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THE YELLOW RIBBON PROJECT
This Years Gov.'s project is the Yellow Ribbon Project, which is to help prevent suicide!
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How it all began...
THE LEGACY OF THE YELLOW MUSTANG
The Yellow Ribbon program was founded in 1994 by the parents of a bright, funny, loving teen, Mike Emme, who took his life when he did not know the words to say, or how to let someone know he was in trouble and needed help.
"Don't blame yourselves, Mom and Dad, I love you." It was signed, "Love Mike 11:45pm". In a move that totally stunned all who know him, Mike shot himself at a time of deepest despair. At 11:52pm his parents pulled into the driveway behind that bright yellow Mustang, - seven minutes too late!
The legacy started when Mike rescued a 1968 Ford Mustang from a field where it had sat neglected. He bought it, rebuilt it and painted it bright yellow. As Mike and his mustang became more and more active helping other teens and friends - giving them rides to and from school and work he became known as "Mustang Mike".
Streams of stories began emerging of the help Mike had given so many people. A young mother who's car had broken down late one night, leaving her and her two small children stranded on a dark road. Mike stopped and shown her his driver's license assure her he would not harm them, got her car started, then accompanied them home to be sure they had arrived safely.
A classmate told of how Mike had canceled his order for a new transmission and bought two used ones from the salvage yard instead so that his classmate could get his car running too.
As the teens gathered to comfort the family, and each other, they discussed the tragedy of losing Mike. Mike's mom talked with the teens about creating mementos that others could have to remember him with, and she decided that yellow would be used in honor of the cherished yellow mustang. In response to teens asking what can we do?, - she told them, 'don't do this, don't attempt suicide'. 'If you are ever at this point of despair., please ask for help'! Kids took notes! Cards were made with the message to reach out for help, to never commit suicide, that It's OK to Ask4Help!
On the night before Mike's memorial services, his friends shared their grief and their tears as they pinned ribbons on the cards. Five hundred ribbon cards were placed in a basket and set out at his services. All the ribbon cards were gone at the end of the services!
Teens soon began to call and write, asking for 'those yellow ribbon cards', 'I want to give them to my best friend in case he/she would ever be in trouble and need help'.
The program began to spread and save countless precious lives. The program is worldwide today, continuing to grow and reach youth with help and comfort.
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IT'S OK TO ASK FOR HELP!
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ALL OF THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS COME FROM WWW.YELLOWRIBBON.ORG.
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