The ChallengeMore and more children are experiencing mental health challenges at a younger age. The statistics are staggering; 1 in 5 young people now suffer from a mental illness.
|
The SolutionEncourage parents and their children to reach out for help and to begin their healing journey.
|
The Big PictureOur ultimate goal is to educate adults and empower children to reach their highest potential and lead happy, healthy lives.
|
Our MissionOur mission is to improve children’s mental health and wellness and support families by providing educational tools, resources and awareness events.
We encourage adults to recognize symptoms, overcome the stigma and reach out for help. Through prevention, early intervention and holistic treatment, we believe many of the big problems facing today’s youth can be transformed within a generation. |
What We DoThere are four primary ways that ELF helps improve the mental health of children and their families.
|
Piggie Bear®The Piggie Bear character was created as a friend to empower children, help them deal with their emotions and feel really good about themselves.
Piggie Bear increases a child’s emotional intelligence by teaching them Piggie Bear tools. All proceeds from Piggie Bear sales support the Extraordinary Lives Foundation's mission to empower all children, including those with mental health challenges, to reach their highest potential. |
In The News
ARTICLES
ELF is one of the first winners of a 2020 Top-Rated Awards from GreatNon-Profits.org
October, 2020
Innovator of the Year Award Nomination - Orange County Business Journal - Airing September 24, 2020
August 17, 2020
Laguna Niguel Lifestyle
May 1, 2020
Parenting OC: Emotional Special Needs: Mental health challenges can hide in plain sight.
Mar 26th, 2020
MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES
Pastor Rick Warren & Mara JamesPastor Rick Warren and Mara James at CHOC Children's ground breaking event for their 18 bed psychiatric unit.
Tipper Gore & Mara JamesTipper Gore, former second lady of the United States, and Mara James at the Wonder of Women Summit.
|
Actress Glenn Close & Mara JamesActress Glenn Close and Mara James at the Child Mind Institute Change Maker Award Event in New York City.
Chirlane McCray & Mara JamesChirlane McCray, first lady of New York City, & Mara James at the Child Mind Institute Change Maker Award Event in New York City.
|
Patrick Kennedy & Mara JamesPatrick Kennedy, American politician and mental health advocate, and Mara James at Mission Hospital's annual gala.
|
CBS Interview: Mara James shares how to navigate the holidays and tips for anxiety, depression and more.MegaBiz South AfricaMaking A Difference featuring Southern Inspirations and Mara James |
Mara James Story: Mission Hospital
The Piggie Bear SongPiggie Bear® story time read by author Mara James and accompanied by Piggie Bear |
|
Violet Loves Piggie Bear®
Sponsors
We are incredibly grateful to all of our generous sponsors.
Partners
We love our amazing partners!