LifeAct’s Jack Binder `76 empowers kids to make a difference

Inspiring young minds, one at a time

LifeAct’s Jack Binder `76 empowers kids to make a difference

Jack Binder is a builder. A builder of character, relationships, and humanity. The 1976 graduate of Cathedral Latin is CEO and Executive Director of LifeAct, a Chagrin Falls-based non-profit whose mission is “to prevent suicide by teaching young people to recognize the warning signs of suicide in themselves and their peers, and to seek professional help.” “Life is a participation sport,” Binder says. “You have to roll up your sleeves and get involved. Be involved in something that has meaning to you and enriches your life.”

Since 2014, Binder has guided the organization through strategic planning, restructuring, rebranding and large-scale expansion to better serve its mission. In 2016, The Cleveland Foundation named him its “Encore Person of the Year” which recognizes an individual for their innovative work to enhance the lives of Greater Clevelanders. Today, 200 schools in 15 counties are served by LifeAct and its instructors —professionals who talk to students about warning signs and action steps in suicide prevention for themselves and their peers. Annually, more than 30,000 students benefit from this program. “We have a fabulous team,” Binder says. “This is a passion for us. We don’t work a day in our life. If I am not creating that feeling for my team, then I am failing them as a leader.”

Believing in the value of relationships goes back to Binder’s time as a student at Cathedral Latin. After a number of years, he re-connected with classmates and didn’t miss a beat.

“Those four years (at Latin) are an imprint that never goes away.” LifeAct instructors are present at NDCL today as a recurring program and outreach for the students. It’s no surprise to Binder that the NDCL students are engaged. For example, the NDCL Volleyball team raised more than $6,000 as a fundraiser this year for LifeAct.

“The character of the students inspires me,” he says. “We go in and teach the kids how to leverage their knowledge and courage to help their peers who may be facing mental health struggles. They’re amazing. My first time at NDCL, over 70% of kids knew someone struggling right now. It’s OK to talk about this. The kids know this. Sometimes it’s us adults that need to adapt to this.” issues facing their peers, and awareness and messaging. “Empowering kids is how LifeAct works. We show the students that they can do this and that we trust them.”

At a recent reunion, Binder heard the Latin alma mater for the first time in a long time.

Binder is motivated by the youth advisors that step up in participating in LifeAct’s mission. Over 30 teens form a “sounding board” that keep Binder and his staff up to speed on developments, “It came back to me in a hurry. It brought back so many great memories of my time at Cathedral Latin.”