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July 2012
Volume 1, Issue 1
IKKIR Foundation IKKIR FOUNDATION
IKKIR (INSPIRATION- KINDNESS- FOR-KIDS-WITH-
INFORMATIONAL-RESOURCES) WAS ESTABLISHED TO
PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND RESOURCES TO TEENS ABOUT SUICIDE, SUICIDE PREVEN-
TION, AND OTHER SPECIALIZED INFORMATION. OUR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PRO-
VIDES INFORMATION
SPECIFIC TO TEEN SUI-
CIDE PREVENTION PRO-
GRAMS AND AGENCIES
THAT HELP TEENS AT-
RISK. IKKIR SPONSORS
OTHER FOUNDATIONS,
ORGANIZATIONS AND
SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE
SUICIDE AWARENESS AND
PREVENTION. WE CARE
IKKIR Foundation emerged from the love of an Aunt for her niece. This foundation is established
to deal with the devastation, pain and guilt SUICIDE SURVIVORS feel who lose someone due to
SUICIDE. The name IKKIR Foundation was inspired by Rikki’ and by her voice, laughter, joy and
light she brought into my life.
Her light continues to shine brightly as we bring AWARENESS to DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE.
Rikki’s legacy continues as we strive to bring inspiration and testament of what true love and life-
long commitment to helping others can do. This single act is in honor of Rikki’ who was a helper to
people who were in need. She was selfless. Rikki’ suffered from depression.
IKKIR Foundation ADVOCATES for teenagers who are at-risk of SEVERE DEPRESSION, or SUI-
CIDAL or AT-RISK. The site is also for suicide SURVIVORS, families who are dealing with the loss
of a loved one resulting in SUICIDE, and to promote SUICIDE AWARENESS, TEEN SUICIDE
PREVENTION, and help AT-RISK YOUTH. For more information and DONATIONS, visit our
website at www.ikkirfoundation.org.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
IKKIR Foundation ............................ ...1
How IKKIR Emerged ....................... ...1
Suicide Reactions……………….………….2
Fundraising....................................... ..2
Scholarships………………………………...2
Depression…………………………………...3
Warning Signs…...…………….…………..3
Suicide and Race……………….…...…....3
Counseling …..………..……………...…...4
Suicide Awareness………………………...4
Schools………………………………………...4
How to Cope with Stress..…….………...5
A Story of Survival……..…………..….…. 5
You are Not Alone……………….………...6
Special Points of Interest
IKKIR FOUNDATION
WHAT WE DO
DONATIONS
SPONSORS
PARTNERSHIPS
IKKIR Foundation
IKKIR FOUNDATION TODAY
IKKIR Foundation July 2012
HOW IKKIR FOUNDATION EMERGED
818.482.1824
“Some people may feel that it is unlikely that a friend, family member or classmate would commit suicide.”
Today, we are searching for ideas to help raise funds to support our cause. IKKIR Foundation will be working with various organizations, churches, schools, groups and organizations. Funds will be used to help support our Internet radio station, website, and scholar-ships for the at-risk youth who want to attend college. We are an online resource for the community and local organizations. We are a non-profit organization and therefore all funds are through donation. We are looking for sponsors who support our vision. These funds will help at-risk teens between the ages of 14-18 receive scholarships. We network with organizations who share our vision.
SCHOLARSHIPS
IKKIR Foundation Scholarships was established to help businesses,
organizations, groups, and individuals who share our dream of sending
teenagers to college.
We want to help well-deserved teens realize their dream of education
through arts, entertainment and special interests related to our organi-
zation.
Many teens have a dream of attending college like Rikki’. She never re-
alized her dream. This organization will support the dreams of other
teens. It is our goal to keep Rikki’s spirit alive by helping others based
on our organizational directives, purpose, and vision.
SUICIDE REACTIONS: WHAT WE KNOW.
FUNDRAISING
There are many reasons why someone
would commit suicide. Some people may
feel that it is unlikely that a friend, family
member, or classmate would commit sui-
cide. Even when the suicidal person has
mentioned it or made intimations about
committing suicide, one should be aware
of the consequences. If you or someone
you know tells you they want to or plan to
commit suicide, you should contact a pro-
fessional or suicide hotline immediately.
Do not underestimate or think the person
is not serious. Even when the person is
seemingly an easy-going outspoken or
happy-go-lucky, take the extra step to ask
questions. Save a life or your life today
and ask for help. Tell a friend, family
member, pastor, counselor, doctor, psy-
chiatrist or professional. You can also call
the suicide hotlines on our website or
other websites available. Whatever you do
seek help. Help is just a phone call or
prayer away. You are not alone even when
you feel alone. There are people who care
and want to help.
Call us today or visit our website at:
WWW.IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
IKKIR TODAY
We are establishing local and nation-
al networks in addition to providing
resources, educational materials,
fundraisers and educational materi-
als. We help at-risk teens and fami-
lies of teenagers who committed
suicide.
The goal is to provide suicide pre-
vention and awareness to the com-
munity through education, re-
sources, shared partnerships and
schools.
