Emporia State University's Union Activities Council presents Jamie Tworkowski, founder of To Write Love on Her Arms at 7 p.m. Sept. 13.
"ESU is proud to bring Jamie Tworkowski to campus during suicide prevention week to speak on the effects of mental and emotional health," said Megan Budnik, of the Union Activities Council.
To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and invest directly into treatment and recovery. The goal is “to believe that a better life is possible.”
Tworkowski didn’t set out to start a nonprofit organization; all he wanted to do was help a friend struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury, and suicidal thoughts. He wanted the chance to tell her story. Jamie knew he had stumbled upon a conversation that couldn’t be ignored. In 2007, TWLOHA became an official nonprofit organization. The organization has traveled more than 3 million miles to meet people in their communities, they have responded to 180,000 messages from people in over 100 countries around the world, and have donated more than $1.5 million to treatment and recovery granting funding to 73 unique organizations and counseling practices. Today they are still working to let people know that hope is real and that they can get the help they deserve.
“The visions is hope, and hope is real. You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story," said Tworkowski.
The speech will take place in Albert Taylor Hall in Plumb Hall on ESU's campus. The event is free and open to the public, but with limited seating.