From parents to teachers to community members to physicians, we all play a vital role in the lives of young people in our community. Come join us for this engaging presentation and panel discussion on youth mental health and how to recognize warning signs. Learn how schools, physicians, therapists, students and community organizations continue to collaborate to help cast a larger safety net to support and assist the young people in our community.

Every year approximately 1,000 people are released from the Centre County Correctional Facility. As they reenter their communities challenges can exist when it comes to securing housing, transportation, employment, mental health and drug and alcohol treatment, and other vital services. Every day, numerous organizations are working to provide individuals with more opportunities to succeed after their involvement with the criminal justice system. Join us for this impactful dialogue on how we can continue to break down barriers and educate our community about the criminal justice system.

Suicide Prevention Rally Centre County Courthouse Noon - 12:30pm   Please join the Centre County Suicide Prevention Task Force as they raise awareness for Suicide Prevention and Mental Wellness. There will be live music, speakers and readings of the proclamations.

Please Join Jana Marie Foundation at the State College Spikes Game! Wednesday, September 6 Gates Open at 6pm, Game Starts at 7pm.   Please use #JMF when purchasing tickets. $3 of every ticket purchase using the code will go to benefit Jana Marie Foundation.

On Monday, September 11 at 7 pm, three experts will discuss important themes in the work, including family dynamics, sexual orientation, LBGTQ issues, and suicide. The cast of FUN HOME will be there to perform songs from the show. The speakers are Susan Marshall, Marisa Vicere, and Peter Montminy. Carolyn Donaldson will be the moderator. […]

Poetry is a powerful medium for finding and sharing truths. In this five part series we will look at the 'elephants' that exist within ourselves and within the community and have the option to share in a safe class environment and/or in a public reading of original work on the final day. Throughout our time, we'll explore several types of poetry and poets past and contemporary as we delve deeper into our familiar favorites and gently challenge each other to try something new. We will learn, we will grow, above all, we will strive to have a lot of fun!

"Ask A Question, Save A Life." Like CPR, QPR is a simple process that anyone can be trained to use to help save the lives of a person who is in crisis. During the training, participants will learn the warning signs and how to respond. The cost for this course is $5.00 per person. Please […]

Technology drives our world, and for young people, it often shapes their world. Yet, teen cell phone usage continues to make headlines, from cyber bullying, to sexting, to possible effects on mental wellness. Please join this important discussion on different devices, apps and social media sites that are popular among youth today. This session will […]

A young person you know could be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can help them. You are more likely to encounter someone — friend, family member, student, neighbor, or member of the community — in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5-step […]

Poetry is a powerful medium for finding and sharing truths. In this five part series we will look at the 'elephants' that exist within ourselves and within the community and have the option to share in a safe class environment and/or in a public reading of original work on the final day. Throughout our time, we'll explore several types of poetry and poets past and contemporary as we delve deeper into our familiar favorites and gently challenge each other to try something new. We will learn, we will grow, above all, we will strive to have a lot of fun!

Poetry is a powerful medium for finding and sharing truths. In this five part series we will look at the 'elephants' that exist within ourselves and within the community and have the option to share in a safe class environment and/or in a public reading of original work on the final day. Throughout our time, we'll explore several types of poetry and poets past and contemporary as we delve deeper into our familiar favorites and gently challenge each other to try something new. We will learn, we will grow, above all, we will strive to have a lot of fun!

Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to creatively refelct on their past, envision their future, and appreciate their present.

For Teens, ages 11-17 October 3 - November 14 5pm-7pm State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to creatively […]

For Teens, ages 11-17 Tuesdays, October 3 - November 14 5pm-7pm State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to […]

Release Your Inner Superpowers! Grades 6 – 8 October 14, 2017 Park Forest Middle School 8:45am – 2:45pm   These one-day interactive events will allow young women across Centre County to build personal strength and self-confidence to help combat the stresses of today’s high pressure society. Drawing on the expertise of Jana Marie Foundation’s board and […]

Poetry is a powerful medium for finding and sharing truths. In this five part series we will look at the 'elephants' that exist within ourselves and within the community and have the option to share in a safe class environment and/or in a public reading of original work on the final day. Throughout our time, we'll explore several types of poetry and poets past and contemporary as we delve deeper into our familiar favorites and gently challenge each other to try something new. We will learn, we will grow, above all, we will strive to have a lot of fun!

