicide rate does not improve…. In 2023 over 50 000 people across the USA took their own lives. South Dakota is now ranked as the 5th highest state, per capita, for death by suicide. Tragically, more and more families are having to face life without their loved one!
Through your generosity and support, we will strive to “Reach In” to our peers who are struggling with their mental illnesses and provide them with hope, acceptance and self-worth.
Our vision is to bring personal advocacy and companionship to our community in support of those living with a mental illness. No matter their struggles, people need to know they are worthy, and they are seen. Life can hold meaning and they are valued. We aim to be part of a team surrounding someone in mental anguish and help prevent their thoughts from reaching the point where suicide feels like the only way to stop the pain. Nobody should feel they have to face life alone! Should a family suffer the tragedy of suicide, our Reach In Program will offer support and provide Caring Baskets to families so they too know they do not have to face the pain alone.
Together we can work together to make tomorrows brighter for those living with mental illness.
# change the narrative, end the stigma!!
Wishing everyone a very blessed Christmas. May 2025 bring continued love, joy and hope to all.
Best Wishes
Paul, Leigh and the board of the Longley Foundation
