Who We Are
Born out of the tragedy of losing one of her favorite students Ethan Ergen to suicide. Sara, the founder of Every Teen Has A Neighbor had to decide to either quit teaching to avoid future heartache, or dig in and try to do something to prevent teen suicide in rural Minnesota.
Every Teen Has A Neighbor aims to connect students with community support and to help students by connecting them with the people and resources that they need, when they need it.
We believe that every student should have safe spaces to be fully loved and thoughtfully heard.
Our Core Values:
Think kid-first – Do what is best for students, not simply what is easiest.
Break down barriers – Together, overcome the stigmas of needing help and fight for the path unknown.
Lead with love – Approach people with non-judgement and genuine compassion.
Every Teen Has A Neighbor aims to connect students with community support and to help students by connecting them with the people and resources that they need, when they need it.
We believe that every student should have safe spaces to be fully loved and thoughtfully heard.
Our Core Values:
Think kid-first – Do what is best for students, not simply what is easiest.
Break down barriers – Together, overcome the stigmas of needing help and fight for the path unknown.
Lead with love – Approach people with non-judgement and genuine compassion.
Who We Serve
Every Teen Has A Neighbor aims to bridge a gap in mental health resources in rural Minnesota.
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for young people.
Nearly half of recent Minnesota suicides have occurred in rural communities.
Rural suicide rates continue to rise faster than urban rates.
Rural areas face significant shortages of licensed mental health professionals.
Transportation, financial barriers, and stigma often prevent teens from seeking help.
We want to step in and offer Barrier-Free Counseling, Community Connections,
Suicide Prevention Education, Crisis Intervention Resources, and Hope to teens in Minnesota.
Giving young people the message that they matter and are not alone.
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for young people.
Nearly half of recent Minnesota suicides have occurred in rural communities.
Rural suicide rates continue to rise faster than urban rates.
Rural areas face significant shortages of licensed mental health professionals.
Transportation, financial barriers, and stigma often prevent teens from seeking help.
We want to step in and offer Barrier-Free Counseling, Community Connections,
Suicide Prevention Education, Crisis Intervention Resources, and Hope to teens in Minnesota.
Giving young people the message that they matter and are not alone.
How You Can Pray
Courage to continue working and making progress.
Wisdom to know what to do at each step of the process.
People and connections that can help to bring the vision to light.
Generous donations of money or time to kick off our mission.
Discernment to know how to move forward with God’s vision for this foundation.