LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Ben Morrison Fund

  • Peer-Led sources of strength program creates healthier school cultures, drastically reducing suicide attempts by 29%

    Peer-Led sources of strength program creates healthier school cultures, drastically reducing suicide attempts by 29%

    Learn more about these Loveland based resources:

    Ben Morrison Fund

    NAMI Southwest Ohio

    Columbus, Ohio – Peer leadership and meaningful connections can save lives. According to a new study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Sources of Strength’s (Sources) prevention model helps reduce suicide attempts among high school students by an astonishing 29%.

    For nearly 30 years, Sources has worked with both youth and adults to build resilience, promote mental well-being, and prevent suicide. By training diverse student leaders and leveraging peer influence, Sources transforms school environments and fosters cultures of hope and support, according to a new report released by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.

    Sources of Strength Ohio (SourcesOH) is an initiative of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) and PreventionFIRST! with funding and support from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

    Tony Coder

    “We hear from so many people how Sources positively impacts the well-being of students, teachers, and communities across Ohio,” said OSPF Executive Director Tony Coder. “This new study provides further evidence of the life-saving potential of this program. We are so thankful to be a part of providing Sources at no- or low-cost to as many Ohio schools and communities as possible.”

    Considered one of the first suicide prevention programs to demonstrate effectiveness using Peer Leaders, SourcesOH has been implemented in 62 Ohio counties and 399 Ohio schools since December 2020 and has reached 174,000 Ohio students, including 218 middle and high schools.

    Nicole Schiesler

    “PreventionFIRST! supports Ohio schools in implementing and adopting Sources of Strength Ohio. When we meet with administrators and teachers, sharing positive outcomes, supported by national and state-level data, adds incredible value to this successful program,” said PreventionFIRST! President and CEO Nicole Schiesler. “Schools want to make informed decisions, and this evidence-based research elevates Sources of Strength as a beneficial and exceptional choice for the mental wellness of their students and teachers.”

    The new study involved 20 high schools in Colorado and over 6,500 students, with 226 peer leaders and 79 adult advisors trained by certified Sources staff.

    Key findings from the study include:

    • 29% Fewer Suicide Attempts: The program helped reduce suicide attempts among high school students by nearly a third.
    • Students Create Big Change: By empowering students to foster healthy and protective cultures, the program builds stronger, more connected schools where students feel seen, valued and supported.
    • Innovative Public Health Approach: According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10–24, making it a pressing public health issue. This approach is promising for being able to reduce suicide at a population level.
    • Support for Students Facing Trauma: The study was funded to examine Source’s potential impact on sexual violence and harassment prevention. A cautious interpretation of the evidence suggests that Sources may not prevent suicide attempts among students who have recently experienced sexual violence, highlighting the need for additional intervention support for this high-risk group.

    An independent evaluation of Sources Secondary Program conducted in Ohio schools during the 2023-2024 school year showed that nearly half of the students felt equipped to recognize the warning signs of suicide and step in to help a friend in need; fewer students experienced prolonged periods of sadness, many used the coping strategies learned through Sources; and the number of students involved in physical fights on school property decreased from 8.7 to 4.8%.

    The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has approved the Sources Secondary Program as a suicide and violence prevention program for HB123/the SAVE Students Act. For more information, please visit SourcesofStrengthOhio.org or email SourcesOH@Prevention-First.org.

  • Register today for Loveland’s Ben Morrison Fund Golf Outing benefiting Mental Health wellness!

    Register today for Loveland’s Ben Morrison Fund Golf Outing benefiting Mental Health wellness!

    Saturday August 24th at Hickory Woods Golf Course will be the 4th annual golf event for Loveland’s own Ben Morrison Fund Golf Outing, benefiting Mental Health wellness, hope, and advocacy in our local young people!

    by Tori Morrison

    Gather your foursome and join the day of fun on the links for a great cause.

    Interested in sponsoring a hole, game or part of the fun? We welcome you!

    This is out biggest annual fundraiser – and last year our golf outing raised $18,000!

    The Ben Morrison Fund is proud to have invested over $30,000 in our community through outreach programs and donations relevant to mental health wellness and advocacy.

    • Our Ben’s Way initiative is already in 7 schools in 5 districts, reinforcing positivity
    and building hope.
    • We have sponsored over 30 Ben’s TEAMS awareness events, impacting 52,000+
    • We have given 33 scholarships, equal to $27,500 in 4 years.
    • Over 1390+ Loveland students and 300 teachers and staff have been impacted by our work with Hope Squad, My Fave 5, and the 988 Initiative

    We reach out to children where they are and to our community where they can see us. We sponsor children who are in need. We shout out 988 everywhere we can, so that everyone knows what it is and how to find it in a crisis. We bring animals into the schools for all to connect with. We give coffee and breakfast to teachers and buy them books on mental health. We sponsor events to raise awareness and show up at
    the Flying Pig marathon to cheer people on. We are on the radio, in print, at sporting events, local fairs, corporate functions,
    inclusion events, mental health events, talking to law enforcement, talking to everyone we meet and encouraging one and all to “Cont;nue Your Story“.

    We are passionate about mental health wellness for everyone.

    Thank you to all who have supported the Ben Morrison Fund and we encourage all to join our day of fun on the greens to support our fight to shine a light on struggles with mental health – so that no one has to fight alone.

    REGISTER or DONATE TODAY

    ________________

    Tori Morrison is the President and Treasurer of the Ben Morrison Memorial

    www.benmorrisonfund.org

    The Ben Morrison Memorial Fund is a 501(C)(3) Corporation. Fed ID no. 86-2896878

  • Three women with Loveland connections are among 20 finalists for Upstander Awards

    Three women with Loveland connections are among 20 finalists for Upstander Awards

    Loveland, Ohio – Three women with Loveland connections are among 20 finalists for the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center’s Upstander Awards. Out of hundreds of nominees, the finalists were selected for their “outstanding contributions to the community”.

    The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center was created to carry on the stories and lessons of one of the darkest chapters in human history. Rooted in this educational mission is a vision to create an entire community of upstanders — “high-minded, everyday heroes who act because they refuse to be bystanders”.

    The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center has announced the finalists of the 2024 Upstander Awards, which recognize individuals in the region “who use their character strengths to stand up for themselves and others — pursuing justice, both great and small, and inspiring others to do the same”.

    1. Tori Morrison created the Ben Morrison Fund after her wonderful son Ben lost his battle with mental health. To erase the stigma of pain and struggles with mental health, Tori created the nonprofit to fight for and support others who are going through similar battles.

    2) Evangeline DeVol founded NEST CLC, a non-profit that addresses educational and nutritional needs among low-income students through mobile classrooms in RVs, providing tutoring, meals, and activities. Beyond her work with NEST CLC, she serves on the board of the Varner Foundation for Kids, supports foster and kinship care families with necessary resources, and is actively involved in initiatives to tackle sex trafficking.

    3) Trinity Mahan Walsh graduated from Loveland High School in 1994 and in 2018 was named the Kentucky high school counselor of year. Walsh is a Adjunct Professor at Thomas More University, Coordinator of Early Postsecondary Opportunities, Regional Advisor at Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, and Co-founder, Director at Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students in Education. Amidst the social upheavals of 2020, Elise Carter, the sole Black educator in her district, and her colleague Trinity Walsh started a groundbreaking initiative to address societal issues through education. Despite facing community backlash and legislative challenges, they founded Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students in Education (NISE), a nonprofit that conducts inclusive and critical thinking education for students and adults across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, promoting understanding and empathy.

    The winners will be announced at the Upstander Awards Gala on June 2 at Union Terminal, featuring Debra Messing, an Emmy Award-winning actress, producer, and social justice & human rights advocate. Read more about her work and advocacy here.

    The finalists include:

    • Tori Morrison
    • Rosemary Oglesby-Henry
    • Toilynn Turner
    • Lamont Ragan
    • Galadriel Stamm
    • Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland
    • Carter Pittman
    • Tyra Patterson
    • Emily and Mark Kendall
    • Martha Stephens
    • Cedric Cox
    • Barth Johnson and Robert Singleton
    • Evangeline DeVol
    • Kimberly Huckleby
    • Terrisenia Denham
    • Gabriel Fletcher
    • Mary Beth Knight
    • Emelia Luce
    • Karen Gibbs
    • Elise Carter & Trinity Walsh
    • David Morse
    • Sister Nancy Linenkugel
    • Steven Anderson
    • Kevin Schweiger

    For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cincyupstander.org.

