The journey has begun.

The journey has begun.

On Thursday, November 5, The Luv u Project began honoring our promises to support and build on the causes dear to The Project’s namesake, Carolyn C. Mattingly. We also announced two major initiatives aimed at fulfilling our mission: the sponsorship of a prestigious new journalism award and a partnership with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health–both focused on mental health.

On an unseasonably warm night in Bethesda, Maryland, more than 300 people looked on as The Luv u Project cofounders proceeded to outline the organization’s vision and initial goals.  Of note, we proudly announced The Luv u Project’s partnership with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHBSPH) to establish a national symposium and advisory board focused on workplace mental health and prevention. The JHBSPH is the largest school of public health in the world and the only school of public health with a distinct department of mental health.

Met with much enthusiasm was our announcement of the Carolyn C Mattingly Award for Mental Health Reporting, a $10,000 national prize for exemplary journalism. The Award, which aims to bring mental health to the forefront of the news media, will be administered by the National Press Foundation. The winner will be announced in May 2016, to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month.

Journalism Award Announcement

The Luv u Project also announced the creation of uLead, an organization aimed at bringing together professionals between the ages of 20 and 40. Grounded in The Luv u Project’s fundamental principle—”out of Luv, uLead”—this organization will support the greater Luv u mission and elevate the conversation about mental health.

Our cofounders and special guests recounted how The Luv u Project will keep its promises to advance the causes so dear to Carolyn. Her legacy will continue through The Project’s continued support for The Women Moving Forward Conference, sponsored by the National Association of Women’s Judges, and a new commitment to The Frost School of the Sheppard Pratt Health System. To honor her work as booster club president and member, representatives from Winston Churchill High School, located in Potomac, Maryland, announced their intent to place a memorial plaque at the entrance of their athletic stadium.

Capping off the successful launch was a tremendous gesture of kindness and goodwill: friends Ed and Ellen Nemeroff, among others, generously offered to match any donations made to The Luv u Project, up to $20,000, through the end of November.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who are supporting our mission, especially those who helped coordinate our successful launch: 

 Sherri Cissel & Mary Ellen Haggerty, Planning Committee Co-Chairs 

Gayle & Bill Greenberg