Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

For the month of September, this fantastic charity was chosen – and for good reason.

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) was founded in 2005 by friends Scott Fritz and Don Quigley, after losing teenaged children to suicide. Playing an instrumental role in making New Jersey the first state to do so, Scott and Don set out to ensure that legislation was passed requiring teachers to receive two-hours of youth suicide prevention training as part of their professional development. Since then,  22 other states have followed suit with similar legislative requirements for teachers.

SPTS is committed to its mission of reducing the number of youth suicides and attempted suicides by encouraging public awareness through educational training programs. Through our passionate commitment to the value of life, SPTS has based its philosophy in the effectiveness of evidence-based and Best Practice suicide prevention strategies, all while upholding a dedication to removing public stigma about suicide and the conviction that accurate information and education can save lives.

SPTS, together with suicide prevention expert Maureen Underwood, created several Best Practice resources for both teachers and parents, all available for free. Making Educators Partners in Youth Suicide Prevention, SPTS’s online teacher training, has been completed by over 70,000 users throughout the country. Another free, Best Practice resources is our video for parents: Not My Kid: What Every Parent Needs to Know.

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide stands by its mission to offer suicide prevention awareness resources and training to teachers and parents who interact with our nation’s youth on a daily basis. While not a crisis-intervention resource itself, SPTS is a grass-roots organization dedicated to helping those who need it most – before they reach the point of crisis. Education and awareness regarding suicide risks and what roles parents and educators play as both a trusted adult and in the competent community model, is what differentiates us from other organizations. From in-person trainings with Maureen Underwood, LCSW, to informational parent talks with co-founder Scott Fritz, to survivor support group trainings for trauma communities, SPTS continues to put itself on the frontlines of youth suicide prevention and ultimately, save teens.

It Aint Nothing

This grass roots Charity is one of those set ups that you just know, has a lot of blood, sweat and tears poured into it.

It Aint Nothing was founded after Nicholas Simpson went for a trip to the Philippines,saw the devastation of typhoon Haiyan and felt the need to do something to help.

In his everyday life in Australia, Nick is owner of restaurant The Treehouse on Belongil in Byron Bay, together with Zack Simmons. The Treehouse on Belongil set up and funded the start-up of It Aint Nothing as well as the first house being built in the 50.50.50 Project!

Stay tuned for an update here on how Your Tea donations have helped It Aint Nothing.