1. 818.482.1824
IKKIR FOUNDATION TODAY
IKKIR Foundation IKKIR Foundation
July 2012
IKKIR
Foundation July 2012
Volume 1, Issue 1
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 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
SUICIDE AWARENESS AND IKKIR Foundation ............................ ...1
PREVENTION. WE CARE How IKKIR Emerged ....................... ...1
Suicide Reactions……………….………….2
Fundraising....................................... ..2
Scholarships………………………………...2
Depression…………………………………...3
Warning Signs…...…………….…………..3
Suicide and Race……………….…...…....3
HOW IKKIR FOUNDATION EMERGED Counseling …..………..……………...…...4
IKKIR Foundation emerged from the love of an Aunt for her niece. This foundation is established Suicide Awareness………………………...4
to deal with the devastation, pain and guilt SUICIDE SURVIVORS feel who lose someone due to Schools………………………………………...4
SUICIDE. The name IKKIR Foundation was inspired by Rikki’ and by her voice, laughter, joy and How to Cope with Stress..…….………...5
light she brought into my life.
A Story of Survival……..…………..….…. 5
Her light continues to shine brightly as we bring AWARENESS to DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE. You are Not Alone……………….………...6
Rikki’s legacy continues as we strive to bring inspiration and testament of what true love and life- Special Points of Interest
long commitment to helping others can do. This single act is in honor of Rikki’ who was a helper to
 IKKIR FOUNDATION
people who were in need. She was selfless. Rikki’ suffered from depression.
 WHAT WE DO
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  DONATIONS
of a loved one resulting in SUICIDE, and to promote SUICIDE AWARENESS, TEEN SUICIDE  SPONSORS
PREVENTION, and help AT-RISK YOUTH. For more information and DONATIONS, visit our
website at www.ikkirfoundation.org.  PARTNERSHIPS

2. IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
SUICIDE REACTIONS: WHAT WE KNOW.
There are many reasons why someone questions. Save a life or your life today
would commit suicide. Some people may and ask for help. Tell a friend, family
feel that it is unlikely that a friend, family member, pastor, counselor, doctor, psy-
member, or classmate would commit sui- chiatrist or professional. You can also call
cide. Even when the suicidal person has the suicide hotlines on our website or
mentioned it or made intimations about other websites available. Whatever you do
committing suicide, one should be aware seek help. Help is just a phone call or
of the consequences. If you or someone prayer away. You are not alone even when
you know tells you they want to or plan to you feel alone. There are people who care
commit suicide, you should contact a pro- and want to help.
fessional or suicide hotline immediately.
Call us today or visit our website at:
Do not underestimate or think the person
is not serious. Even when the person is WWW.IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
seemingly an easy-going outspoken or lawree29@ikkirfoundation.org
happy-go-lucky, take the extra step to ask
“Some people may feel that it is unlikely that a friend, family member or
classmate would commit suicide.”
IKKIR TODAY
We are establishing local and nation- FUNDRAISING
al networks in addition to providing
resources, educational materials,
Today, we are searching for ideas to help raise funds to support our cause. IKKIR
fundraisers and educational materi-
Foundation will be working with various organizations, churches, schools, groups and
organizations.
als. We help at-risk teens and fami-
lies of teenagers who committed
Funds will be used to help support our Internet radio station, website, and scholar-
suicide.
ships for the at-risk youth who want to attend college.
The goal is to provide suicide pre- We are an online resource for the community and local organizations. We are a non-
vention and awareness to the com- profit organization and therefore all funds are through donation. We are looking for
munity through education, re- sponsors who support our vision.
sources, shared partnerships and
schools. These funds will help at-risk teens between the ages of 14-18 receive scholarships. We
network with organizations who share our vision.
For more information about our
organization please visit our website:
SCHOLARSHIPS
www.ikkirfoundation.org
Lawree29@dpolegal.com 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.
2 LAWREE29@IKKIRFOUNDATION

3. DEPRESSION
LAWREE29@IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG I 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
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
lawree29@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 LAWREE29@IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
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.
3

