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Sarah Conrad’s Journey as a Supporter

Case Study Profile Template

Industry

Nonprofit/Charity

Challenge

As a career educator for 35 years, Sarah Conrad recognized a critical gap in student support regarding mental health awareness. She sought a meaningful way to reinvest an unexpected financial windfall into an organization that provided direct, school-based intervention for youth.

Results

Through her dedicated support and membership in The Lighthouse Council, Sarah has helped Erika’s Lighthouse expand its reach to millions of students and families nationwide. Her contributions support the development of a full K-12 curriculum, ensuring that even the youngest students gain essential mental health literacy.

Programs Impacted

Classroom Education, Empowerment Club, Family Engagement, Staff Training

1.3 M
Students Impacted Annually
3,400
Schools Supported
$2
per Student
1411%
Program Growth since 2019

I was especially attracted to Erika’s Lighthouse because it advocated for good mental health of teens, it sought to reduce the stigma of depression, and there was a curriculum to work with students in the schools.

Sarah Conrad

Lighthouse Council

Case Study Profile Template

About Sarah

Sarah Conrad is a retired teacher with 35 years of experience in the classroom. A resident who values local roots and national impact, she has been a member of The Lighthouse Council since 2018, providing both financial support and volunteer time to champion youth mental health.

The Challenge: Finding a Purpose for a "Windfall of Amends"

Ten years ago, Sarah Conrad received an anonymous letter containing $800 in cash. The sender, a participant in a 12-step program, was making amends for a past theft. Sarah, remembering a stolen wallet from years prior, felt a moral imperative to turn this act of personal recovery into a catalyst for youth empowerment. Having spent over three decades as an educator, she knew that young adults often struggle with untreated mental health challenges and that early intervention is key to a healthy future.

"I love reading the teachers' testimonials and I believe that they are making an important impact."

The Implementation: Choosing an Evidence-Based Partner

Sarah conducted extensive research to find an organization that combined local authenticity with a scalable, evidence-informed curriculum. She chose Erika's Lighthouse because of its unique "Four Pillar Philosophy," which integrates classroom education, student-led empowerment clubs, family engagement, and staff training. In 2018, Sarah deepened her commitment by joining The Lighthouse Council, a group of philanthropic leaders dedicated to ensuring these life-saving resources remain free for every school, everywhere.

The Results: A Mentally Healthy Generation

Sarah’s support has allowed Erika’s Lighthouse to grow from a local initiative into a national leader, now active in 49 states and 26 countries. She has seen firsthand the impact of student-led Empowerment Clubs, which give youth the vocabulary to speak openly about depression and suicide. As the organization moves toward its "Vision 2030" goal of impacting 2.5 million students annually, Sarah remains inspired by the expansion of the curriculum to cover grades K-12, ensuring that the fabric of mental health support is woven into every stage of education.

"My favorite experiences with Erika's Lighthouse were going to high school health fairs, interacting with students, meeting the members of the Empowerment clubs, and hearing these young peoples' incredible stories."

 

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