ANNUAL REPORT 2023 SL24: UNLOCKE THE LIGHT FOUNDATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SL24: UnLocke the Light Annual Report 2023 Executive Director’s Letter ..................... 4 Mission ............................................................... 5 The Team ........................................................... 7 Board of Directors..........................................10 Educate ..............................................................11 Assist ..................................................................13 Support...............................................................15 Testimonials.....................................................17 Gratitude...........................................................19 Even more in 24...............................................24
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ LETTER
ADDING LIGHT, PAGE 02 ONE PUZZLE PIECE AT A TIME
Zachary Ryan EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SL24
Angela Pugliese
DIRECTOR, SEAN’S HOUSE
At first, I was annoyed. The huge, unfinished puzzle covered the coffee table in the library at Sean’s House. The puzzle seemed to disrupt this very organized and peaceful space with its incompleteness. Having signed on to SL24 as Executive Director in June, I came to appreciate spaces and things that felt complete and tied up in a bow. How naive is that? The nature of our mission and the issues we face are rarely tidy. Certainly, nothing will stay neat or feel complete with a 24/7/365 mental health space like Sean’s House. Nor should it. I missed the beauty of the puzzle which mirrors the radiance of our mission.
The puzzle in the library represents people coming together, each with a “missing piece” that somebody else has. Or, it can symbolize a whole group of people searching for that one piece because it is essential to the full picture. The puzzle is people stopping by throughout their busy days of blessings and challenges to contribute to someone else’s project. When someone bravely enters Sean’s House, I think they always believe they are bringing the unfinished puzzle, but they fail to realize they are another piece telling our incredible story more completely. On behalf of the SL24 Team, thank you for trusting us with the incompleteness, the messiness, and the beauty.
MISSION STATEMENT
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Our Mission EDUCATE To end the stigma, myths, and barriers to brave conversations regarding mental health and wellness.
ASSIST Through our SL24 Mental Health Scholarship program, providing uninsured and underinsured young people the means to get the critical and ongoing mental health services they need.
SUPPORT Youth struggling in darkness with trained Peer24 Team Members, Support Groups, and safe spaces like Sean’s House and Sean’s Rooms.
THE TEAM
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MEET THE TEAM LEADERSHIP Zachary Ryan, Executive Director Zach joined the team in June 2023 as Executive Director. Originally from Fort Myers, FL he attended Florida State University and received his Bachelors in Humanities to pursue teaching, and an MPA from the University of Southern California. He spent the past 14 years in various school administrative capacities, the last 12 at Salesianum School. He is also a board member at the St. Patrick’s Center and the BTL Foundation for International Services. Zach lives in Wilmington with his wife, Maggie, and their cat, Pepper. Maggie and Zach will soon welcome their first child in 2024.
Angela Pugliese, Director of Sean’s House Angela joined the team in June 2023 as Director of Sean’s House. A Delaware native, she received her Bachelor’s in History with Secondary Education certification from West Chester University, and her Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education from Wilmington University. Angela spent her last 10 years in the classroom teaching history, government, and politics, most recently at Padua Academy for the past 8 years. Angela lives in Hockessin with her husband, Giuseppe, and their daughter, Adrianna.
Jacob Bates, Director of Operations Jacob originally served as a Peer24 Specialist after training in the Winter 2021 Peer24 cohort. He then became Director of Operations in November 2022. He has lived in Delaware all of his life, and graduated from the University of Delaware in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Forensic Science. He will be pursuing his Master’s in Counseling beginning in 2024. Jacob lives in Kennett Square with his girlfriend, Jenna, who also served as a peer at Sean’s House.
THE TEAM
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MEET THE TEAM LEADERSHIP Allison Burns, Director of Peer Support Alli served as one of the very first Peer24 specialists at Sean’s House after training in the Summer 2020 cohort. She then became a Peer Lead in 2022 before beginning in her official leadership role in June 2023. Alli graduated from the University of Delaware in 2023 with Bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Human Services with honors. She was a four year member of the University of Delaware’s Women’s Rowing team and served as captain her last two years. Originally from Fairfax, Virginia, Alli currently lives at Sean’s House as one of two full-time residents.
Gina Psenicska, Clinical Support Gina joined the team at Sean’s House in 2021 in addition to maintaining her long-term private practice. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Masters in Social Work in 1993, later working in Family Preservation at Harford County Mental Health and as a guidance counselor at Mount Aviat Academy. Gina is mom to three sons, Tyler, Todd, and JJ. She lives in Fairhill, Maryland with her husband, Dave, and her dogs, Bama and Ruby.
