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Mission Statement

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:23:16 GMT

The mission of I Need A Lighthouse, Inc. is to significantly reduce the loss and suffering from teen and young adult depression, suicide, and suicidal behavior through educational programs and community partnerships. About Us On July 25, 2001, in the space of a moment, Kathleen Wakefield’s life changed forever when a police chaplain knocked on her door and informed her that her 21 year-old son, Jake, had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Jake’s suicide gave Kathleen a new life goal, “It is my deepest desire to honor Jake’s life by educating teens and young adults about depression and suicide.” I NEED A LIGHTHOUSE (INAL) was established by Kathleen in 2001 to carry out the following mission: To significantly reduce the loss and suffering from youth depression, suicide and suicidal behavior in communities throughout the region. INAL will be the leading provider of education programs that increase the community’s awareness of...

About Us

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:23:06 GMT

Our Mission On July 25, 2001, in the space of a moment, Kathleen Wakefield’s life changed forever when a police chaplain knocked on her door and informed her that her 21 year-old son, Jake, had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Jake’s suicide gave Kathleen a new life goal, “It is my deepest desire to honor Jake’s life by educating teens and young adults about depression and suicide.” I NEED A LIGHTHOUSE (INAL) was established by Kathleen in 2001 to carry out the following mission: To significantly reduce the loss and suffering from youth depression, suicide and suicidal behavior in communities throughout the region. INAL will be the leading provider of education programs that increase the community’s awareness of the serious consequences associated with depression and suicide among teens and young-adults, and make it easy for at-risk youth to seek and obtain help. Suicide Affects Thousands Each year in the United States, more...

Community Presentations

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:22:28 GMT

Lighthouse staff are available to speak to student and community groups upon request. Our presentation addresses important topics, including:

The strong link between depression and suicide
Depression symptoms and triggers
Suicide warning signs
How to help someone who is depressed or considering suicide
Community resources and available support

We are committed to empowering young adults and community members in Hampton Roads to intervene when a friend or family member is suffering from depression or considering suicide. There is help. There is hope.

Presentations can be customized to address the specific needs of your group. For more information please contact our Executive Director, Kathleen Wakefield at (757) 496-9775 or kwakefield@ineedalighthouse.org.

Helpful Links

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:22:11 GMT

For More Information Visit These Websites Helpguide.org Empowers you to make educated health and lifestyle choices to prevent illness and improve your health. This non-profit resource provides over 150 articles reviewed by recognized professionals SAMHSA's Family Guide A Family Guide To Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy & Drug Free is a public education Web site developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to communicate to parents and other caring adults about how they can help promote their child's mental health and reduce his or her risk for becoming involved with alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention AFSP is the leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those impacted by suicide Virginia Department of Health The Virginia Department of...

Adult Depression

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:21:57 GMT

What is Depression? Feeling unhappy or sad in response to disappointment, loss, frustration or a medical condition is normal. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but that is really situational depression, which is a normal reaction to events around us. There’s a vast difference between “feeling depressed” and suffering from clinical depression. The despondency of clinical depression is unrelenting and overwhelming. Some people describe it as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. They can't escape their unhappiness and despair. However, some people with depression don't feel sad at all. Instead, they feel lifeless and empty. In this apathetic state, they are unable to experience pleasure. Even when participating in activities they used to enjoy, they feel as if they're just going through the motions. The signs and symptoms vary from person to person, and they may wax and...

Teen Depression

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:21:49 GMT

Suicide Warning Signs

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:21:35 GMT

Most youths who attempt suicide show some warning signs beforehand. Look for signs of substance abuse or depression and get professional help for your child if he/she needs it. Here are some other possible signals of suicide to watch out for: Words Talks, writes, or otherwise expresses a preoccupation with suicide or death in general. Complains of being a bad person or being rotten inside. Gives verbal hints such as, I'd be better off dead, I won't be a problem for you much longer, Nothing matters, It's no use, and I won't see you again. Actions Withdraws from friends or family. Significantly changes eating, sleeping, or appearance habits. Experiences sudden drop in academic performance.Puts his affairs in order; for example, gives away favorite toys, cleans his room, or throws away important belongings. Acts in rash, hostile, or irrational ways; often expresses rage. Feelings Feels overwhelmingly hopeless, guilty, or ashamed. Shows...

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:57:29 GMT

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Hampton Roads Resources

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:22:59 GMT

Community Services Agencies Chesapeake Community Services Board 757-548-7000 Eastern Shore Community Services Board 757-422-7707 (emergency) Hampton/Newport News Community Services Board 757-788-0011 (emergency) Norfolk Community Services Board 757-664-7690 (emergency) Portsmouth Community Services Board 757-393-8990 (emergency) Virginia Beach Community Services Board 757-385-0888 (emergency) 757-385-0866 Western Tidewater Community Services Board 757-942-1069 (emergency) Colonial Services Board (Williamsburg) 757-220-3200 (main & crisis intervention) Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck CSB 804-693-5057 800-639-9668 Community Resources Barry Robinson Center (for youth) 800-221-1995 or 757-455-6100 (admissions) Fleet & Family Services 800-FSC-LINE (372-5463) National Alliance for the Mentally Ill 888-486-VAMI (8264) Senior Resource Center...

Volunteer

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:04:42 GMT

Staff

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:33:14 GMT

Kathleen Wakefield Founder, Executive Director On July 25, 2001, in the space of a moment, Kathleen Wakefield’s life changed forever. Kathleen’s doorbell rang at midnight. A police Chaplain and police officer informed Kathleen that her 21 year-old son, Jake, had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Jacob was a soft-spoken, handsome young man with a winning smile and a dry sense of humor that drew a large circle of friends. Jake hid his despair from those closest to him. Jake’s death was unfathomable, and totally unnecessary. Jake’s suicide gave Kathleen a new life’s mission, “It is my deepest desire to honor Jake’s life by educating teens and young-adults about depression and suicide.” Kathleen believes depression is treatable and hopes to reduce lives lost to suicide. Using her 30+ years of experience as a teacher in Virginia Beach Public Schools Kathleen created I NEED A LIGHTHOUSE. Inc.,...

Suicide Prevention

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:41:35 GMT

If You Feel You May Be at Risk for Suicide If you are considering harming yourself, it is imperative that you seek help immediately. Turning to a family member, friend, or mental health professional can provide immediate support and keep you physically safe. If you are unable to seek help from someone you know, you can find assistance through the support and crisis lines listed below. REMEMBER: There is ALWAYS another solution, even if you can’t see it right now. Emotions and situations change. Do not be ashamed. Many people have experienced what you are going through. Depression can make you feel emotions and act in ways that do not fit with your usual personality. Wait 24 hours before you take any negative action because this can give you time to think things through and find other options. Try to talk to someone, anyone - as long as they are not another suicidal or depressed person. If you’re afraid you can’t control yourself, make sure...

Home page content

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:12:48 GMT

Click here to find out more about Please designate Lighthouse for your United Way CFC Lighthouse Psychology Clubs donations (we are a write-in agency) Coming soon to YOUR high school!

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:25:57 GMT

click the link below to download and print this form

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Mail to:

I Need A Lighthouse, Inc.

2700 Barrett Street

Virginia Beach, VA 234552

or Fax to:

(757) 340-1788

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:51:50 GMT

I Need a Lighthouse ,Inc.

2600 Barrett Street,

Virginia Beach VA 23452

(757) 496-9775

fax (757) 340-1788

INAL on Twitter

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:03:49 GMT

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<a href="http://twitter.com/ineedalighthous" id="twitter-link" style="display:block;text-align:right;">follow me on Twitter</a>
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