Our Mission
“YOU DON’T STAND ALONE.” Suicide is the second leading cause of death for kids, teens, and young adults between 10-24 years old. Some feel there is no place to turn to or feel no one is listening. There is help; there are places and people that will be there when needed. Suicide is not the answer. With hope and support, we can prevent suicide.
Erric “Mikey” Lopez
Erric “Mikey” Lopez had a way of making others feel valued and valuable on and off the field. Football was his passion, his art, but people were his real love. You could see that in the way he gravitated towards others and drew them to himself.
When he walked into a room he lit it up with his warmth, humor, and contagious laugh. He was compassionate and always showed an interest in those around him, and people responded. He acted as a mentor and tutor for his fellow students, and he took it upon himself to see that everyone was protected and accepted.
Erric “Mikey” Lopez Jr., 18, died by suicide on January 7, 2023. His legacy of compassion and heart is shown in his friends, family, teammates, and classmates who continue to care for and comfort each other, for his sake.
This Project
After the tragic loss of Erric "Mikey" Lopez, friends and family faced continuous road blocks with accessing mental health resources. Because of these heartbreaking difficulties, they have committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring that no one stands alone when in crisis. They have worked to connect community resources to youth who need them, and to create new, safe places and times for people to connect.
Michael Montoya and renowned local sculptor, Eric McCue, worked together with friends, family, and community members to design and place a sculpture on the Pueblo levee north of Dutch Clark Stadium to remind us all that we don't stand alone. This sculpture serves as a place for people to connect. Not everyone feels comfortable opening up about suicide or loss. At this statue, they can sit and be at peace.