Fallon Hoffman, Sean’s Room Coordinator Fallon began her journey at Sean’s House after training as a Peer24 Specialist in the Summer 2022 cohort. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Sociology. She is working towards continuing her education to pursue a career in social work. Fallon lives in Newark, Delaware with many shelves of read and unread books.
THE TEAM
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MEET THE TEAM SEAN’S HOUSE
Adriana Jones
Chandler Morrell
Eliana Schulman
Emma Cicchiello
Erin Fitzgerald
Jayden Lesko
Jordan Ormsby
Jordyn Lebovits
Kelsey Bompane
Mia D’Antoni
Missy Marazzo
Rehan Noon
THE TEAM
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MEET THE TEAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS William A. Bathon Trevor Cooney Martha Cunningham Dennis Fish Carl Georigi Emma Grey Thomas J. “T.J.” Hanna
Bill Harman Barnett Harris Kevin Healy Debbie Horn Steven Hyde Michael Igo Allison Juhl
Jeff Lang Chris Locke Kathryn Locke-Jones Cyndi McLaughlin Steve Wheat Michele Whetzel Sarah Williams
EDUCATE
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We visited schools, churches, businesses, youth and community groups. If people gathered, SL24 was there to spark a discussion on mental health.
ev
pe
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800+
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d e u c e l a p t o
Personal and specialized interactions are so important to helping people struggling. We were there for hundreds of brave people seeking resources.
124
Speaking from the heart on mental health was a major part of 1/3 of the days in 2023. Education also happens to be a third of our mission!
& r G e ro h ta
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Educate
Gather and Grow Dinners are a staple of SL24 and Sean’s House. We gather people together at the table with great food to model vulnerability and allow them to be themselves.
THE TEAM
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OUR MISSION TO EDUCATE Shedding Light on What We Still Have to Learn Our impact numbers are pretty incredible considering SL24 is a relatively young organization. Nearly 30,000 people heard SL24's message over the course of 124 presentations in 2023. While each “SL24 Speaks” presentation is unique, there are some important dimensions of mental health and central themes that always get addressed. No two presentations are the same because each group and every individual in a group is unique. SL24 Speaks events focus less on members of our team speaking to a group and are more on engaging in a dialogue with those gathered. Young people and the adults who support them need to hear the mantra “It is OK to not be OK” for what it is - an invitation to say something or ask a question. Like a lot of traditional classrooms and educational programs, we are planting seeds we will not see grow. There could be a risk factor or warning sign we talk about that sticks with someone for five years when someone they know exhibits a help-seeking behavior. However, there are other moments where the impact is much more immediate. Frequently, you can see someone wriggling in their seat during the presentation. They cannot decide whether they should raise their hand or if their question should wait until after - the subject matter hits really close to home and they are nervous and conflicted. We are so proud of those that meet with us after a presentation and let us know how much it meant to have their struggle voiced into words, maybe for the first time in their lives. They approach us with the story of a friend or family member that is saying some things that are concerning them - phrases they recognized in the presentation. Or a a young person seeks us out to say they are ready to be a leading light for mental health at their school. They want to learn more about being a Peer24 Specialist or start an SL24 Team. SL24 is emboldened by all of these interactions and is dedicated to continually improving our SL24 Speaks Educational programs in 2024.
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r s a l h o i p h c
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ASSIST
In 2023, SL24 was able to assist 22 uninsured or underinsured youth through our mental health scholarship. Sean’s House or Sean’s Room can be the first step for so many on a longer mental health journey, and we are there to support them along the way.
Assist
THE TEAM
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OUR MISSION TO ASSIST No Amount of Darkness...
How often can we focus on a barrier rather than an opportunity? You might hear about this dynamic as an “asset versus deficit” thinking model or perhaps the classic “glass half full” adage. At SL24 we utilize a lot of light and darkness imagery. It is a helpful way of thinking because it doesn’t view things as less than, but it is more about point of view. Has someone shone a light so you can find a way to navigate your depression? The way out, around, or through a challenge is there - it just needs a little more “light” for someone to see. It doesn’t invalidate the darkness, but it makes clearer a path. Sometimes the darkness or weight of a challenge can seem insurmountable. Specifically, when a young person comes into Sean’s House or Sean’s Room with a significant instance of acute depression and cannot afford the clinical help they need. Or perhaps someone is feeling overwhelmed in the military and they see their fellow service members struggle mightily with their mental health. All the while, there is a tremendous weight of responsibility they all share in serving their country. SL24 has been privileged to assist in both instances. UnLocke the Light has assisted military bases in creating their own Peer Support Spaces. We also have continued to fund over 20 mental health scholarships for uninsured and underinsured youth to get professional mental health support.