For Teens, ages 11-17 Tuesdays, October 3 - November 14 5pm-7pm State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to […]

Parents and caregivers of teenagers need to have the most up-to-date information about drug and alcohol use in the community. Join us for an information session including drug and alcohol overview and local drug trends, including the heroin epidemic, red flags for youth drug use and tips for parents regarding how to talk to kids […]

Poetry is a powerful medium for finding and sharing truths. In this five part series we will look at the 'elephants' that exist within ourselves and within the community and have the option to share in a safe class environment and/or in a public reading of original work on the final day. Throughout our time, we'll explore several types of poetry and poets past and contemporary as we delve deeper into our familiar favorites and gently challenge each other to try something new. We will learn, we will grow, above all, we will strive to have a lot of fun!

For Teens, ages 11-17 October 3 – November 14 5pm-7pm State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to creatively […]

For Teens, ages 11-17 Tuesdays, October 3 – November 14 5pm-7pm State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to […]

For Teens, ages 11-17 Tuesdays, October 3 – November 14 5pm-7pm State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to […]

You are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to young people shhowing signs of mental illness or ina  crisis and connect them with the appropriate, professional, peer, social or self […]

You are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to young people shhowing signs of mental illness or ina  crisis and connect them with the appropriate, professional, peer, social or self […]

For Teens, ages 11-17 Tuesdays, January 23 - February 27 State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to creatively […]

From the language Kilivila, spoken near Papua New Guinea, mokita means “a known truth that is left unspoken.” Think of it as, “the elephant in the room.” These brown bag luncheon discussions will address some of the elephants among us, critical social concerns that impact the mental well-being of our residents and the development of […]

For Teens, ages 11-17 Tuesdays, January 23 - February 27 State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to creatively […]

For Teens, ages 11-17 Tuesdays, January 23 - February 27 State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to creatively […]

Come celebrate and explore your mother-daughter relationship! Through creative expression, engaging activities and a variety of communication tools that emphasize the magic of connection, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their relationship, create long-lasting memories and find a deeper understanding for one another.  February 10, 2018 8:45am – 1pm Mount Nittany Middle School  

For Teens, ages 11-17 Tuesdays, January 23 - February 27 State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to creatively […]

For Teens, ages 11-17 Tuesdays, January 23 - February 27 State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to creatively […]

Tuesday, February 20, 2018: Personal Finance: Raising Money-Smart Kids presented by Jeff Kissell, Rodney Thompson & David Williams, Personal Finance Teachers, State College Area HIgh School.   The mission of the Straight Talk Task Force: We strive to raise our children to become strong, confident, happy adults. The Straight Talk Series offers educational programs that help parents, […]

Help save a life. This course is taught in a clear, concise format using the latest in educational technology and practices. KEY COMPONENTS COVERED IN TRAINING: How to Question, Persuade and Refer someone who may be suicidal How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide The common causes of suicidal behavior […]

From the language Kilivila, spoken near Papua New Guinea, mokita means “a known truth that is left unspoken.” Think of it as, “the elephant in the room.” These brown bag luncheon discussions will address some of the elephants among us, critical social concerns that impact the mental well-being of our residents and the development of our community. Each Mokita(TM) Dialogue session will include presentations, group discussions, activities, and opportunities for follow-up and action.

Take a night off of cooking!  Home D Pizzeria is donating 10% of food sales to Jana Marie Foundation.  Eat a delicious meal while supporting a great cause!

For Teens, ages 11-17 Tuesdays, January 23 - February 27 State College YMCA Art, music, and creative expression are lifelong sources of resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Expand your creative thinking and mental well-being by expressing yourself in this unique, hands-on, experiential program. Each class will focus on a different theme that allows participants to creatively […]

On Friday, March 16, 2018 Jana Marie Foundation’s annual dinner and silent auctionreturns to Mountain View Country Club. The Time is Now to join us at this unique and fun dinner that raises funds for our continued work in casting a wide safety net for young people in our community. Jana Marie Foundation harnesses the […]

Tuesday, March 20, 2018: Creating a Mental Health Safety Net Panel Discussion led by Jeanne Knouse, SCASD Director of Student Services The mission of the Straight Talk Task Force: We strive to raise our children to become strong, confident, happy adults. The Straight Talk Series offers educational programs that help parents, caregivers and community members to recognize, understand, and […]

From the language Kilivila, spoken near Papua New Guinea, mokita means “a known truth that is left unspoken.” Think of it as, “the elephant in the room.” These brown bag luncheon discussions will address some of the elephants among us, critical social concerns that impact the mental well-being of our residents and the development of […]

You are more likely to encounter someone — friend, family member, student, neighbor, or member of the community — in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to young people showing signs of a mental illness or in a crisis, and connect […]

Finding Your North Star Wellness Forum for Young Women in Grades 6-12 This one-day interactive events will allow young women across Centre County to build personal strength and self-confidence to help combat the stresses of today’s high pressure society. Drawing on the expertise of Jana Marie Foundation’s board and special guests, the day’s program features […]

Ignite! Program For Young Men in Grades 5-8 Our Ignite! program will immerse participants in engaging activities and experiences that promote mental and physical wellness and will assist young men in exploring their sense of purpose. This program, created for young men in grades 5-8, focuses on personal growth, creative expression, self-confidence and social development.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018: Bias, Bullying & Bystanders presented by Dr. Seria Chatters, Ph.D., PSU Counselor Education The mission of the Straight Talk Task Force: We strive to raise our children to become strong, confident, happy adults. The Straight Talk Series offers educational programs that help parents, caregivers and community members to recognize, understand, and deal with potential problems […]

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and […]

From the language Kilivila, spoken near Papua New Guinea, mokita means “a known truth that is left unspoken.” Think of it as, “the elephant in the room.” These brown bag luncheon discussions will address some of the elephants among us, critical social concerns that impact the mental well-being of our residents and the development of […]

Cheers to Art Fundraising Night for Jana Marie Foundation Arena Bar & Grill 1521 Martin Street State College PA 16801 Looking for a creative and fun activity? Look No further. The lovely and talented, Jackie Gianico guides you through an acrylic painting created by you! Lots of great humor and guidance throughout the class ? […]

  Jana Marie Foundation Presents JAM Fest 2018! Come listen to live music and explore creative activities and experiences in downtown State College on Saturday, May 12 from 12pm – 5pm. Artwork will be displayed in storefront windows and all activities will help increase well-being, build connections and foster self-expression. Sponsored in part by Beck […]

The adult Mental Health First Aid course is appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. Mental Health First Aid was created in Australia in 2001 by Betty […]

From the language Kilivila, spoken near Papua New Guinea, mokita means “a known truth that is left unspoken.” Think of it as, “the elephant in the room.” These brown bag luncheon discussions will address some of the elephants among us, critical social concerns that impact the mental well-being of our residents and the development of […]

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed […]

Jana Marie Foundation will once again participate in Art with a Heart! Stop by Calvary Church on July 14 and 15 to purchase artwork from local artists and support Jana Marie Foundation.

Jana Marie Foundation has teamed up with the Centre Daily Times and New Leaf Initiative to host a series of community conversations called Mokita™ Dialogues. The purpose behind these community brown bag luncheon discussions is to allow individuals throughout Centre County to come together and talk – for a change. Not only will these discussions […]

The Mokita(R) Cafe fosters creative and collaborative thinking to enhance the mental well-being and development of our community. Please join Jana Marie Foundation for dinner and an honest, friendly, and thoughtful exchange of ideas around how our natural, social, and community environments can positively impact mental wellness across our region. The dinner will be on […]

Jana Marie Foundation has teamed up with the Centre Daily Times and New Leaf Initiative to host a series of community conversations called Mokita™ Dialogues. The purpose behind these community brown bag luncheon discussions is to allow individuals throughout Centre County to come together and talk – for a change. Not only will these discussions […]

QPR Gatekeeper Training QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a […]

Jana Marie Foundation is excited to once again partner with the Lady Lion's Basketball Team for the 2nd annual LeadHERship Academy! This one day event is for young women in grades 5-8. For more information or to register, please visit the Lady Lion's Website.

Centre County Suicide Prevention Task Force will host it's 3rd annual suicide prevention rally at the Centre County Courthouse on Tuesday, September 4th from 12pm - 12:30pm. Please join us to listen to live music, moving and powerful speaches by community members, and for a chance to remember all of those who have been touched […]

The Alternative Christmas Fair is an annual event organized by UBBC in State College, PA, which gives local and national charities the opportunity to raise funds in a group setting, and visitors to the Fair the chance to learn about those charities.

This 8 hour course provides a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to youth showing signs of mental illness or crisis.

