Marshmallow’s HOPE to provide free mental health services to Rockford Public Schools students

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A local nonprofit dedicated to youth suicide prevention has partnered with Rockford Public Schools to provide pro bono mental health services for students.

Marshmallow’s HOPE will have a wide range of services from individual therapy to parent education, an intensive outpatient program and school assemblies focused on issues such as cyberbullying and suicide prevention. All services will be free of charge for students, include free transportation and guarantee a response time within 24-48 hours for students in need.

The work Marshmallow’s HOPE will do is in addition to in-school counseling and other support services. There’s no fee to the district for the service. The goal for the nonprofit is to make sure it can increase access to care for students who need it. Services are available now.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and together we can create a safe, supportive environment for every student,” Laura Kane, founder and CEO of Marshmallow’s HOPE, said in a news release.

Kane founded the nonprofit in honor of her son, Zachary Birkholz, who died by suicide in September 2018. He was a 14-year-old freshman at Harlem High school.

“Our goal is to unify efforts across the community to break down barriers and provide the help our youth need, because no parent should have to miss their child the way I miss mine,” she said.

The initiative also includes educational programs for students, staff and families, and it provides direct access to mental health professionals. School leaders say that will make mental health services more accessible for students and help reduce stigma in the school community.

“We are grateful for our partnership with Marshmallow’s HOPE. Their work as a local mental health provider in Rockford brings compassionate, professional support closer to our students and families,” said Amy Gannon, executive director of Multi-Tiered System of Supports for RPS 205. “Together, we’re building a stronger network of care, so every student feels seen, supported, and able to thrive.”

Marshmallow’s HOPE was founded in 2020. It’s funded through donations and grants, including funding from the Winnebago County half-cent sales tax for mental health services.

Marshmallow was a childhood nickname for Birkholz. HOPE is an acronym that stands for Hold On, Pain Ends.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at [email protected] or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas