We are in a crisis, but it's one we can address together. As Kid in the Corner enters its seventh year, we've seen the power of community, kindness, and open dialogue. We've seen lives transformed and saved because people were willing to listen, support, and stand up for those in need. But there is still so much more to be done.

It’s been just over seven years since Francine Sumner’s 16-year-old son, Zach, died by suicide. Those feelings of grief and tremendous loss will be with her always. Ms. Sumner channeled that pain into a new mission of helping others. She founded Kid in the Corner, a nonprofit that educates, spreads awareness and connects kids with the community in an effort to shatter the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and 12News is looking at where Arizona stands in terms of access to mental health resources. Kid in the Corner's Founder & CEO is featured sharing Zach Sumner's story and urging to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health and advocating for more mental health support.

Valley mom Francine Sumner is determined to ensure no child feels isolated or alone. It's something her son Zachary did when he was a child. Describing him as kind, funny, intelligent, and giving, Sumner also told ABC15 that Zach was fighting to conquer his mental illness.

Kid in the Corner's Founder & CEO, Francine Sumner, appeared on Arizona's Family in September during Suicide Prevention Month to discuss Zach's story, resources, and programming to support youth mental health. 

In This Episode of What's the Lesson, we discuss the importance of finding the right provider for YOU and your loved one. What do you look for in a “safe friend”? How to have better communication with your kids.

In this episode, Mathew and Francine discuss how and why Zachary was lost to suicide, why the language we use matters, and what  Kid in a Corner is doing to shine a light on mental illness through education, awareness, and contagious kindness.