Mokita Dialogues allow community members to come together and talk for a change.  These discussions not only highlight topics of vital concern- elephants in the room – but also provide opportunities for follow up and action.

The Field Gives Back to Jana Marie Foundation! Take the night off of cooking and enjoy a night out. A portion of sales will be donated to Jana Marie Foundation

Mokita® Dialogues allow community members to come together and talk for a change.  These discussions not only highlight topics of vital concern- elephants in the room – but also provide opportunities for follow up and action. The Mokita® Dialogues series is sponsored by the Centre Daily times.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and […]

During this Straight Talk Session, Marisa Vicere and Ali Turley from Jana Marie Foundation will discuss how to engage our youth in important conversations about mental wellness and suicide prevention.

A Private QPR Session for SCASD.  Please email info@janamariefoundation.org to learn how you can bring QPR to your organization or business.

On Wednesday, January 23, Jana Marie Foundation will bring Jordan to State College High School and the Delta Program to talk about his story and journey of recovery.

Mokita® Dialogues allow community members to come together and talk for a change.  These discussions not only highlight topics of vital concern- elephants in the room – but also provide opportunities for follow up and action. Mokita® Dialogues is sponsored by the Centre Daily Times.

Ask A Question, Save A Life.” Like CPR, QPR is a simple process that anyone can be trained to use to help save the lives of a person who is in crisis.

During the training, participants will learn the warning signs of suicide and how to respond. Advanced registration requested.

Come celebrate and explore your mother-daughter relationship! Through creative expression, engaging activities, and a variety of communication tools that emphasize the magic of connection, participants will have the opportunity to enhance relationship, create long-lasting memories, and find a deeper understanding for one another.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and […]

Penn State CRC and Jana Marie Foundation bring you a production of Chicago-based actor Jack Schultz' one man play "I'm falling in love all the time." The subject matter explores the intersections between life and addiction, all foregrounded by Schultz' grief following his brother's overdose death.  Join us at the State Threatre for this Free […]

Mokita® Café with Jana Marie FoundationThe Power of the ArtsThe Willows Dining Room at Juniper Village 1930 Cliffside Dr, State College Jana Marie Foundation is excited to host our 2nd Mokita® Cafe on Wednesday February 6 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm.  Join us at Juniper Village for this special dinner and discussion focusing on the powerful impact […]

Offering young women a time for self-reflection, expression through art, and connectivity to other students and local community.

Facilitated by Paul McCormick and John Aston, this Straight Talk session will take a look at healthy ways to engage with social media and how parents and caring adults can help set boundaries for the young people in their lives.

This 8 hour course provides you with a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to youth showing signs of mental illness or crisis.  This course is sponsored by Mount Nittany Health in partnership with PeerStar, LLC and Jana Marie Foundation.*You must attend both days.

This 8 hour course provides you with a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to youth showing signs of mental illness or crisis.  This course is sponsored by Mount Nittany Health in partnership with PeerStar, LLC and Jana Marie Foundation.*You must attend both days.

Offering young women a time for self-reflection, expression through art, and connectivity to other students and local community.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and […]

Mokita® Dialogues allow community members to come together and talk for a change.  These discussions not only highlight topics of vital concern- elephants in the room – but also provide opportunities for follow up and action. Mokita® Dialogues is sponsored by the Centre Daily Times.

Offering young women a time for self-reflection, expression through art, and connectivity to other students and local community.

Poetry is a powerful medium for finding and sharing truths. In this five part series we will look at the ‘elephants’ that exist within ourselves and within the community and have the option to share in a safe class environment and/or in a public reading of original work on the final day. Throughout our time […]

A Parent/Teen Program Parenting a teenager can be tough work and being a teenager isn’t always easy. All families can benefit from time together to connect, communicate, and contribute to the parent child relationship! Join the Jana Marie Foundation in a three-part series where teens and parents come together to learn, grow, and flourish. Session […]

On Friday, March 15, 2019 Jana Marie Foundation’s annual dinner, “A Night to Remember, A Cause to Believe In,” returns to State College. This year’s theme, “A Tale to Tell,” will focus on the power of storytelling.  Join us to support the Foundation’s work to promote mental and emotional wellness through dialogue and creative expression. Cost is $50 per person […]

Poetry is a powerful medium for finding and sharing truths. In this five part series we will look at the ‘elephants’ that exist within ourselves and within the community and have the option to share in a safe class environment and/or in a public reading of original work on the final day. Throughout our time […]