LRJ Foundation

Our Mission:

The Lou Ruspi Jr. Foundation, LRJ, is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to bring mental health education and wellness to schools, the community, and other entities through educational and interactive seminars and resources.

LRJ’s educational programs engage our audience in a creative manor simulating real life experiences and discussions. LRJ’s, “ Wellness Matters” program deploys mental health professionals, free of charge, to school districts, colleges, and community organizations to discuss suicide prevention and behavioral health topics, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, bullying, eating disorders, mindfulness, positive mindset and self-esteem , as well as providing proper treatment options, teaching coping skills, and providing resources for further .

We are fortunate, thanks to our generous sponsors, supporters and  events like Embrace Our Youth 5k, to allow LRJ to provide these services free of charge to school districts and youth groups.

Our History:

LRJ Foundation was Established in 2012 by twin sisters, Teressa Stann and Karla Farina, after the loss of their brother Lou Ruspi Jr. On December 23, 2011 to suicide.

A young man so smart, funny, joyful and determined to succeed had ended his life? How could this happen? Why? 

With a stigma surrounding mental health issues and a lack of education and available resources-depression, anxiety, mania, and possible bipolar disorder went undiagnosed. Louie did not want to end his life.  He wanted the struggle and pain to end. 

Their journey led them to see the lack of education on suicide prevention, mental health, and wellness education available to our youth in schools. Tragedy has led to positive change and the want to provide services to the community and schools by helping to fill the gap with LRJ’s programs.

This is not about Louie’s story but the story of all those that can relate, and  those that relate to the struggles our youth is facing today with anxiety, depression, bullying and social & school pressures.

LRJ TODAY:

LRJ’s Wellness Matters program  provides age appropriate, with multiple versions ranging from 2^nd through 3^rd grade, 4^rd through 6^th grade, 6 through 8^th grade & 9-12^th grade, Teacher in-service workshops and Parent University Education.

These 45 to 60 minute interactive seminars are led by one or two certified/licensed therapists, providing education to school districts, colleges, and community organizations and corporate luncheons,  to discuss  Mental Wellness, suicide prevention and behavioral health topics, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, bullying, eating disorders, mindfulness, positive mindset and self-esteem, and test anxiety/ stress management- as well as providing proper treatment options, teaching coping skills, and providing resources for further outreach. 

To date LRJ has proudly provided educational seminars to over 30,000 individuals!! LRJ has been growing rapidly in size, and with your support, we can serve many schools in the 2018-2019 school year.  We have program planning in progress with Forsyth, Fulton, Cobb and Douglas County Schools for next school year.