opening minds i saving lives
About UsWhat Drives Us
Jana Marie Foundation
Since our incorporation in February 2012, Jana Marie Foundation has devoted its energy to opening minds and saving lives through educational programming and community mobilization to empower young people and their community in the Central PA region.
Since 2015
Stompers Project®
Stompers Project® by Jana Marie Foundation History
Jana Marie Foundation’s Stompers Project® uses art, music, stories and other forms of creative expression to educate the community about mental health and help stomp out the stigma that surrounds mental illness. In a nutshell, Jana Marie Foundation is working with local artists, schools and organizations to create life sized sculptures of people formed out of recycled sneakers. The sculptures are called “Stompers” to acknowledge their symbolic role in helping to stomp out stigma.
The Stomper prototype was debuted on Thursday, January 15, 2015 during a launch event that was held in the State College Municipal Building. Jana Marie Foundation and our team of artist partners, including Annalisa Barron, Mark Pilato, Mel Forkner-Lesher, and Chris Bitner, have since worked with local schools and organizations to engage community members in conversations surrounding mental and emotional health through the use of our specially designed curriculum.
STOMPERS COMPLETED
MAJOR ART DISPLAYS
PEOPLE participated in building of stompers
STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, ARTISTS
Raising Awareness
Why Stompers?
mental health problems are common
Everyone is struggling with or knows someone who struggles with Mental Health. There are about 1 in 5 Americans aged 18 and older who experience a mental health concern each year. (CDC, 2019)
suicide is a leading cause of death
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and it is the second leading cause of death for people aged 15-34 years old. (CDC, 2019)
dispelling myths can save lives
The Stompers Project® educates about mental health and wellness and helps to dispel myths surrounding the topic. By providing facts and information we can make it known that it’s okay to reach out for help and to reach out to help someone in need.
opening minds by creating community
The magic of the Stompers Project® lies in the fact that it lends a voice to those who suffer in silence, and creates opportunities for healing through self-expression. The Stompers bring community members together around a common goal of wellness, and remind us all that we are not alone.
There is help. there is hope.
There are a variety of free resources available nationwide that anyone can use that may be struggling, or need someone to talk to:
National Suicide Hotline Number: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741741
Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
Trans Life Line: 1-877-565-8860
Team
Our Artists
Marisa vicere
Founder and Dreamer
mel forkner lesher
Artist
Annalisa Barron
Artist
mark pilato
Artist
Chris Bittner
Artist
nancy vicere
Artist
There is help. There is hope.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health concern or crisis, please reach out for help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741741
Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
Trans Life Line: 1-877-565-8860