The Fight for Life Foundation (FFLF), with support from a $20,000 grant from the Indianapolis Colts’ Kicking the Stigma initiative, announced a new effort to provide educators with free, flexible mental health counseling sessions in partnership with Ellie Mental Health and Growth & New Horizons.
Through the program, 46 educators—available on a first-come, first-served basis, with guaranteed allotments for four schools currently implementing FFLF’s Building Dreams program—will each receive 10 counseling sessions at no cost to the school or educator. Participants can choose their provider, counselor, and whether sessions are in-person or virtual, offering flexible and personalized care. The Colts’ Kicking the Stigma investment will directly fund counseling for 20 of the educators.
“We are grateful for the Indianapolis Colts and Kicking the Stigma for their investment and innovative approach to helping communities truly end the stigma surrounding mental health,” said Marlin Jackson, FFLF president and CEO and former Indianapolis Colt. “If we invest in the educators, who are on the front line, they have more to invest in the students—and that increases academic achievement.”
Launched in 2020, Kicking the Stigma is the Colts’ initiative to raise awareness about mental health, reduce the shame too often associated with mental illness, and expand access to care. Since its inception, the effort has committed millions of dollars to support nonprofits, schools, and community programs dedicated to mental wellness across Indiana and beyond.
“Teachers give so much of themselves every day,” said Brett Kramer, director of Kicking the Stigma. “We were pleased to award a Kicking the Stigma Action Grant to support Fight for Life’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of educators and students, both inside and outside the classroom.”
The program’s launch coincides with Emotional Wellness Month and fall break, a timely reminder that “no one can pour from an empty cup.”
Recent data highlights the need for support. According to the 2023 State of the American Teacher Survey, educators were twice as likely as other working adults to report frequent job-related stress and difficulty managing it during 2021 and 2022.
“Educators are excited about the offering, and some have even requested to begin before the official Oct. 16 launch date,” Jackson said. “That urgency underscores the very real need for support in our schools.”
This initiative, part of FFLF’s Be A Blessing teacher supports, represents another step in the organization’s ongoing commitment to strengthen schools, communities, and the educators who shape young lives.
“Together, we’re helping students — the whole child — fight for quality in life,” Jackson said.
Building Dreams, FFLF’s cornerstone program, helps youth-serving organizations create infrastructure to build relationships while monitoring students’ social-emotional needs and behavior. It also serves as a pathway to the Be A Blessing program, which provides resources and support to students, families, and educators.
Four schools qualified for the new counseling initiative: Frederick Douglass School 19, George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academy, Phalen Leadership Academy 48, and Sankofa School of Success. Each has collaborated with FFLF in developing the Building Dreams technology.
For more information about the Fight for Life Foundation, visit fightforlifefoundation.org.
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