On May 20th, 2019, the worst possible tragedy a parent could experience occurred within the Domingos family. Jessica and Michael’s daughter, Evie, died due to suicide. She had struggled with depression brought on by severe social anxiety. The loss the family experienced was devastating, but they were able to find a purpose in the grief and healing. Evie’s parents saw the great need for events and programs that could help build up East Texans who are struggling with similar mental health issues, thus bringing about suicide prevention. This is the Evie Effect!

PURPOSE

“Our mission is to change the public’s perspective on mental wellness and suicide by fostering a community of advocacy, awareness, and education.”

Jessica Domingos, Co-founder alongside her husband Michael, shared with us the primary goal of the Evie Effect. Their non-profit originally started off as “Tiny Evie Rocks.” From these early beginnings, The Domingos wanted to make a practical and positive impact to the lives of those in the local community. Together with volunteers, they would paint rocks with encouraging messages and place them all over. (You may have seen few of these. I surely have.) Though these small acts of kindness were most certainly effective, Jessica and Michael wanted to make a larger impact for Evie’s legacy. Thus, the Evie Effect was formed, hosting a variety of events and programs to uplift the East Texas community. (Click here to read more about Evie’s story.)

EVENTS

One thing that the Domingos family shared with us in depth is Evie’s love for music. Specifically 80′s Rock! So, in her honor, the Evie Effect puts on occasional local concerts to raise support for mental-wellness.

The Evie Effect’s next big event is their “Embrace the Journey 5K”! On May 18th, you can sprint, jog, or walk for a cause. Hosted at True Vine Brewing Company in Tyler, this incredible event will be a fun-filled day of running and community. Also, there is a free concert following the 5K featuring Walter Lee and PanikDevice!

PROGRAMS

Along with their community outreach events, the Evie Effect also helps direct East Texans to classes and workshops to help better prepare families or individuals with the reality of mental health issues and suicide:

• AS+K About Suicide To Save A Life: A 4hr, in person course that provides an overview of gatekeeping skills when engaging in suicide prevention.
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST): An award-winning, 2-day workshop that helps support caregivers in “first-aid suicide intervention.”

The Domingos family also encourages you to go visit the Mental Health Rock Feature in Douglas Park, near Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital. There you can walk the 22ft heart-shaped labyrinth that contains many living and hopeful messages.

“By keeping that conversation going through those events and connecting with the community that keeps Evie’s legacy.”

The darkness of mental health issues and suicide can be a daunting. Yet, with local non-profits like the Evie Effect, there is a real reminder that hope exists for us all! Donate, learn more, and stay up to date on everything that is going on with the Evie Effect by visiting their website!

Lastly, if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, dial 988 for free and confidential help today.

Peltier Subaru Supports is the latest initiative at The East Texas Weekend created to highlight local non-profits around East Texas. Each month we will feature a new organization in our region to highlight their importance within our community. If you have an idea for our next feature, let us know by emailing to andrew.terpening@kltv.com

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