Empowering Mental Health Awareness Together
Give Yourself a Reason is a volunteer-led non-profit organization established to promote mental health awareness among teens and young adults, primarily focusing on Brevard County, Florida. The organization’s mission is to support and expand mental health education in schools and the community. Until we can offer direct programming within schools, we will raise funds to support other organizations to align with our education and awareness goals.
Our main fundraising initiative is an annual Dance-a-Thon, and we plan to introduce additional community-based events as we grow. All staff serve on a volunteer basis, and the organization operates with nominal overhead to ensure that most funds directly support programmatic efforts.
Looking ahead, Give Yourself a Reason intends to serve throughout Florida and extend support to families directly affected by mental health challenges. Through these efforts, we aim to increase access to mental health support, reduce stigma, and empower young people and their families to take proactive steps toward mental wellness.
“Her loss devastated us,” Sviben said. “But in our grief, we knew we had to turn this tragedy into something meaningful. That’s how Give Yourself a Reason was born. If we can help even one person in the way we weren’t able to help Emily, then her story becomes a force for hope.”
Emily's Mom, Colleen Dailey, and Aunt, Shannon Sviben founded Give Yourself a Reason in 2025, shortly after the loss of Emily.
Why "Give Yourself a Reason"
"Give Yourself a Reason" means…
Choosing life in the face of hardship. Even when things feel hopeless, we can each find a reason—no matter how small—to keep showing up.
Empowering yourself. It’s not about being perfect or always being okay. It’s about giving yourself permission to feel, struggle, and still move forward.
Creating connection. Sometimes, we need a reminder that we’re not alone. Whether it’s a song, a friend, a goal, or a sunrise—those little reasons matter.
Honoring others by choosing to stay. For those who have lost someone to suicide, this phrase becomes a call to action: to honor their memory by helping others find their reason to hold on.
The name "Give Yourself a Reason" is powerful because it speaks directly to the heart of what mental health awareness is all about—finding hope, purpose, and strength to keep going, even when things feel overwhelming.
The name Give Yourself a Reason was inspired by Emily— Before her passing, Emily shared that she wanted to get a tattoo with the words “Give Yourself a Reason,” a lyric from Noah Kahan’s song Call Your Mom.
Those words meant something to her. They were a quiet reminder to keep going, even when it felt hard.
Now, they’ve become our mission.
A movement to break the stigma around mental health.
A message to teens and young adults that even on your darkest days, you can still find a reason.
We carry these words forward in Emily’s honor, helping others find hope, purpose, and their own reason to stay.
Our Location
Located in Brevard County, we focus on mental health awareness for teens and young adults through community events and educational initiatives.
Brevard
Brevard County, Florida
Hours
Varies by event
Contact Us for Ways to Support/Join the Cause
