” I am so appreciative of the AIR grant, that is amazing!! I have forwarded your message to my principal (David Winston, winston@lincpk.com) and my replacement (Jackie Heftler, heftler@lincpk.com). I am leaving my position this week, but wanted to get this confirmed for next year as I agree that your program is life-saving, and life-changing. The last time you were at LPMS I had a student who was experiencing depression. Her parents and I had tried to encourage her to participate in therapeutic counseling, but she was really resistant. After your presentation and the breakout session with our school psychologist, she came to me and shared that she thought she was ready. It really hit her when she realized that her symptoms and feelings were not simply “being sad,” they were signs of depression. That same student will be a Senior next year. She still participates in counseling and has developed a love for Physics. Your program makes such a difference, I can’t wait for you to reach another group of Lincoln Park students.”

“Thank you to you and your team for explaining the training process so clearly and for being able to do it all in a very positive manner. This training is so different from what I did for obedience training over 30 years ago. I appreciate the new insight and I know all I have to say is the word “school” and Tessa is so excited to go. You have a great team and I look forward to learning new things every week.”

“AIR has come 2 times a year to our school for at least the last 10 years, This program is a must for young people…Every time Trish talks to our kids, we have students coming forward recognizing that some of their thoughts and behaviors may not be healthy for them and they reach out, or a friend feels safe enough to reach out to their safe adult here at school. She has saved lives…This I know for sure…

Please, if you have the opportunity have her come to your organization and speak to adults, parents, and the kids.”

We brought Attitudes in Reverse to our campus for Welcome Week in August. This five-day program for our new students has over 100 mandatory and optional sessions, and so many of them are nervous and anxious about starting college, in addition to missing their pets from home! The line to spend a few minutes with the AIR dogs and teams wrapped around the entire second floor of our student center and is one of our most popular events every year. I can’t thank AIR enough for their partnership, and I can’t wait to bring them back in December to provide a little stress relief during finals.

The AIR In Their Shoes display is a favorite for both students and staff at Mercer County Community College because it sends such a powerful message: You never know who around you is suffering. The clear takeaway is to be kind to all and to be supportive of those struggling, without judgment. In these uncertain times, an attitude of kindness and empathy is more important than ever. The increased need for mental health resources, especially after almost two years of pandemic stress and upheaval, is apparent. Last but not least: the therapy dogs!!! They are a real treat, and provide much needed comfort, especially after seeing such a moving exhibit.