    ABOUT THE NANCY & HOLOCAUST & HUMANITY CENTER

    The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center exists to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. Located at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal, HHC impacts more than 2.5 million people every year through digital and in-person events, museum tours, educational experiences, social media, and virtual content. From Australia to India, individuals from more than 25 countries and 30 states engage with our mission. For more information, visit www.holocaustandhumanity.org.

  • [VIDEO INTERVIEW] Ben’s Way a new initiative of the Ben Morrison Fund

    [VIDEO INTERVIEW] Ben’s Way a new initiative of the Ben Morrison Fund

    David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

    Listen to the emotional account as Tori Morrison tells you how she finally summed up the emotional courage to meet the man who received Ben’s liver and kidneys

    by David Miller

    On September 22, Tori Morrison and Kate Jackson came to the LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV studio at the Simpson Farmhouse to talk about a new initiative of the Ben Morrison Fund. Morrison is the President and Treasurer of the Fund and Jackson is a member of the Board.

    The fund was established after Morrison lost her son Ben and his battle with his hidden mental health problems. Ben took his life by suicide in 2021. To honor Ben and help erase the stigma of pain and struggles with mental health, the fund was established to fight for others and fight against that stigma to help make sure no one feels alone.

    __________________

    “Ben’s continuing legacy will not be one of loss, but as a lifesaver through organ donation, as a loyal friend and stalwart teammate and a man of deep compassion for others.  His legacy will go on through the Ben Morrison Fund and through those of us who serve that cause and carry him with us to take care to light the way out of darkness for others and spark hope to always continue your story.”

    __________________

    The Ben Morrison Memorial Fund is committed to providing scholarships to graduating seniors from Loveland High School. They are dedicated to erasing the stigma of mental health struggles, opening conversations, and offering lifelines to help save the lives of young people in crisis.

    The Ben Morrison Memorial Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

    In this interview, my guests will tell you about Ben and the life of giving and kindness he led, most of it not obvious to his mother Tori. She tells how “onery” Ben could be, typical of teenagers not allowing parents to know their true selves.

    Tori tells you that when Ben got his driver’s license she encouraged him to sign up to be an organ donor and asked him if he would. Ben would never answer her, his cantankerous nature was a tease. Tori and Ben’s father never knew he had signed the form until in the hospital after Ben took his life they asked them if it would be OK to harvest some of Ben’s organs. Realizing then that to their surprise Ben wanted that too, without hesitation they agreed.

    Listen as Tori reveals for the first time how the donor process works and how she became emotionally strong enough to agree to meet the man who received Ben’s liver and kidneys.

    Tori has now determined, because of the suggestion by Kate, that the current Loveland High School students don’t know what attributes Ben had that so enamored his class and teammates to him, and Ben’s Way would be a good vehicle to keep his legacy alive.

    • Ben spoke up for others.

    • He was unselfish.

    • A leader, and protector.

    • A young person who led by example and modeled hard work and resilience.

    • Ben treated others with acceptance, kindness, and encouragement.

    These attributes were revealed to them through the applications and actual words of the students who applied for the 21 scholarships the fund has awarded. Kate tells a story about being inspired after witnessing a young student one day that reminded her of Ben in the kind way he was treating a “special needs” child. Kate says, “Well number one, this is something Ben would do, and number two, this child should be recognized for doing something so positive in a world that’s not always so positive.” The child had done something, Ben’s way.

    Watch Tori and Kate tell you how Ben’s Way will transform life and lives at Loveland High School.

    __________________

    Ben may have been one of those unrecognized/uncounted victims of the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Covid was hard for Ben, as for all those seniors. He didn’t get his final lacrosse season, prom, graduation, or grad parties, and life changed in so many ways.  He didn’t know what his next chapter should be. But later that year, he decided to become a Firefighter and go to community college. He didn’t get to start those chapters. For some reason we will never know, maybe a bad day, a moment of self-doubt, an offhand comment that cut too deep, some inner turmoil or unspoken conflict, our Ben, a boy who never expressed depression nor showed signs of any form of struggle with mental illness, was suddenly and without explanation gone from our lives forever.

    __________________

    Kate Jackson was a football “Team Mom” and her son was a teammate of Ben when they played for Loveland High School. Ben also competed in lacrosse. Jackson said, “Ben was an important part of my son’s life and an important part of my life and Tori became likewise an important part of my life.”

    ______________

    Become a Ben’s Way Sponsor

    As a sponsor of Ben’s Way, you will help us bring this initiative to more schools. Students that are chosen will receive a $25 gift card.

    if you would like to sponsor Ben’s Way at a school, or you would like to bring Ben’s Way to your school, please send an email to BensWayInitiative@gmail.com

    On Saturday, September 29 Cappy’s Wine and Spirits is hosting a fundraiser for the Ben Morrison Fund featuring the Chuckies in Love band playing the “ultimate throwback tunes, bringing you the iconic sounds of the 70s & 80s”.

    Watch Chuckies in Love…

    Become a Ben’s Way Sponsor

    As a sponsor of Ben’s Way, you will help us bring this initiative to more schools. Students that are chosen will receive a $25 gift card.

    if you would like to sponsor Ben’s Way at a school, or you would like to bring Ben’s Way to your school, please send an email to BensWayInitiative@gmail.com

    Follow the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund on Facebook

  • “Table of Discussions” Brings Prevention, Healing, and Hope for Mental Health Awareness Month

    “Table of Discussions” Brings Prevention, Healing, and Hope for Mental Health Awareness Month

    Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – “Don’t be afraid to put yourself first sometimes and get the help you need if it’s needed,” mental health advocate, Elly Steinbrunner said when asked what encouraging message, she wanted to send to those struggling with their mental health.

    On my latest episode of “Table of Discussions” I invited Gina Marek, creator of the Fave Five App, Tori Morrison, who started a non-profit called the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund, and Elly Steinbrunner, a former member of the Loveland Hope Squad to my table to talk about Mental Health Awareness Month.

    During the episode, Gina and Tori talk about how losing their sons to suicide encouraged them to advocate and educate those in the community about mental health. In this Loveland Magazine TV interview, both Gina and Tori offers advice about suicide prevention, eliminating the stigma of depression, and mental illness. Since the conception of the Fave Five app and the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund, Gina and Tori have been able to provide a wealth of information for parents, caregivers, and peers.

    Elly, who recently graduated from Loveland High School, shared her perspective on why mental health struggles are climbing so rapidly among her generation and how being a member of the Loveland High School Hope Squad allowed her to not only help so many young people, but also educate her peers about mental health.

    Join me, Gina Marek, Tori Morrison, and Elly Steinbrunner as we talk about Mental Health Awareness on my latest episode of “Table of Discussions! Watch as these three impactful women offer life-saving tips to those families and youth struggling with the mental health crisis.

    “It’s totally free, no-nonsense, and took less than three minutes to start adding my trusted friends who I would want to contact if I needed help. The people in my life who I would trust with my life,” Loveland Magazine Managing Editor David Miller said after downloading Gina Marek’s My Fave Five app to his iPhone.The Ben Morrison Fund

    The Ben Morrison Memorial Fund is committed to providing scholarships to graduating seniors from Loveland High School. We are dedicated to erasing the stigma of mental health struggles, opening conversations, and offering lifelines to help save lives of young people in crisis.

    The Ben Morrison Memorial Fund is at 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Fed id 86-2896878. 

    Visit “The Ben Morrison Fund” on Facebook.

    My Fave Five – the Mobile App

    The MY FAVE FIVE Mobile App helps you identify, connect, and build relationships with trusted people in your life.

    Get the APP TODAY to set up your personalized network of support or offer it to someone and be one of their FAVES – just one is a GIFT!

    Visit “My Fave Five” on Facebook.

    Loveland Hope Squad

    The HOPE Squad program is a school-based peer support team that partners with local mental health agencies. Peers select students who are trustworthy and caring individuals to join the Hope Squad. Squad members are trained to watch for at-risk students, provide friendship, identify suicide-warning signs, and seek help from adults.

    HOPE Squad members are NOT taught to act as counselors but are educated on recognizing suicide warning signs and how to properly and respectfully report concerns to an adult. Once invited to be a HOPE Squad member, students must get a permission form signed by their parents and go through training.

    Goal:

    Hope Squads seek to reduce self-destructive behavior and youth suicide by training, building, and creating change in schools and communities.

    Objectives:

    Train:

    1. Hope Squads will train students and staff in schools to recognize suicide-warning signs and act upon those warnings to break the code of silence.

    2. Hope Squads will train students and staff to identify adolescents with undetected, untreated, or emerging mental disorders.

    Build:

    1. Hope Squads will build positive relationships among peers and faculty in schools to facilitate acceptance for students seeking help.

    2. Hope Squads will build strong relationships with local mental health agencies and communities while educating students, parents, and school staff about available community mental health resources.

    Change:

    1. Hope Squads will work to change the school culture regarding suicide by reducing stigmas about suicide and mental health.

    2. Hope Squads will work to change community perceptions of mental health by creating awareness about suicide and the tools available to prevent suicide.

    __________________________

    Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (para ayuda en español, llame al 988)

    __________________________

    Sunday, August 6
    1:30 PM @ Hickory Woods Golf Course
    Lunch at the turn and dinner will be provided.
    We look forward to seeing you again this year.

    Please email teamforben@gmail.com for additional sponsorship opportunities or any questions you may have.

    Loveland High School Hope Squad takes lead role in creating mural

    [Photos] The theme was “Teal Out” for My Fave Five, The Ben Morrison Fund, and Loveland High School’s Hope Squad

    Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at Butler County Board of DD. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year. She is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine.

    Watch Cassie’s previous Table of Discussions episodes!

     

  • Loveland’s “Ben Morrison Fund” announces 2nd Annual Ben’s Birthday Bash

    Loveland’s “Ben Morrison Fund” announces 2nd Annual Ben’s Birthday Bash

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland, Ohio non-profit “Ben Morrison Fund” and Tori Morrison have announced the date of the 2023 2nd Annual Ben’s Birthday Bash will be February 19th, 2023.  

    The Ben Morrison Fund was recently honored by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance as their “Hometown Hero”.

    The event will take place at the Fowling Warehouse and will feature tournament-style fowling, BBQ provided by JD’s Meat Shack, and the auctioning of the fan-favorite “Liquor Trove.”  

    All proceeds will go directly to helping young people struggling with mental health crises, normalizing conversations about mental health, and building hope. Every year the Ben Morrison Fund gives scholarships to graduating Loveland seniors and works to erase the stigma of mental health struggles in honor and in the memory of their son Ben.

    “We are so grateful for the support we receive to strengthen our efforts to help erase the stigma of mental health struggles and to help those struggling to move forward,” says Tori Morrison, President of the Ben Morrison Fund and Ben’s mom. “This event is particularly special to me as it celebrates Ben’s life as well as his lasting legacy of helping others.  It’s a lot of fun, we hope you will come join us!”

    Ben’s Birthday Bash will take place February 19th from noon until 3 PM at the Fowling Warehouse in Cincinnati. $20 Tickets can be purchased in advance at benmorrisonfund.org or at the door. Participation in the tournament is $5. Lunch will be provided. 

    “We are so grateful for our sponsors, volunteers, and our incredible community for their continuous support as we work to make a lasting difference in helping young people continue their story,” said Stacey Lund, Vice President of the Ben Morrison Fund. 

    To learn more about the Ben Morrison Fund or to donate, visit benmorrisonfund.org. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

  • [Photos] The theme was “Teal Out” for My Fave Five, The Ben Morrison Fund, and Loveland High School’s Hope Squad

    [Photos] The theme was “Teal Out” for My Fave Five, The Ben Morrison Fund, and Loveland High School’s Hope Squad

    Lisa McNally, Tori Morrison, Gina Marek, Angie Perkins, Amy Arellano, and David Arelanno

    David Miller and the Loveland Tiger in their teal spirit wear supporting mental health awareness.

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Last week during Women’s and Men’s basketball games students, staff, families, and community groups brought awareness to mental health issues. The theme was “Teal Out”. My Fave Five, The Ben Morrison Fund, and Loveland High School’s Hope Squad brought resources and awareness to their mental health initiatives.

    The Ben Morrision Fund proudly says, “We are dedicated to erasing the stigma of mental health struggles, opening conversations, and offering lifelines to help save lives of young people in crisis.”

    MY FAVE FIVE is a mental wellness tool, in the form of a mobile app, which helps individuals identify, connect and build relationships with trusted people in their life. It was created by Loveland mom Gina Marek.

    Loveland’s Hope Squad uses faculty advisors and trusted peers to identify students at risk for suicidal ideation and behavior, and ultimately, to save lives. Read more about the 1,600 Hope Squads around the country. Read even more about Loveland’s Hope Squads HERE. Follow the LHS Hope Squad on Twitter.

    The groups also brought attention to the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

    The mental health initiative carried over when the Men’s team played at Lebanon High School on Friday evening.