Youth suicide is a growing problem in our society and The Shaka Franklin Foundation For Youth is one of few organizations in the United States that is tackling the problem head on. We have been labeled the premiere grassroots authority on suicide.

The Shaka Franklin Foundation has experienced vast growth over the past five years as we continue to provide positive programs and activities for young people. We are housed in two Denver Alternative Public High Schools, working very closely with the administration and faculty in the alternative system. We are involved with "troubled" young people on a daily basis.

We have carried our suicide prevention message into middle and high schools outside of the Denver district and to other organizations that have contacted us for information and workshops. Some of the organizations we have been invited to make presentations to are the Colorado Department of Health, South Dakota Department of Health, California Department of Health, Louisiana Department of Corrections, Jewish Community Center in Winnipeg, Canada, and Parks and Recreation Districts in Iowa, Arizona and Colorado.

Many young people are depressed. Depression, which often leads to suicide, cannot be ignored. It is everybody's business and it can be managed. If we do not pay attention and learn how to identify depression, it will consume those who are suffering. We live in difficult times and the teenage years can be particularly complicated and demanding. Do not make light of unusual feelings you or others may have.

The Shaka Franklin Foundation understands that it is not unusual for young people to be confused about who they are, what they want to be or which choices are the best. When these thoughts and concerns become overwhelming, effecting relationships and an extended state of the "blues" sets in, it is time to get help. So, please, take time to listen and be sensitive to the concerns and cries of help from our young people.

Young people are the future-they are living messages to the future decades and it is everyone's job to comfort and reassure those who are questioning their existence. We hope that the information on these pages will help those are suffering and enlighten others to understand the seriousness of teenage suicide.

Sincerely,

Les Franklin
Founder/Chairman of the Board