ARC Angels Foundation

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate authenticity, acceptance, and the courage it takes to be yourself.

For LGBTQ+ youth, feeling accepted can have a profound impact on mental health. Studies consistently show that LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts compared ot their peers. However, research also shows that supportive families, affirming schools, and caring adults can drastically reduce those risks.

At. A.R.C. Angels Foundation, we believe every young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. Sometimes something as simple as listening without judgment, using someone's preferred name, or reminding them that they matter can make a life-changing difference.

This Pride Month, let's continue creating spaces where ALL young people feel safe enough to be themselves and supported enough to ask for help when they need it.

June is both Pride Month and Men's Mental Health Month.

While these observances highlight different communities, they share an important message: everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued.

Su***de remains one of the leading causes of death among teenagers in the United States. Boys aged 15-19 are significantly more likely to die by su***de than girls their age, despite girls reporting higher rates of su***de attempts. Research consistently shows that young men are less likely to seek mental health support, making early intervention and trusted connections especially important.

At the same time, LGBTQ+ youth continue to face disproportionately high rates of depression, bullying, suicidal thoughts, and su***de attempts. Studies have shown that supportive families, schools, and communities can dramatically reduce these risks and improve mental health outcomes.

The good news is that su***de is preventable. Evidence-based su***de prevention programs have been shown to reduce su***de attempts and suicidal behaviors among youth by as much as 20-30%. That is why we do what we do.

Every presentation, every conversation, every student reached, and every resource shared is an opportunity to help a young person recognize warning signs, ask for help, support a friend, or realize they aren't alone.

This month, we stand with all young people - young boys who feel pressured to suffer in silence, LGBTQ+ youth seeking acceptance and belonging, and every student facing challenges that may not be visible on the surface.

Awareness matters.
Education matters.
Connection matters.
And prevention works.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de and 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

Don't Forget!

We have a FREE community program for adults at the Middendorf-Kredell Branch of St. Charles St. Charles City-County Library tomorrow evening, May 27th, at 6:30 pm.

With mental health wellness being a term that has only recently come to light, many adults are left unequipped to speak with young people about things they may be struggling with. This program focuses on how we, as adults, can be trusted individuals whom teens can come to when they need help. Our goal in this live learning experience is to understand that the world our children are growing up in is completely different from the world we grew up in. We help recognize generational barriers, meeting a young life where they are, having open conversations, knowing the signs of su***de and how to recognize them, knowing what questions to ask, and most importantly, having a nonjudgmental lens. Information about free mental health and su***de resources are provided at the end of each live learning experience.

Recommended for Parents, Guardians, and Caretakers.

Registration is recommended. Library membership not required.

Register Here: https://stcharles.librarycalendar.com/event/arc-angels-foundation-its-too-late-277253

We are absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude after an incredible weekend at Firebird Fest 2026!

Thanks to the generosity, kindness, and support of everyone who stopped by our booth, shared their stories, and made a donation, we raised an amazing $15,650 to support our mission.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to the organizers of Firebird Fest for partnering with us and giving us the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful event. We are so grateful to work alongside people and organizations who believe in the importance of mental health education and su***de prevention.

One of the most powerful parts of the weekend was the chance to meet so many incredible people. We were honored to hear your personal stories, your experiences, and the reasons this cause matters so deeply to you. Every conversation reminded us why this work is so important and why we must continue reaching young people with hope, education, and support.

Your generosity will help us bring life-saving mental health education programs into schools and communities, giving young people the tools they need to understand their mental health, ask for help, and know they are never alone.

To everyone who donated, stopped by to talk, shared words of encouragement, or simply took the time to learn more about our mission—thank you. Your support is making a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people across our communities.

Looking for something fun to do tonight? We are in the Square in Waterloo, IL for Firebird Fest 2026. Come see Strutter, check out some awesomely cool cars, and support our cause. Hope to see you there!

Come see us today at Gateway Classic Cars in O’Fallon, IL for Firebird Fest 2026. Come see some awesome cars and support a great cause too!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we are here to remind you...

***deAwareness ***deprevention

Mother’s Day can bring a wide range of emotions.

To the moms doing their best each day, the pet moms loving on their fur-babies, those hoping to become mothers, those facing infertility, mothers who have experienced loss, those grieving the loss of their own mom, and anyone who finds today difficult—we see you.

Days like today can stir up joy, gratitude, sadness, grief, and everything in between. Whatever you are feeling is valid, and it is important to give yourself permission to experience those emotions without judgment.

Mental health is shaped by our relationships, our losses, and our hopes. If today feels overwhelming, know that you are not alone. Reach out to someone you trust, practice self-care, and extend yourself the same compassion you would offer to others.

No matter what your journey looks like, you are seen, you are valued, and you matter.

There's still time to make a difference. Give STL Day isn't over yet!

Your donation could be the reason a young person hears the words they need, learns how to ask for help, or realizes they aren't alone.

Please give while there is still time.

Click here to Donate:

https://www.givestlday.org/organization/arcangelsfoundation

Behind every reason is a young person who deserves support, understanding, and hope.

Your donation today - on Give STL Day - helps us continue providing free, life-changing mental health education to young people across our community.

Please consider making a gift today. Every dollar helps save a life.

Click here to Donate:

https://www.givestlday.org/organization/arcangelsfoundation