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r T aine s r e e
136
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P
SUPPORT
As SL24 expands throughout the state, the growth of our Peer24 training is essential!
S e s rve e s ir
107
This three year total speaks to the heart of what we are - always open to help in the darkest of times
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THE TEAM
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OUR MISSION TO SUPPORT Keys to Spreading Light In a recent staff meeting, a Peer24 Lead remarked, “This job is unique. How often is it encouraged for employees to have dealt with or be dealing with their own struggles?” The experience, perspective, and hope that are wrapped into the support Peer24 Specialists provide are what move our mission and make Sean’s House and Sean’s Rooms such life-giving spaces. Routinely, Peers and Peer Leads open up about a challenging aspect of their mental health journey to engage someone who is struggling with their own mental health. The struggles young people face are diverse and relative. An important aspect of our Peer24 training is understanding how to be a non-judgmental active listener. A break-up for a high school student on top of failing a test might feel like everything is caving in. Peer24 specialists use their experiences and vulnerability not to compare, but rather to channel empathy and compassion to hear and recognize how someone is feeling. This has been nothing short of life-saving as over 100 youth have entered the doors at “136" in suicidal crisis. Our Peers used their training, empathy, and lessons from their journey to listen, de-escalate, and connect these individuals to professional mental health care. The support Sean’s House and Sean’s Rooms provide is often the first step for someone in getting more consistent mental health care or entering into a mental wellness regimen. Our Peer24 specialists are in many cases also on their first step to becoming counselors, social workers, etc. Together, we are normalizing mental health care and preparing a brighter future for the next generation of youth.
POINTS OF LIGHT
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TESTIMONIALS PEER24 This year at Sean’s House, we implemented Peer Support session feedback cards. These small cards are given to guests after a session with one of our Peer24 specialists, and contain a QR code that links to a form where guests can choose to offer commentary on the support they received. We use these as a way to safeguard our guests in the event that they feel any certain way about their session, and as a check on our Peer24 volunteers providing support. So far, all responses received have been glowing reviews across the board of our Peer24 specialists. Read some of these comments below: “At first I thought [the session] was just a conversation but it led me to realize how I do belong. While the one session didn’t take away all my problems and cure me, I left in a better state than how I walked in.” “[Peer24] was so kind and made me feel safe.” “It was absolutely lovely. I went in feeling the worst I’ve felt in years and I feel listened to and much calmer now.” “It was very relieving to get what was on my mind off my chest.”
POINTS OF LIGHT
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TESTIMONIALS SUPPORT Peer Leads are our most experienced members of the Peer24 team. These individuals have given at least one year of volunteer service at Sean’s House and show the leadership skill set needed to guide the next cohort of Peer24 members at Sean’s House. This year, we have had a fantastic group of 12 individuals who each bring a distinct strength to the table with their unique lived experiences and different ways of connecting with our guests. Hear it for yourself here: “People talk about mental health [at Sean’s House] like they talk about any other conversation. It really helps to end the stigma around mental health.” - Missy Marazzo “From the second I walked in the door, I was accepted for exactly who I am, nothing more, nothing less, and with any emotions or struggles that I carried with me. It has really taught me to love myself and accept myself.” - Kelsey Bompane “Everyone who works at the house truly supports and loves one another. It almost feels like a second home.” - Chandler Morrell
THANK YOU, SPONSORS
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THANK YOU, SPONSORS 2023 SL24 BASKETBALL CLASSIC PRESENTING SPONSORS HFM Investment Advisors Jersey Mike’s Subs Platinum Dining Group Saint Mark’s High School THREE-POINT SPONSORS CBM Insurance The Cicero Family DSM Commercial Formal Affairs The Healy Family High 5 Hospitality I Heart Radio JP Morgan Chase The Locke Family Nemours Children’s Health Precision Wealth Ward & Taylor SLAM DUNK SPONSORS Amazon Bay Country Landscape Courtyard Marriott Delaware Heating and Air Diamond State Financial Group El Diablo Burritos ICS Corporation IM Group Lang Cares Foundation Lang Development Group Martuscelli Restaurant Group Morris James LLP JUMPER SPONSORS Alpha Graphics Bill Harman Capitol Environmental Services
