“This is a devastating tragedy. A lot of hearts are hurting,” said Joe Gallagher, founder of the nonprofit Ali’s Hope. “I’m hoping this is a wake-up call that we can do something in this community.”
Gallagher started Ali’s Hope Foundation after losing his daughter to suicide in 2007. His organization partners with Seminole County Schools to provide “Hope Hubs” — designated safe spaces where students can take a break and reset during the school day.
Mental health professionals say these kinds of resources are critical as teens face increasing stress.
“There’s a lot of stress for teens. Their mental health has been under pressure for a very long time,” said psychotherapist Cherlette McCullough. “Children, or teens, feel okay opening up when they feel seen and not judged.”