For more information about our
organization please visit our website:
www.ikkirfoundation.org
2 LAWREE29@IKKIRFOUNDATION
IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
There are many reasons why someone would commit suicide. Some people may feel that it
is unlikely that a friend, family member, or classmate would commit suicide even when the
person has mentioned or made intimations about committing suicide. If you or someone
you know tells you they are planning or want to commit suicide, you should immediately
contact a professional or suicide hotline.
Do not underestimate or think the person is not serious. The person could seem cheerful,
outgoing, or outspoken. Save a life, or seek help today. Tell a friend, family member, pas-
tor, school counselor, doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or professional.
You can also call the Suicide Prevention Hotline or visit our website for additional re-
sources. Whatever you do seek help immediately. Help is just a prayer or phone call away.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE even when you feel alone. WE CARE and want to help.
Call us today or visit our website at:
WWW.IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
SUICIDE CROSSES ALL RACES, GENDER, AND ETH-
INICITIES.
Unfortunately I am a two-time suicide survivor. My dear neighbor committed suicide as a
teenager. I remember asking similar questions after losing Rikki’ “How could this hap-
pen?” Why did this happen to him? “He seemed so happy? “How can a person commit
suicide who is seemingly happy?
I was often compelled to pay respect to my friend whenever I would visit my family. On
one occasion, Rikki’ was with me. She seemed completely at ease with her headphones on
and music playing. I would check to see if she was okay and find her smiling and walking
alongside me. Afterwards, I jokingly asked her to promise to lay flowers for me when the
time came. I provided details about how I wanted to be laid to rest. We both loved flow-
ers. In 2000, I eulogized my baby girl at the tender age of 14.
DEPRESSION
It is important to recognize the
symptoms of depression. For many,
depression can be seen as just a
casual word, while for others it is
much more. The American Psycho-
logical Association (2007), describes
depression as dysphonia, and varies
in severity from a fluctuating mood
to extreme feelings of sadness, pessi-
mism, and despondency. Blaff (1995)
posits that perfectionism as a cause
for depression and suicidal behav-
iors.
Many people who experience depres-
sion may seem okay on the outside
(happy on the outside) and may even
show feelings of exuberance. Howev-
er, recognizing these behaviors early
in teenagers and seeking counseling,
care of a doctor is also recommended
in extreme or severe cases. Extreme
cases of depression can lead to sui-
cidal ideations and ultimately suicide
if unrecognized or left untreated.
LDN-2012
For More Information Please Go to
Our Website :
WWW.IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG Counseling and Referrals for Teens 818.482.1824
3
IKKIR Foundation-You are not alone.
LBGT YOUTH
Teen suicide is a very serious
problem; particularly among
Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Gay, and
Transgender (LBGT) teenagers.
Whether it happens to a family
member or unknown person, the
effect is significant and impacts
every gender, socio-economic
status, culture and ethnicity.
Suicide is particularly higher
among lesbian, gay, and bi-
sexual youth (SPRC), and much
higher for transgender youth.
Efforts to help reduce these rates
are critical and must be ad-
dressed. Partnerships, groups
and organizations can help keep
the issue on the forefront.
Suicide is difficult to deal with
and to discuss but is very neces-
sary based on the rise in suicide
rates among teenagers.
Statistical data, resources and
healthcare is available to help
teens and young adults between
the ages of 15 and 24 (SPRC,
2012).
COUNSELING
IKKIR wants to help families, children, and awareness to the local and global communi-
ties about suicide. Suicide is a topic that many people do not want to discuss. However,
parents, children, and schools need to be aware of the psychological help and organiza-
tional resources in addition to counseling to help teens.
Subsequent speakers, webinars, and other preventive services are available to them The
goal is to provide a resource website that connects with other websites and organizations
to provide up-to-date information available. Hotlines, resources and help is only a click or
phone call away.
We welcome all organizations to join together to help fight suicide and prevent at-risk
behaviors. Public awareness, information and donations help us spread the word and to
protect our youth. Help us by making a donation today.
Resources and counseling services are
available for families, teens, schools and
through the IKKIR website. IKKIR Foun-
dation provides resources, hotline num-
bers, and listings for counselors, psycholo-
gists and websites to help teenagers who
at risk for suicide or other at-risk behav-
iors.
Sometimes culture can impact the way
individuals seek help. Some people may
feel that counseling will not help. Howev-
er, if an individual does not get help, it is
during these times that the risk of suicide
or other negative behaviors factor in.
It is the goal of IKKIR Foundation to work
with organizations, agencies and other
foundations to provide invaluable re-
sources and awareness to those who do
not have exposure to information on how
to seek help. From depression, anxiety,
and other related behaviors. IKKIR will
work with these groups and create aware-
ness through networks, groups and other
organizations to provide the help and
assistance teens need to be safe and pro-
ductive in society. Help is available and
only a phone call away.
For more information about our organiza-
tion, please visit our website or call.
SCHOOLS
It makes sense to educate the public, community, and the world about the dangers of teen
suicide. One only needs to look in the paper to find an increase in reports of suicide. The
reasons can range from depression to bullying.