Drip Cafe Chapman Brown Cicero & Cole, LLP The Garman Group Delaware State Education Association Gina and Sarah Williams Delaware Valley Financial Group Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen Dr. Patricia Curtin White Family Harford Bank GeoTechnical Associates Haven Community Church GGA Builders Healy Long & Jevin Ianni Family Foundation Home Grown Cafe M&T Bank Lerner College of Business & Economics at the Malvern Health, Inc. University of Delaware Mannington Floors LMT Commercial Realty Mayhew Management Luke and Dana Chapman Radiance Dance Studio Maillie LLP Release Recovery Matt Dutt and Family TKO Hospitality Group Morgan’s Message Turf Pro Management NAMI Delaware The Wheat Family Newark Country Club White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church Newark Rotary Evening Club Windley Family Foundation Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center LAY-UP SPONSORS 2014 UD Basketball Team Advant-Edge Alec Georigi DSM Anaconda Protective Concepts Assured Partners Baker, Ingram & Associates Banyan Treatment Centers Bayard Law Bear Industries Blue Hen Parking Partners Boulden Brothers Breckstone Architecture Caffe Gelato Cathryn and John Locke-O’Hara CBRE Charlie Health David and Patty Bull The DaVinci Group, LLC Delaware Orthopeadic Specialists
Pennrose Bricks & Mortar PJ Fitzpatrick Poland & Sullivan Insurance REMAX Associates Rhinebeck Fund Sanare Today Schlosser & Associates Scott Klatzkin Family Simplified Payments The Ski Bum Sobieski Inc. Timothy’s of Newark Tri-State The Roofers Trerotola Family Tsionas Management UD Horn Entrepreneurship The Whetzel Family Wolfe Plumbing WSFS Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP
THANK YOU, SPONSORS
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THANK YOU, SPONSORS BUMP, SET, LIGHT TOURNAMENT PRESENTING SPONSORS HFM Investment Advisors Hyatt Place Dewey Beach Jersey Mike’s Subs The Lighthouse Dewey Beach Netstream Technology Platinum Dining Group SERVICE PROVIDERS The Cape Gazette Initially Yours Kristina Gwynn Photography Monarch Media Sand Sharks Tri-Supply & Equipment LIGHT SPONSORS Albert Suita Beebe Healthcare CRX Construction Dewey Beach Surf Shop Dewey Beer Co. EK Designs Formal Affairs Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen LifeMed Institute Nemours Children’s Health Schell Brothers The Starboard Restaurant Steel Blu Vodka TKO Hospitality Group SET SPONSORS ALLCAPS Technology Blue Hen Parking Partners C&B Complete Cleaning & Construction
Celebrate Wellness Christiana Mechanical, Inc. Cool Springs Fish Bar + Restaurant EDiS Company GamePlan Skincare Grotto Pizza I.D. Griffith Info Solutions LLC La Vida Hospitality M. Davis Construction Mint & Needle Med Spa Nickle Electric Obie’s by the Sea Patterson Schwartz Real Estate Premier Volleyball Riley Bros. Property Services Salesianum School Simplified Payments Slunks Ursuline Academy Woody’s Dewey Beach Zach and Maggie Ryan BUMP SPONSORS Angela Cason Loans Artisans Bank Beyond the Bar United Big Chill Surf Cantina Big Oyster Brewery Breakthru Beverage Cape Henlopen Volleyball Compass Real Estate / The Real Estate Chef Conch Island Key West Bar + Grill Cruisin’ Tikis Cup R Cone Dan Fetters Dewey Beach Country Club Dewey Beach Parasail Dewey Beach Picnic
Dewey Post DiVirgilio Fitness Dogfish Head Brewery Dude N’ Board Faded Moon Financial Advisors of Delaware Valley Heyday Athletics Hoop Tea IV Drip Bar Rehoboth Josette + Steve Castiglione Real Estate Kristina Gwynn Photography Liquid Surf & Sail Murphy Construction Nalu Surf Bar & Grill The Octolounge Optima Cleaning Padua Academy Pam and Robert Coupe Pike Creek Mortgage Services Reno’s Ice Cream & Water Ice Revelations Beer Rusty Rudder National HVAC NKS Distributors RSC Landscaping Saint Mark’s High School Sanford School Scalessa’s Old School Italian Kitchen Sierra Moon Surf & Skate Signature Alert Security SoDel Concepts SoulFire Collective Southern Glazers Starboard Raw Stuart and Tammy Burns Suerf Lotus The Dye Guy Urban Float Williams Insurance Agency, Inc.
Even More in 2024
2024 is going to be the BRIGHTEST year yet for SL24 and Delaware mental health! You don’t want to be on the sidelines when it comes to all the Awareness Events, SL24 Speaks presentations, Sean’s Room openings, and more. Be sure to look out for our quarterly newsletter and follow us on social media for updates on what is happening next and how you can add your light!
SL 24 UN
L O C K E H E LI G H T T
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