Our Purpose Main

Our
Vision

The Vision of AJF is to reduce the incidence and rate of suicide among young people by shining a light of hope into the lives of those affected by depression and other issues.

Our
Mission

The Mission of AJF is to prevent suicide among young people by increasing awareness in the community for teens, their families and their support network through education, scholarships and other support services.

Meet The Founder

I am Cheryl Duncan BSN, RN, CVRN, Hon Doctorate in Humanity. I created the Ashley Jadine Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, in memory of my daughter, Ashley Jadine Duncan.

Until our family was touched by suicide, I was not aware of the astounding statistics or profound and lasting effects. In 1995, my sister committed suicide at age 31. Years later, in 2012, my daughter, Ashley, did the same. When Ashley began showing signs of depression, I was quickly educated on the difficulties of navigating the system when trying to get help for a teen with mental health issues and emotional instability. While seeking help for Ashley, there were many times I felt helpless and overwhelmed! As she became older, it became even more of a challenge to get help and support for her. The older she became, the more power she had over whether or not she received the help she needed.

Many deal with issues of denial, shame and isolation after losing a loved one to suicide. Social media played a large role in Ashley's life; subsequently, it played an even larger role in her death.

She stopped talking and instead, she began expressing her feelings and communicating via Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, to which neither parent or her brother subscribed. As a result of this, in the home, many of her cries for help were not heard. There was little to no proof available to justify her staying in a treatment facility. But, friends and acquaintances, although aware of her posts on social media, did not take her cries for help seriously.

Greater awareness is needed with respect to social media and our response to those who express feelings of depression and a desire to harm themselves or others. In order to recognize the warning signs of depression or suicide, parents must be more involved in following the activity of their children on social media. I pray the resources offered through the Ashley Jadine Foundation will be helpful in igniting a sense of hope in those who are experiencing hopelessness. Pain is temporary. Hold on, there is hope!

Patrice O. Yarbough, PhD

PRESIDENT

Dr. Patrice O. Yarbough, a biochemist, has over 35 years of research and development experience in private industry, academia and government. Recently retired, she is focused on empowering the next generation of scientists, especially women and those from minoritized groups. As president of AJF since 2012, she leads the AJF mission to prevent youth suicides by raising awareness in local communities.

Board of Directors