About Lincoln's Life Mattered
Our names are Rick and Debbie West, and on Father’s Day 2024, we tragically lost our son Lincoln West to suicide. As a teenage boy Lincoln was afraid of the stigma attached to mental illness and chose to suffer in silence. In the wake of this life-altering loss, we chose to turn our pain into purpose and founded Lincoln’s Life Mattered Foundation, a CRA registered charity dedicated to transforming the youth mental health landscape in our community.
Mission
The Lincoln’s Life Mattered Foundation is dedicated to empowering young people by providing accessible, evidence based mental health resources, support, and education. We aim to break the stigma surrounding mental health, promote emotional well-being, and equip youth with the tools and skills they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Through community engagement, advocacy, and partnerships, we strive to create communities where every young person has the opportunity to thrive mentally and emotionally.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to cultivate a future where mental health is prioritized, understood, and supported in every community. We envision a world where young people are equipped with the resilience, knowledge, and resources to navigate life’s challenges and build a foundation for long-term well- being. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, the Lincoln’s Life Mattered Foundation will be a leading force in shaping a society where mental health is recognized as an essential element of youth development.
Goals
To promote mental health and well-being among youth through education, early intervention, and access to supportive services, thereby reducing the incidence of mental illness, suicide, and social isolation.