Built by a Mother. Sustained by a Village.
How SonRise Began
Kelli Joy Richardson, Founder and Host
The SonRise Project was born in the depths of a parent's worst fear.
In 2018, my eldest son Kyle attempted suicide during high school, which impacted our entire family. I didn't know how to help my child or where to turn while feeling profound guilt, shame, and loneliness.
I looked for a community of parents who understood what I was going through. I couldn't find one — especially not one that spoke to my lived experience as a mother.
So on February 23, 2020, I hosted our first call.
What began as a lifeline for myself became a community of thousands of people, with weekly virtual gatherings to hold space for each other's pain, learn from experts and lived experiences, and rebuild our relationships — with ourselves and our families.
Our Mission: Create weekly shame-free, transformative spaces for parents and caregivers supporting children navigating mental health or addiction challenges.
Our Vision: A world where families thrive, where radical acceptance and love are louder than fear, and the rates of mental health and addiction challenges decline.
What We Believe (The ABCs):
A = Acknowledge | Accept | Adapt
B = Breathe | Believe | Let Them Be
C = Connect | Communicate | Courage
Why This Work Matters
The Facts:
• 57.8M Americans are affected by mental illness — roughly 1 in 5 adults. Communities of color are affected at even higher rates.
• 50% of all mental health problems appear by age 14 and 75% by age 24.
• Suicidality among young people is rising rapidly & reaching alarming heights.
• Youth ages 15-24 have seen the fastest-growing suicide rates. (Source: SAMHSA)
Core Insights:
1. Managing through life's changes can be challenging
2. Trauma is real and impacts families differently
3. Stigma still plays a role
4. The pandemic effect is still real
5. Connection, treatment & prevention are key
Dr. Dee Sapp, Executive Director
Board of Directors
Dr. Linda McGhee
Yvonne McNair
Deborah O’Neal
Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard