A special presentation series for students.

The Ganley Foundation headed north for its Spring Presentation Series in New Jersey. Returning to the state where this foundation first began made for a very heartfelt first annual Spring Education Series.

Wyckoff Family YMCA, Wyckoff Municipal Alliance, and Wyckoff Board of Health sponsored our first presentation on May 5, 2011 which was open to the community. This educational evening highlighted the stories of Ann Ganley through “A Mother’s Reflection on Losing Jimmy” and Jordan Burnham through “A Youth’s Story of Depression, Suicide Attempt, and Hope”. Licensed mental health counselor, Grace Carricarte, provided her perspective on the seriousness of untreated mental health illnesses like depression and the importance of gaining early help. The Wyckoff Patch wrote a story about the event summarizing the emotional night at the YMCA.

Three years ago the Ganley Foundation’s educational campaign entitled Crusade for Awareness took root at Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey and returned this May 6th for a special student presentation. Bergen Catholic High School, the alma matter of both founder Jim Ganley and son Jimmy Ganley, was a unique presentation including student involvement from the BC Alive Program. All students were invited to share their questions and comments learning among other things how they might obtain help themselves or for a friend. BC Alive Program provided a special presentation at the end of the program acknowledging the work of the Ganley Foundation. Both founders, Jim and Ann Ganley, were present to receive this special recognition.

Tuesday, May 10th was a day marked with educational opportunities for both professionals and community members. Daytime events included a professional training entitled “Understanding Youth Depression and Suicide”. Hosted by the OHEL Institute for Training in Teaneck, NJ this presentation was provided by executive director, Grace Carricarte, LMHC. Approximately 70 local professionals who work with youth were in attendance. The evening brought a special community presentation at Pascack Valley High School as sponsored by the Hills Valley Coalition. An auditorium filled with both parents and youth reflected the high interest of all those in attendance. Following the formal portion of the presentation, presenters Grace Carricarte, Ann Ganley, and Jordan Burnham were available to respond to those remaining questions and comments. Hills Valley Coalition kindly arranged for local mental health services to be available outside the auditorium during registration and following the presentation so that all those in attendance could have access local resource information.

The Ganley Foundation looks forward to expanding educational efforts further and extends its special thanks to all those individuals who made this series possible. We are all better for having such “champions” throughout our communities!