Jana Marie Foundation

Jana Marie Foundation harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations, build connections, and promote mental wellness among young people and their communities. The organization believes in communities working together to knock down walls and transform emotional distress into resilience and hope. The middle and high school years are full of exploration, growth, and change, often leaving teens to grapple with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. Through innovative programming focused on the power of creative self-expression, Jana Marie Foundation helps youth in the community build personal strength, coping skills, and resilience. In order to make the largest impact possible, Jana Marie Foundation delivers educational trainings to help parents, teachers, and concerned community members recognize and understand potential warning signs and how to support the young people in their lives. This organization, based out of Centre County, Pennsylvania, began in loving memory of Jana Marie Vicere who lost her battle to depression and died by suicide in 2011.