builds resilient
communities to prevent suicide.
If you or someone you know is in crisis,
please call or text: 988
About SPTS
SPTS offers a comprehensive list of training programs for school staff, medical professionals, parents and caregivers, and students.
Support
We invite you, on behalf of all those impacted by our programming, to demonstrate your dedication to
holistic wellness and to join…
Lead U
Lead U customizes empowerment experiences for learners of all ages. The Lead U crew is a team of passionate teaching artist…
What’s New
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Lead U dives into Tampa, Florida
TAMPA, Fla. — There are action-packed assemblies crafted to get kids interested in things often not talked about in local schools. This week, Lead U, a group of teaching artists with The…
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Kalisha Smith and Tackling Black Youth Suicide
As a biology major on a full scholarship at Howard University in the early 2000s, Kalisha Smith pursued a childhood dream of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon. But by the end…
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In Her Own Words: Susan Tellone’s mission is to keep teens alive
We talk about talking more about mental health, but it’s easier said than done. Social media exacerbates problems, to be sure, but women like Susan Tellone tackle them head-on. My…
Our Mission
SPTS is dedicated to increasing awareness, saving lives and reducing the stigma of suicide through specialized training programs and mental health resources that empower students, parents, school staff and community members with the skills needed to help youth build a life of resiliency.
Core Values
- Passionate commitment to the value of life and building resilience.
- Belief in the effectiveness of evidence-based, “upstream,” suicide prevention strategies.
- Dedication to removing stigma about suicide.
- Confident that accurate information and education about suicide and mental health can save lives.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Quick Facts
- A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity dedicated to saving lives of youth that would be lost to suicide.
- Founded in 2005 by New Jersey fathers who had both lost teenage children to suicide.
- Develops comprehensive prevention programs grounded
in research.
What They Say
“The Mental Health Crisis Toolkits have been a great resource for our team and patients/ families. When families are in crisis, the information we are communicating can often be overwhelming and difficult to understand. The toolkit allows for parents/guardians to have a tangible resource at their fingertips to reference during and even after their visit. These toolkits help us foster a better working relationship with families and outline what they can expect moving forward.”
“I have raved to all my coworkers how amazing and effective the training was, led by inspiring Kalisha and the great team!.”
“This is most exciting news I’ve received on a Tuesday morning! We are extremely appreciative to be selected and will ensure these toolkits get put to good use.”
“Thanks so much for this e-mail and for taking on this crucial work! I am absolutely thrilled for the opportunity to receive these toolkits.”
“While my journey with SPTS has just started, I can already feel the sense of family and community that makes the program so great. With the dawn of online school, these monthly meetings have been a relieving bright spot in my routine.”
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