“We Matter Here: Belonging and Community as Suicide Prevention” Conference
Gillian was featured on a panel this week called “We Matter Here: Belonging and Community as Suicide Prevention”. The conference, hosted by the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board (CTSAB), brought together professionals, advocates, and community members for a day of learning and collaboration.
Picture L to R
Dr. Keven McNeill, President and founder of Quiet Corner Peer Support Group (QCPS) with Hope, the therapy dog; Lorena Mitchell New Haven Coordinator for Community Mental Health Initiatives, City of New Haven; Rev Odell Cooper, President of Interruptions: Disrupting the Silence; Gillian Anderson, founder of My Friend Abby Inc.
2025
Gillian on Melissa in the Morning WICC Radio. Why youth and young adult suicide prevention and peer to peer connections matter!
More Than Just a Game
MFA had the incredible opportunity to attend a fun and energetic game at the Shelton Rinks, featuring the talented Trumbull Eagles and Branford Hornets!
But this event was more than just a game—it was a powerful platform to advocate for mental health awareness and remind athletes of the importance of checking in with those around them.
We were honored to stand alongside Shouldercheck, an amazing organization dedicated to promoting mental health in sports and supporting athletes both on and off the ice.
2024
31 Days, 31 Reasons To Give Campaign
The 31 Days of Giving with My Friend Abby campaign was a huge success, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community. With a matching challenge grant, every donation was doubled, allowing us to raise significant funds to support youth mental health and suicide prevention.
Starting with Abby’s birthday on December 1st and culminating on Giving Tuesday (December 3rd), donors came together to honor Abby’s legacy and make a lasting impact. The funds raised will support Peer Project Grants and MFA Community Events, empowering young people to share their stories, advocate for mental health, and connect with vital resources.
This campaign has helped amplify hope and healing, and its success ensures that we can continue supporting youth-led initiatives and creating spaces for connection and growth.
Thank you to everyone who contributed — your generosity is making a real difference.
Back-To-School Mental Health Campaign 2024
This month we are asking MFA supporters to join our back-to-school campaign!
Whether it's about overcoming challenges or ongoing healing, these stories could be the encouragement someone else needs.
We’re featuring these submissions throughout National Suicide Prevention Month on our social media & here on our eblast!
Let us know if you’re interested, and we’ll send the details!
Sharing Your Truth … 2024
During National Mental Health Awareness Month, young adult supporters of My Friend ABBY Helped demonstrate that even the strongest people we know need a little help sometimes. They all know a thing or two about prioritizing mental health and that vulnerability can saves lives.
Our “Here’s My Truth!” campaign gave a platform to some of our young adults who use their voices for good through the power of stories.
Your story matters. Your words matter. You matter. Let’s all continue to reflect, appreciate each other, and eliminate mental health stigma together!
2023
Sharing Your Truth… 2023
During National Mental Health Awareness Month, young adult supporters of My Friend ABBY Helped demonstrate that even the strongest people we know need a little help sometimes. They all know a thing or two about prioritizing mental health and that vulnerability can saves lives.
Our “Here’s My Truth!” campaign gave a platform to some of our young adults who use their voices for good through the power of stories.
Your story matters. Your words matter. You matter. Let’s all continue to reflect, appreciate each other, and eliminate mental health stigma together!
What would prompt two Connecticut pastors to go jump in the lake on a frigid March day? Click the photo to find out!
The second annual “A Night to Shine Your Light” took place Friday, Sept. 9, 2022 at the Trumbull Town Hall Gazebo on Churchill Road. The event was in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day, which was on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. The vigil included a candle-lighting ceremony, the ringing of a memory bell and a moment of silence to remember those affected by suicide. Karen Frissora / Contributed photo
“Spreading Sunshine” - a fundraiser for Friend Abby, Inc., the Trumbull-based not-for-profit organization awarding grants to youth and young adults taking action to promote mental and emotional health and suicide prevention - is back. Throughout April and May 2022, volunteers will be spreading sunshine by delivering a decorative burst of lawn signs for a donation of $25 or more.
Get Real Conversations: Melissa Bernstein
Melissa Bernstein, co-founder of international toy company Melissa & Doug, discusses her journey with depression and the life-long writing of her new book, “Lifelines.” Melissa shares her story of being a survivor of existential depression, and answers viewer questions. Video courtesy of Trumbull Community Television.
Get Real Conversations: Dante Duval Barfield
During Mental Health Awareness Month, Life Après and My Friend Abby partnered to talk about Mental Health. Let's get the conversation started. Mental Health Awareness - no more stigma, no mo...
MFA in the Media
As a family therapist for over 20 years, Jodi shows you how to heal from your past and build robust emotional resilience, especially through difficult times. She teaches teens, parents and couples how to release fear, embrace radical self-compassion, connect with their agency, and expand their consciousness. As an anxiety-survivor, she totally gets it. As a mom of teens, she double-dog gets it.
Jodi and Gillian discuss anxiety and how you can cope with stress and find your way to happiness…
