At a time when organizations are struggling, a small group of parents, special education, and mental health professionals met recently to approve some challenging goals to improve the emotional well-being of children who suffer from mental illnesses.

The inaugural Board of Directors approved plans for the upcoming fundraiser, "Hope Walk", on Saturday, October 3 in Fishers, Ind. that will be staffed entirely by volunteers.

Perhaps the foundation's most labor-intensive program will be to develop a continuing education curriculum for school educators that will focus on children's mental illnesses and suicide prevention, according to Board president Michelle Hall.

"We hope to have a curriculum approved within one year," Hall explained. "Through the generous donations we receive, we want to offer this continuing education program as a free service to our education community."

The 2009-2010 Board of Directors and Officers include: