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ACCOMPLISHMENTS In September 2013 umttr began as a basketball tournament – the fundraiser Evan’s friends planned to honor his memory and legacy of always helping others while we raise money for suicide prevention. Evan died by suicide May of 2013 – he was a 6’3” 16 year old high school sophomore varsity basketball player who was known for his smile, helpfulness to friends and his effervescent personality. After their childhood friend was suddenly gone, a group of friends decided to prevent suicide with messages of hope, help and strength, creating a basketball tournament to raise the critical funds needed to carry out the mission. umttr is a community of young adults leading a movement to change the story from bullying, depression and suicide to a positive compassionate culture where every person matters. umttr is empowering kids, schools, and youth athletic organizations with funds, information and tools they need to place mental well-being and caring support at the forefront of young adults’ daily interactions. Founding Member of Campaign to Change Direction umttr is leading the DC regional efforts for the Campaign to Change Direction. The goal of the Campaign to Change Direction is to change the culture of mental health in America so that all of those in need receive the care and support they deserve. The Campaign is working on a common language that encourages all Americans to pay attention to their emotional well-being – and it reminds us that our emotional well-being is just as important as our physical well-being. Partnership with The Capital Classic umttr has partnered with The Capital Classic to extend our reach and philanthropy goals and extend our social media reach into the nationwide basketball community. Support Programs by Coaches umttr has partnered with both high school and middle school athletic coaches with skills workshops both physical and emotional – Giving a checkup from the neck up. Expansion to Delaware umttr is working with the JFS of Wilmington (Jewish Family Services) and the Siegel JCC. Through these partnerships umttr will put Peer Driven Support Systems at the forefront of the education process in the entire community. Making Strides at University of South Carolina umttr has been named as the official chapter philanthropy for Phi Gamma Delta’s Mu Lambda Chapter, at the University of South Carolina. The fraternity held it’s 1st annual SpikeBall tournament as well as its first Breaking Barriers night where college students gathered to discuss mental health, and how to change the culture surrounding mental heath on campus. 3v3 tournament at Amity High School (Woodbridge CT) umttr reached out to students and faculty to participate in a fun, inclusive, and positive 3v3 Basketball tournament. The turnout was amazing as many students and teachers got involved to have a fun, stress free afternoon and to step out of their comfort zone! UMD Crisis Center / Hearts for Help Partnership umttr has partnered with the Hearts for Help team at the University of Maryland to reach the campus community through social media and fundraising awareness events. 17 Schools and Counting! umttr currently has a presence at 17 schools and universities throughout the U.S. Provided Grants to NAMI umttr granted funds to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-Montgomery County to put the ONLY evidence- based, proven effective, peer-led suicide prevention program in the nation, Sources of Strength, into 11 schools; this is the first time it has been brought to the Mid-Atlantic Region. Testified in Congress Susan Rosenstock and other umttr team members testified before the Maryland State House of Delegates Ways and Means Committee in support of new legislation for mental health awareness and teen suicide prevention. HB 0142, would require Maryland public schools to educate students, teachers, and counselors about the 5 signs of emotional suffering and to implement emotional wellness programs for student athletes. Partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance umttr is working with the researched-based organization The Positive Coaching Alliance in forming the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter, in an effort to make change. PCA’s program with umttr will help to end 70% of kids dropping out of organized sports by the age of 13; along with other long term goals of saving lives and putting an end to bullying. Michael Sweetney Becomes Celebrity Spokesman umttr welcomes Michael Sweetney as our celebrity spokesperson. Michael was the NBA’s 9th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft, following a legendary career at Georgetown University. His NBA career ended due to an untreated depression, and he now hopes to encourage others to get the help they need by sharing his mental health story through umttr. To learn more, please visit: www.umttr.org The Habits of Emotional Well-Being: 5 THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING! Please help us raise critical funds to communicate, educate and motivate the public to increase help seeking behavior and break the stigma.