4. LBGT YOUTH COUNSELING
Teen suicide is a very serious
Resources and counseling services are to seek help. From depression, anxiety,
problem; particularly among
available for families, teens, schools and and other related behaviors. IKKIR will
Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Gay, and
through the IKKIR website. IKKIR Foun- work with these groups and create aware-
Transgender (LBGT) teenagers.
dation provides resources, hotline num- ness through networks, groups and other
Whether it happens to a family bers, and listings for counselors, psycholo- organizations to provide the help and
member or unknown person, the gists and websites to help teenagers who assistance teens need to be safe and pro-
effect is significant and impacts at risk for suicide or other at-risk behav- ductive in society. Help is available and
every gender, socio-economic iors. only a phone call away.
status, culture and ethnicity.
Sometimes culture can impact the way For more information about our organiza-
Suicide is particularly higher individuals seek help. Some people may tion, please visit our website or call.
among lesbian, gay, and bi- feel that counseling will not help. Howev-
sexual youth (SPRC), and much er, if an individual does not get help, it is
higher for transgender youth. during these times that the risk of suicide
Efforts to help reduce these rates or other negative behaviors factor in.
are critical and must be ad- It is the goal of IKKIR Foundation to work
dressed. Partnerships, groups with organizations, agencies and other
and organizations can help keep
foundations to provide invaluable re-
the issue on the forefront.
sources and awareness to those who do
IKKIR Foundation-You are not alone.
Suicide is difficult to deal with not have exposure to information on how
and to discuss but is very neces-
sary based on the rise in suicide
rates among teenagers.
SUICIDE AWARENESS
Statistical data, resources and
healthcare is available to help IKKIR wants to help families, children, and awareness to the local and global communi-
teens and young adults between ties about suicide. Suicide is a topic that many people do not want to discuss. However,
the ages of 15 and 24 (SPRC, parents, children, and schools need to be aware of the psychological help and organiza-
2012). 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.
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

5. HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS
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.
“It is important during extreme times of stress to get off of the “roller
coaster” or hamster wheel.”
HIV/AIDS: A STORY OF SURVIVAL
“This is a story of survival and the a grandmother. I am still here to do God’s
determination to keep going in life will.
in spite of the odds or negative cir-
My Life Today.
cumstances.” IKKIR PRESENTS:
Sometimes I feel alone/lonesome just me
To Live and Not Die, WHY?
and God. I no longer ask why? I now ask
My Story “Lord, what should I do? I want all that
God has kept me through to be used for
I am a survivor, a Sista Soldier in God’s
his intended purpose.
army, a mother and community activist. I
have raised 3 children with and without Stigma. Should I Be Open About It?
fathers. I am an adult child of an alcoholic
Being transparent does bother me because
family of domestic violence. I experienced
of the stigma misinformation and igno-
a miscarriage and had several abortions. I
rance. However, my story must be told
am a victim of incest and rape. I have been
and is bigger than me.
homeless, on drugs and alcohol and pills.
Last year, I survived 2 fires and several Hopefully, I will be able to educate others
car accidents. I have been married four and tell them that you too can live and not
times; two times to the same man. Two of die. I would also like for people to know
my children’s fathers are dead. that knowledge is powerful. Ultimately, I
am A Sista Standn Strong for God’s Glory.
I am VICTORIOUS, an educator of life, a
communicator, mentor, friend, wife, and Stigma means, a mark a token of infamy,
motivator. disgrace, or reproach, a mark burned into
the skin. I am a child of Christ Jesus, and
Inspire Others
not a stigma. What the devil meant for bad
I am a 16 year survivor of what is termed is for God’s Glory. You too can Live, so
as a terminal condition (HIV). But I decid- choose Life.
ed to live and not die. Others have died
A Sista Standn Strong
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
5
she and God. So 16 years later, here I am,

6. YOU ARE NOT ALONE
 At-Risk Teens
IKKIR FOUNDATION  Educational Programs
 Elder Abuse
The mission of our organiza-
 Child Abuse
tion is to help at-risk teens  Children with Disabilities
realize their goals and to pro-  Hearing Impaired Persons and Groups
vide assistance, resources  LBGT Teens, Awareness, Education, Programs, and Groups
through prevention and aware-  Mentoring Programs
ness. We Are Here to Help.  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.
LAWREE29@ IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
IKKIR Foundation.org
WWW. IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
IKKIR Foundation
Glendale, CA 91203 PLEASE
PLACE
www.ikkirfoundation.org STAMP
HERE
Phone: 818.482.1824
Fax: 818.409.9345
E-mail:
lawree29@ikkirfoundation.org
lawree29@dpolegal.com
dpolegal@gmail.com
IKKIR
LAWREE29@ IKKIRFOUNDATION.ORG
IKKIR Foundation
Glendale, CA 91203
Laurie Dean-Newton, PhDc, CEO
www.ikkirfoundation.org