Bellas Awareness Project

ould have never died. Bella's Awareness Project, a nonprofit charity, was born from the desire of those who loved her most to honor her memory by continuing to fight the fight she and so many of our youth face. The lack of resources, education & awareness of mental illness & suicide left us doing all we knew to do, all we were offered...but it wasn't enough! Our mission, is to educate the community and end the stigma surrounding depression, anxiety, suicide & mental health issues as a whole. The pain that Bella suffered, the internal struggle she fought...WE ARE NOT ASHAMED! Her death was not a result of an outside factor that we can blame. Peer pressure, bullying...while some do fight those battles, Bella's tormentor was not one of her peers...it was her mind. Depression, loss & grief are to blame for Bella's death. Unable to see past her pain, unable to cope with the emotional & mental pain she was experiencing...she ended her pain, by ending her life. In the year 2017 the shame, fear and false beliefs surrounding mental health as a whole is antiquated at best. We need to educate and empower our youth. Encourage them to step up and speak out when they see a friend in trouble. Unfortunately, it's not adults that are the "first responders" to the sometimes subtle cries for help. We need an open dialogue...one of support & love instead of criticizing & dismissing their feelings as preteen or teen drama or "attention seeking behavior". Any and all money raised by and for Bella's Awareness Project will be directed back into the community. Suicide awareness and prevention education, as well as community resources are desperately needed. Funds will also be used to support art classes in Victoria, Texas. Art was a passion of Bella's. It provided an outlet for her and we hope to support the expansion of available opportunities for those who share her talent and drive. If you have any questions regarding Bella's Awareness Project as an organization please, contact us via the page. If you or someone you know is in trouble, or maybe you're not sure...reach out. If you don't feel comfortable talking to one of us, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is always available 1-800-273 TALK (8255) ��