Here is Renee's interview with Marisa Giarnella-Porco, President and Co-Founder of the Jordan Porco Foundation. She chats about JPF's mission to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message of hope for young adults.
They're also joined by Lesley Mara, Director of Workforce Development, Strategic Partnerships, and Sponsored Programs for Connecticut State Colleges & Universities, and Jonathan A. Pohl, Ph.D.,Coordinator of Wellness Education at Central Connecticut State University. They share about all of the resources available to students across the state colleges and the issues that impact their lives on a daily basis.
Listen below for the complete interview:
Important Info:
A 2017 survey administered by the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) found that 17% of our community college students face housing insecurity or homelessness.
- Faculty and staff regularly hear from students who attend college even though they can only afford to live in carsand “couch surf” at friends’ or relatives’ homes, because they know that education is their only path to a better future.
Nearly a third of students with food insecurities are employed or receiving financial aid. Many of our students who do not qualify for Pell grants have considerable unmet financial need. Most CSCU students work full- or part-time jobs, and many support other family members.
- Every CSCU campus also has initiatives underway to address student hunger, and a majority of our campuses have food pantries open to our students.
(source)
Riding buses and trains in Connecticut is now FREE for most students at participating U-Pass CT schools!
- The cost of the program is already included in student fees, so all you need is your U-Pass CT and your valid student ID and you’re on your way.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24. But there is hope. Suicide is also the most preventable form of death. With education, awareness, and conversation, we can save lives.
Did You Know?
- 1,100 college students die by suicide each year in the United States
- According to the 2013 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, in the past 12 months:
- 17% of 9th-12thgraders seriously considered attempting suicide
- 14% made a plan
- 8% made an attempt
- Nearly 1 in 5 students are coming into college already being treated for/diagnosed with depression and anxiety
- 1/3 of college students feel so depressed that it is difficult to function and over half experience overwhelming anxiety