Mother of suicide victim puts focus on teen mental health

The foundation was created in March 2023 by Ladovia Washington to honor her 15-year-old son, Jha'Mauri McCreary, who passed away on March 10, 2022, from suicide.

The outdoor venue in the town's park created a welcoming atmosphere on June 22 akin to a fall fair as the smell of food on the grill and festive music filled the air. Families, friends and visitors passing by on Carolina Highway came together to enjoy wholesome entertainment and fellowship.

Colorful tents and tables throughout the square were set up to raise awareness of suicide-prevention programs and the local, statewide and national support networks available via hotlines.

Addressing the attendees of mostly teenagers who came out in support of the community event, Washington said, “What I have found to be a big issue is teen mental health. Teen mental health looks different.

“It doesn't mean that you have to have an actual illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. You don't have to have an illness to be concerned about your mental health.

“Y'all go through so much. You have social and academic pressure. You may have family issues, peer pressure. It can look like an array of things. My ultimate goal with the Mauri 4 The Win Foundation is to make sure that you all are taking care of your mental health, whatever that looks like,” Washington said.

“We want to know what you are going through so we can get you to the professionals who can help you. It's not just about suicide prevention, but that's how I lost my son. So whatever I can do through the foundation to make sure that your mental health is where it needs to be, to make sure you have the resources you need. I want to be available for you.

“We want there to be a safe space for preteens and teens so we can get them to the proper resources and provide them with mental health tips so if they get into that dark space, they can apply coping mechanisms and reach out through the mental health hotline or crisis hotline when they feel like they don't have anybody they can talk to,” said Washington.

During the event, trained professionals were able to offer counseling and do mental health check-ins for more than 100 preteens and teens. Various individuals and organizations offered activities to promote positive self-esteem and personal empowerment techniques to employ when difficult circumstances may feel overwhelming.

Denmark-Olar High School cheerleaders entertained attendees with motivational cheers as they came out in full support of their friends and loved ones at this year's event.

“We provide outreach services to anyone who may be in crisis. “We provide resources such as the 988 Suicide Lifeline and mobile crisis,” said Ashley Corteville with the Office of Suicide Prevention, South Carolina Department of Mental Health.

“988 is our call center and they can respond to a crisis, but not only that, they are available to talk to someone who may be feeling depressed. “Anyone can call or text that number anytime they need to reach out,” said Corteville, who added that there is an outreach location in each county.

In the Orangeburg area, if someone needs suicide-prevention resources, they can walk-in to the Mental Health Center Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, at 2319 St. Matthews Road, or call 803-536-1571.

Cornell Williams, a resident of Ehrhardt, said he saw the excitement while driving through the area last year during the annual event. At that time, he stopped allowing his three grandchildren to take advantage of the free community services.

“I'm sorry about her loss, because it is hard when any kid takes their life. “It’s horrible for any parent to lose a child,” he sympathized with Washington citing that he heard her say that this giving back to others is part of her healing process.

“We live in difficult times. We no longer have prayer in school anymore and that's my pet peeve,” said Williams.

“I think that prayer should be allowed back in school. I think that contributes to a lot of stress. I mean we can pledge allegiance to a flag, but we can't give a prayer unto God. There is something definitely wrong with that,” he added.

Destiny James, chairman of the board of Mauri 4 The Win Foundation said, “This event represents an effort to continue to honor Mauri's life and spread awareness.

“We are grieving. Of course, we are hurting. It's very unfortunate, but the silver lining is that we can use his story to hopefully save some teens and teach parents about speaking to their teens and how to check in with them and to make them feel like they belong.

“It means a lot to me to continue to carry his name while also helping to save even one more teenager,” said James, who is also Jha'Mauri's second cousin.

According to event hosts, the Mauri 4 The Win Foundation was created as an avenue to prevent teen suicide by encouraging teen wellness through education, advocacy and love. The foundation's community outreach projects include sponsoring teen wellness events that incorporate mental health check-ins, positive teen affirmations and educational workshops.

Washington shared, “Starting Sept. 1, 2024, we will be kicking off the 'Safe Space.' It's creative and expressive art. You know you all like to text and not really like to talk. So, we know a lot of people don't want to go to therapy and sit and talk about their problems.”

Washington said she wants to create a space where young people are able to share freely but on their own terms, like through music, poetry, writing and art expression.

“We will have a producer there who can help you create your own music. Whatever you want to express, we can help you put that into words and add a beat to it. That is the purpose of Mauri 4 The Win to help you release what you are going through so that you can feel better. It's a free program.

“We will have peer support groups where you pick a topic and discuss with your peers. It will be where you can just express and get things off your chest. Whatever that may look like.

“We want to provide the resources you need. You don't know what just talking to someone can do for you or somebody else, even if it's not for you. If you have a friend who may be struggling, you can share our number with them. That is what this program is designed to do.

For more information, you can visit www.mauri4thewin.org, email [email protected], check out Mauri 4 The Win on Facebook or call 803-497-9600.