JAF’s Summer Benefit Concert this past Saturday was a huge success with approximately 90 people (of all ages!) attending and over $1,500 raised for JAF! The concert took place at the Iota Club & Cafe, a perfectly cozy venue for enjoying the great live music by Plexus–see the pictures below. Big thanks to all our supporters for coming […]
Along with yoga, JAF has also been working to introduce mindfulness exercises to teens. Mindfulness, which involves learning to tune into and accept one’s thoughts and feelings in the present moment, has been shown to have many potential benefits for students, and especially adolescents. Research has shown that mindfulness exercises can result in improved academic performance, better stress management, and […]
With end-of-the-year tests fast approaching, Longfellow Middle School put on a fun and active Stress Less, Laugh More Week! Every day had its own theme and unique activity to help the students prepare for the stress of school and tests in a healthy way: Monday – “Happy Chalk” Students had the opportunity to draw on the sidewalks outside […]
This year, Rocky Run Middle School hosted a successful Stress Less, Laugh More week for their students! Their daily agenda included a variety of stress-relieving efforts, like replacing their bells with a fun song or including inspiring quotes in the morning announcements; there were also activities everyday in the cafeteria so all students could get a […]
The 6th Annual Running to Remember Josh Fundraiser was a great success, despite the rain! We are so very close to reaching our goal of $30,000 and it’s not too late to donate! CLICK HERE if you would like to contribute! A BIG THANKS to everyone who donated and came out to support our runners! […]
The Teen-to-Teen Mental Health Summit was a GREAT success! Approximately 200 community members came out to hear six brave speakers share their stories of struggle and survival and later participated in a discussion with parent panelists and mental health professionals. See news coverage of the event here: NBC News4 video: “Fairfax Co. Teens Unite to […]
Maggie Bertram, a member of the Active Minds Speaker’s Bureau, shared her powerful story of struggling with anxiety and an eating disorder while in college, as she tried to portray the “perfect image” of herself to others. Yet on the inside, she felt lost and only until confronting her mental health disorders and seeking treatment, […]
The Joshua Ball was a great success! The Josh Anderson Foundation’s first formal fall fundraiser was held at Top of the Town in Arlington, VA on October 23rd, 2014. 150 JAF supporters gathered to celebrate the foundation’s accomplishments in mental health awareness education! We were lucky to have guest speakers Jack Saunders, a senior […]
Over 200 people – including 70 current high school students – attended the Teen-to-Teen Mental Health Summit held at the Alden Theatre in McLean, VA, co-sponsored by The Josh Anderson Foundation and The Safe Community Coalition. The summit provided a forum for students and parents to discuss mental health following the two suicides at Langley High […]
This was the first year that Poe Middle School in Annandale, VA ran a Stress Less, Laugh More Week and it was a huge success. JAF provided Laugh More buttons and Benefits of Laughter postcards. Daily Themes & Activities: Monday: During lunch: Graffiti Wall in cafeteria Stress Less, Laugh More and Positive Message posters on walls: students […]
The third annual Stress Less, Laugh More week at McLean High School was a resounding success! JAF supported the campaign by providing Laugh More buttons and stickers, Get Help educational postcards, spray paint, candy and free yoga. Daily themes and activities: click here for agenda Monday: Pay It Forward Banner with notes Spray paint the rock Tuesday: […]
The first annual Wellness Week at Cedar Lane School in Vienna, VA was a success with staff and kids! JAF supported the program by providing Laugh More buttons, 1-in-4 buttons, Benefits of Laughter postcards, Get Help postcards and Laugh More stickers. Daily themes and activities: Laugh More Monday: What Makes You Laugh? Share jokes; […]
The Josh Anderson Foundation received CrisisLink’s 2014 Impact Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations making an impact in our region in the area of suicide education and prevention. The award was presented during CrisisLink’s LinkUp and Live Gala and Auction on April 10, 2014 at the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City. Watch the footage of Lauren […]