Suicide affects everyone. Studies on teenage suicide, issues, and problems with adjustment
are a major concern and growing problem (Durlak, 1995; Glidewell, & Swallow, 1969), with
reports as far back as far as 1910. So it makes sense to provide awareness, education and
resources to prevent this problem. Schools are where children learn how to socialize, devel-
op, create ideas, and solve problems. Health, education, and suicide prevention and aware-
ness through various programs can get the message out there.
Suicide prevention program, health and sex education, suicide prevention programs, drink-
ing and driving, drug prevention and other programs can help (Lee Naars & Wenck, Stern,
1999). But they cannot do it alone and prevention and awareness can help. It is impossible
for healthcare systems and other organizations to meet the needs of every youth (Durlak,
1995). About 30 percent of teens seek mental help. 4
SUICIDE AWARENESS
“It is important during extreme times of stress to get off of the “roller coaster” or hamster wheel.”
Stress can affect anyone.
According to psychologists, stress is a part of life. There is good and bad stress. The im-
portant thing is that stress can kill. Stress can come from anything from anxiety to severe
forms of stress such as panic attacks, heart palpitations or other symptoms.
Most people deal with stress and have no real issues, while for others the feelings are
more extreme and they may need help. Insomnia, depression and emotional problems
require the individual to seek counseling from a psychiatrist, psychologist, pastor, or
other qualified individual as symptoms could exacerbate.
Moreover, multi-tasking is sometimes overrated. It is important during extreme times of
stress to get off of the “roller coaster or hamster wheel.” It is okay to turn off the tele-
phone, computer, radio, and other distractions and take a break. Sometimes doing some-
thing you love to do, laughter, prayer, meditation, talking with friends can reduce the
lower levels of stress and anxiety.
“This is a story of survival and the
determination to keep going in life
in spite of the odds or negative cir-
cumstances.” IKKIR PRESENTS:
To Live and Not Die, WHY?
My Story
I am a survivor, a Sista Soldier in God’s
army, a mother and community activist. I
have raised 3 children with and without
fathers. I am an adult child of an alcoholic
family of domestic violence. I experienced
a miscarriage and had several abortions. I
am a victim of incest and rape. I have been
homeless, on drugs and alcohol and pills.
Last year, I survived 2 fires and several
car accidents. I have been married four
times; two times to the same man. Two of
my children’s fathers are dead.
I am VICTORIOUS, an educator of life, a
communicator, mentor, friend, wife, and
motivator.
Inspire Others
I am a 16 year survivor of what is termed
as a terminal condition (HIV). But I decid-
ed to live and not die. Others have died
that I am sure. I told myself God did not
give me my daughter to take me away
from her. She is my reason for living. Both
she and God. So 16 years later, here I am,
a grandmother. I am still here to do God’s
will.
My Life Today.
Sometimes I feel alone/lonesome just me
and God. I no longer ask why? I now ask
“Lord, what should I do? I want all that
God has kept me through to be used for
his intended purpose.
Stigma. Should I Be Open About It?
Being transparent does bother me because
of the stigma misinformation and igno-
rance. However, my story must be told
and is bigger than me.
Hopefully, I will be able to educate others
and tell them that you too can live and not
die. I would also like for people to know
that knowledge is powerful. Ultimately, I
am A Sista Standn Strong for God’s Glory.
Stigma means, a mark a token of infamy,
disgrace, or reproach, a mark burned into
the skin. I am a child of Christ Jesus, and
not a stigma. What the devil meant for bad
is for God’s Glory. You too can Live, so
choose Life.
A Sista Standn Strong
HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS
HIV/AIDS: A STORY OF SURVIVAL
5
IKKIR FOUNDATION
The mission of our organiza-
tion is to help at-risk teens
realize their goals and to pro-
vide assistance, resources
through prevention and aware-
ness. We Are Here to Help.
At-Risk Teens
Educational Programs
Elder Abuse
Child Abuse Children with Disabilities
Hearing Impaired Persons and Groups
LBGT Teens, Awareness, Education, Programs, and Groups
Mentoring Programs
Networks and Resources
Other Non-Profit Groups and Organizations
Resources for the Elderly and Children
Teen Detention Organizations and Programs Teen Suicide, Prevention, Awareness, Education, Programs,
Hotlines and Groups
The Anti-Poverty Task Force: daily food distribution, second hand store
The Children's Task Force: supporting LBGT awareness, groups, information, resources, anti-bullying prevention pro-grams and campaigns
The HIV Task Force: HIV counseling and self-help groups.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
PLEASE
PLACE
STAMP
HERE
IKKIR Foundation
Glendale, CA 91203
www.ikkirfoundation.org
Phone: 818.482.1824
Fax: 818.409.9345
E-mail:
IKKIR Foundation
Glendale, CA 91203
Laurie Dean-Newton, PhDc, CEO
www.ikkirfoundation.org
IKKIR Foundation.org
LAWREE29@ IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
WWW. IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
LAWREE29@ IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
IKKIR
