AFSP Illinois Chapter

04/21/2026

Soccer fans will get a big kick out of our next incentive for the 2026 Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk.

Register and create your Walk team by April 30 for a chance to win four tickets to the Chicago Fire game on Saturday, May 9.

Big thanks to Q101 Chicago for providing the tickets and serving as a Media Partner for this year's Walk!

Sign up now: afsp.org/Chicago ⚽

04/21/2026

We’re taking an exciting step forward for su***de prevention and mental health awareness. 👀

The American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP) and The Jed Foundation - JED are thrilled to announce the intent to merge as equals to form AFSP/JED, the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to preventing su***de across the lifespan and bringing hope to those affected by su***de loss or risk. 👏

By combining AFSP’s national reach and research leadership with JED’s expertise in youth mental health, we’ll be able to save more lives, support more communities, and bring hope to millions across the country.

🔗 Learn more about this exciting new chapter here: afsp.org/story/american-foundation-for-su***de-prevention-and-the-jed-foundation-announce-intent

04/21/2026

In times of crisis, Ali has often turned to volunteering.

That's why Ali connected with AFSP after losing her friend Roma to su***de.

"Volunteering with AFSP for the past 15 years has rebuilt my sense of self-efficacy and restored my hope for the future."

Ali not only joined her local Chapter but has also advocated before local, state, and federal officials, spoken on podcasts and radio shows, presented su***de prevention programs, an International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day event, and more.

Volunteering with AFSP for the past 15 years has rebuilt my sense of self-efficacy and restored my hope for the future.

04/20/2026

Supporting LGBTQ+ people is su***de prevention.

Join AFSP Illinois in Ottawa next month for Pride Pathways — a new pilot program centered on connection, learning, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. This event will feature a plenary session and breakout discussions designed to uplift voices, share resources, and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

📅 Saturday, May 9
⏰ 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 UAW Region 4; 900 E Center St., Ottawa, IL

Reserve your spot today: uniqode.io/ppw-ottawa 🌈

04/20/2026

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we're celebrating the incredible people who make everything possible at AFSP Illinois. Stay tuned for volunteer spotlights throughout the week — and we'll continue sharing more as we head into the heart of Walk season.

Today, meet Maggy Kucera, Walk committee member for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk!

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Tell us a little about yourself!

A huge passion of mine is singing and performing! I am a part of a Chicago-based a ca****la group called InVox. We perform across the city, and you may have seen us perform at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Chicagoland Walk.

Why does supporting su***de prevention matter to you personally?

This year, I celebrated 14 years since my su***de attempt. I care deeply about reducing the stigma and normalizing conversations around mental health. There is so much beauty in this world that I would have missed out on. I am so grateful to be alive and honored to be able to give back in this way.

How did you first get involved with AFSP Illinois?

I got involved when I moved back to the Chicagoland area almost three years ago. I worked as a walker coach for AFSP's Overnight Walk while living in NYC and knew I had to get involved locally once I landed back in Illinois.

What makes the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk so important to you and your community?

The Chicagoland Walk is an incredibly moving event. It brings hope to those who have lost someone as well as to those who have struggled. Bringing this community together is so inspiring to me.

What's one thing you'd say to encourage others to join you at the Walk?

My AFSP family and the volunteers I've connected with over the years are so important to me. I am so in awe of all those who want to be involved and spend their time working towards AFSP's mission. Please join us!

Our Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk is Saturday, October 3. For more info, visit afsp.org/Chicago.

04/20/2026

Volunteers are the heart of AFSP, helping drive our mission forward every day. They make a difference by:

— Organizing community walks and fundraising events
— Leading education and prevention programs
— Advocating for mental health and su***de prevention legislation
— Supporting those affected by su***de loss

Want to get involved with AFSP Illinois? Learn more at afsp.org/Illinois. 💙

04/20/2026

In Illinois, su***de is the 11th leading cause of death, resulting in more than 1,000 deaths each year. Behind each number is a person, a family, and a community impacted.

That's why AFSP's Out of the Darkness Community Walks bring people together in support of our mission to save lives and bring to those affected by su***de.

Sponsoring an Out of the Darkness Community Walk lets your organization take real action on mental health — showing genuine care for employees, clients, and the local community. Your support raises awareness and positions you as a leader on an issue touching lives across all ages and backgrounds.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email illinois@afsp.org or visit afsp.org/ILtogether.

04/20/2026

Step up as a team captain for the 2026 Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk — and lead your community in the fight to stop su***de.

As a team captain, you'll:

— Rally friends, family, classmates, and colleagues to walk by your side
— Create a space of , healing, and connection
— Inspire others to join this lifesaving movement

Start your team today: chicagowalk.org/team

04/19/2026

Knowledge brings compassion, and compassion can save lives. When we understand the unique challenges that people with autism face, we can show up to meet them where they are.

Understanding the autistic community and su***de risk is a vital step towards creating a world without su***de. Every statistic represents a story for someone who deserves support and is looking for hope. We can be that hope when we come together and stand up for autistic communities and their mental health.

Let's work toward a future where every individual with autism is embraced with compassion, understanding, and respect.

Swipe to discover more about autism and su***de and visit afsp.org/autism for details.

04/19/2026

It's !

We recognize the incredible impact our volunteers contribute to our mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by su***de. ​

Our volunteers make a difference by harnessing the power of community to combat isolation (a risk factor for su***de), getting back as much as they give along the way, as they meet others with a personal connection to this cause, sharing hope to achieve incredible impact.​

To our volunteers: Thank you for all that you do!

04/19/2026

Looking for a way to give back to your community and make a lasting impact? Here's your sign! 👋

During this National Volunteer Week, we invite you to join us in supporting American Foundation for Su***de Prevention's mission to save lives and bring to those affected by su***de.

Our AFSP Illinois Chapter stays active with community events, educational programs, and a variety of other volunteer opportunities throughout the year — including our annual Out of the Darkness Walks.

📖 Learn more and get involved: afsp.org/Illinois

04/19/2026

Remember, caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health.

If you or someone you know could use tools, resources, or a little extra support, we're here for you — visit us anytime at afsp.org/Illinois.