Earlier this fall, Progressions Salon Spa Store in Rockville, Maryland, raised $10,000 to benefit umttr (You Matter), an organization that aims to prevent teen suicide. The goals of umttr include helping to break the stigma of suicide, stopping the silence and saving lives. The Progressions team donated the money in memory of team member Maguilia Yi’s 30-year-old grandson. The funds were raised through a raffle that offered a grand prize of a pair of boxing gloves signed by Sugar Ray Leonard plus a $2,000 gift card.

Celebrating 33 years of business, Progressions founder Cindy Feldman says, “Teen suicide is a growing concern, and mental illness is one of the most frequent causes. To bring about change, strong advocacy is needed to heighten suicide awareness—from the warning signs to prevention.”

Founded after a local high school student ended his life, umttr has a mission of fostering a community of students who know that they matter. In educating the community on mental illness and suicide prevention, umttr lists the five signs of suffering to be aware of in yourself, family members and friends:

  • Withdrawal
  • Agitation
  • Hopelessness
  • Poor self care
  • Personality change

Learn more at umttr.org.

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