A unified front: Bridging the gap with 988 and digital sanctuaries
At Project Your Life Matters, our mission has always been clear: to defeat depression and suicide among teens and young adults by providing a lifeline when it’s needed most. True impact comes from collaboration, which is why we are thrilled to highlight our partnership with the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) and our integration within the 757SEL Experience Digital Sanctuary. Together, we are creating a "Digital Sanctuary" where help isn't just a concept—it’s an immediate reality.
988: Your 24/7 lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of over 200 local crisis centers providing free, confidential support 24/7/365. Whether you are experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, or a substance use crisis, trained counselors are ready to listen. Simply call or text 988 or use the online chat to connect instantly.
The 757SEL experience: A digital sanctuary in Virginia Beach
In our local community, Project Your Life Matters is taking this support a step further through the 757SEL Experience Digital Sanctuary. This portal serves as a safe space for teens, teachers, staff, and parents to find peace and professional resources.
The 988 PDF downloadable card: On each portal within the Digital Sanctuary, we have placed a downloadable 988 resource card. This card ensures that every student and educator has the national hotline number at their fingertips for emergencies or general counseling. By bridging the gap between digital wellness and crisis intervention, we are giving teachers and staff the tools they need to support their students effectively.
Proven impact and support for all
Research shows that callers feel significantly less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a 988 Lifeline counselor. You can also contact 988 if you are worried about a loved one who may be in crisis. At Project Your Life Matters, we believe that suicide prevention is a team effort. By combining the local reach of the 757SEL Experience with the national power of 988, we are ensuring that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.
Why these initiatives are especially helpful
Zero-barrier access: By placing the 988 PDF downloadable card directly on school and organization portals, you remove the "search" step during a crisis. A student doesn't have to remember a number or find a website; the lifeline is already where they are studying or seeking wellness.
A "no wrong door" approach: Integrating 988 into the 757SEL Experience ensures that whether a user is looking for general SEL (Social Emotional Learning) support or is in an immediate emergency, they are automatically connected to the right level of care.
Localized care with national power: While 988 is a national network, it uses georouting to connect callers to local Virginia crisis centers. This means the counselor on the other end is familiar with Virginia Beach-specific resources and emergency protocols.
Empowering the ecosystem: Most prevention efforts focus only on the teen. Our initiative bridges the gap for the entire support system—teens, parents, teachers, and staff.
Project Your Life Matters: Creating a unified front
As the author of Lifeline, I’ve seen how important it is to have a seamless transition from education to intervention. Our nonprofit is proud to act as the bridge, with collaborative outreach to national partners like Teen Line and 988 to ensure Virginia Beach youth have access to the best peer-led and professional support available. We aren't just helping teens; we are providing resources so the adults in their lives know exactly where to turn during a crisis. Remember: Your life matters, and help is always just three digits away.
Immediate support resources:
Call or Text: 988 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)