15 Years of SpeakUp ReachOut

The SpeakUp ReachOut Board of Directors, staff and volunteers would like to thank you, our Eagle County community, for an incredible 15 years of suicide prevention training, awareness, and HOPE. While we know we still have work to do to reduce instances of suicide in Eagle County, together we have made huge strides since 2009. 

SpeakUp ReachOut started because of the passion and advocacy of a small group of concerned citizens in 2009 under the fiscal agency of the Eagle River Youth Coalition (now Mountain Youth) followed by the Samaritan Counseling Center. Back then it was a working Board and one extremely part-time staff member, Meredith Van Ness and then Molly Booker. Their vision and hard work grew SpeakUp ReachOut to become a 501c3 non-profit in 2014. In those days, the focus was on a few stigma reduction initiatives and suicide prevention education in some of our local schools. 

Fast forward to 2024…Today SpeakUp ReachOut reduces instances of suicide in Eagle County and helps those affected by it address their pain. Through educational programs, events, peer groups, and partnerships, we bring community members like you together to learn and share their unique experiences. Discussing suicide has the power to heal. We have experienced this firsthand and so have many of you.

Since 2009, SpeakUp ReachOut has impacted over 15,000 individuals through our events, trainings, and outreach. In addition to that, we teach 3,000 5th-12th graders annually in our local schools to identify the warning signs of suicide and get a trusted adult involved. Our team has grown from that very part-time staff to five full-time staff members and nine Board members. 

None of this would be possible without you, the residents of Eagle County. So, thank you for supporting the work of SpeakUp ReachOut. Thank you for making mental health as much of a priority as physical health. And thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you during some of your most soul crushing moments. 

SpeakUp ReachOut looks forward to another 15 years of serving Eagle County by introducing people to the support they need because we believe in the power of connection. We will continue to listen deeply to your unique story because we believe sharing experiences promotes healing. Educating you to save lives through innovative strategies that evolve with the needs of society will remain a top priority. 

Suicide prevention is everyone's business. We hope you will join us in this vitally important work.

To learn more about SpeakUp ReachOut, visit www.speakupreachout.org. 

On behalf of the Board and Staff,

Erin Ivie

Executive Director

SpeakUp ReachOut