Connected Sisters
Sisters Taking On the Prevention Of Suicide (STOPS)
STOP Suicide Through E.R.I.C.
Sisters Taking On the Prevention of Suicide (STOPS) was founded in May 2015 by Andrea Mustin, a wife whose former husband, Eric D. Wright, lived with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The man who was her soul mate of 20 years died by suicide on December 2, 2013, and she didn’t see it coming.
Who We Are
For women who have friends and/or loved ones living with a mental illness, Sisters Taking On the Prevention of Suicide (STOPS) is a mental health awareness organization that inspires and gives hope through Education, Resources, Inspiration (Advocacy), and Community – through E.R.I.C.
Our vision is to create a world that is knowledgeable, compassionate, and supportive of all persons living with mental illnesses and thus put a stop to suicide.
Our mission is to reduce suicide rates by delivering mental health awareness training and support to women who have friends and/or loved ones living with a mental illness.
By December 2, 2024, our goal is to build an empowered sisterhood of more than one million informed, engaged, and connected women who will act as Mental Health Champions and commit to fighting the battle against suicide.
Our Core Values
- Accountability: He is the one to whom we are accountable. – Hebrew 4:13
- Service: We provide compassionate and attentive support services in a manner that inspires confidence.
- Awareness: We provide education that generates awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people living with mental illness.
- Stewardship: We take personal responsibility for the efficient and effective accomplishment of our mission.
- Generosity: We acknowledge that our time, talents, and treasures are gifts from God and are meant to be shared.
Our Certifications and Affiliations
- Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructors, National Council for Behavior Heath
- Member and Advocate, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Volunteer Field Advocate, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
- Volunteer Advocate, Mental Health America (MHA)
“’We exist to help prevent suicide by arming every person living with a mental illness with a STOPS Champion who advocates for their success.” ~ Andrea Mustin, Sisters Taking On the Prevention of Suicide (STOPS) Founder & President
Major Milestones
- December 2019: Raised $3,657 from 20 individuals
- October 2019: Founder featured in an Amazon Best Seller Book
- September 2019: Hosted Inaugural Walk of Flame Event
- March 2019: Awarded $2,000 by the Enterprise Holding Foundation
- January 2019: Featured in Allen Neighbors Magazine
- December 2018: Raised $1,327 from 45 individuals
- June 2018: Attracted first 50 Sisters to social networks
- February 2018: Awarded $1,500 by the Enterprise Holding Foundation
- September 2017: 501(3)(c) Status
- August 2017: Launched website
- May 2017: Nonprofit conversion
- May 2015: STOPS LLC Startup founded
- April 2014: 1,000 Facebook Followers Let’s Talk About Depression For Eric…
