Spotlight on:
“Kid in the Corner is a grassroots nonprofit organization that was started by Zachary Sumner’s family and friends after he died by suicide on June 13, 2017. The loss of Zach was a heartbreaking tragedy that rocked our community to its core.” — KidintheCorner.org Recognizing their ongoing commitment to mental health awareness, Together AZ is honored to highlight Francine Sumner, her family and team for their tireless work in helping to save lives, through conversation, awareness and shattering the stigma.
What are key indicators parents and caregivers should watch for when they suspect a loved one is experiencing mental health challenges?
Parents and caregivers play such an important role in noticing when something might be off. Keep an eye out for changes in behavior, mood, or daily routines—things like:
- Pulling away from friends or family
- Losing interest in activities they used to love
- Struggling to focus or get things done
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Ongoing feelings of sadness, worry, or irritability
- Big shifts in appetite or weight
- Saying things that show hopelessness, guilt, or feeling worthless
Catching these signs early can make a huge difference in getting a young person the help they need. And most of all—trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, lean into it. Ask questions. Start a conversation. You’re not alone, and support is out there.
You’ve transformed this tragedy into a mission of mental health awareness and community education. Have you noticed increased openness when discussing this sensitive topic?
Absolutely! Thanks to Kid in the Corner’s programming in classrooms and youth-focused organizations, we’ve seen a powerful shift: young people are becoming more open and honest about their mental health struggles.
There’s a growing willingness to speak up, seek help, and support one another. By breaking the stigma, we’re creating space for real, meaningful conversations—conversations that build connection, empathy, and understanding.
We’ve been incredibly fortunate to witness youth stepping forward to share their stories—on panels, at our recent Gala, and even in the creation of a powerful PSA. And what we’ve heard from them is profound: sharing their stories doesn’t just help others—it helps them. By speaking out, they’re not only shattering stigma in their communities, but also breaking it down within themselves.
Describe the core mission of Kid in the Corner.
Kid in the Corner’s mission is to shatter the stigma around mental health and provide support to those in need. We believe through education, kindness, and community connection, we can help change the story for the next kid in the corner. We accomplish this mission by using a three-pronged approach:
- Educate and spread awareness
- Promote kindness and community connection
- Connect the community to resources
The organization exists to create a world where no one feels alone in their mental health challenges. The organization raises awareness, promotes kindness, and provides resources to educate and empower youth, families, and communities in the fight against stigma and isolation.
Share an inspiring story of someone who benefited from Kid in the Corner’s work.
One especially powerful story comes from an elementary school student who attended a Kid in the Corner workshop. After the session, he found the courage to open up about the deep loneliness he was feeling in the midst of his parents’ divorce. He bravely shared he had been experiencing suicidal thoughts — and even had a plan. Thanks to the tools provided in the workshop and the immediate action of the school support team, we were able to connect with his parents, conduct a suicide risk assessment, and begin providing the support he needed.
That same evening, I received a heartfelt text from the student. He thanked me for listening and helping, and shared that he and his parents had a real conversation for the first time in a while. They were on the same page, and—most importantly—he felt seen, heard, and supported.
He told me his suicidal thoughts were gone. This is why we do what we do. A single conversation can change a life.
What are the future goals for Kid in the Corner?
At Kid in the Corner, we’re excited to grow—reaching more schools, communities, and more young people across Arizona and beyond.
We’re always listening, learning, and evolving so we can create resources that truly meet the needs of vulnerable youth. Whether it’s in a classroom, through a community program, or online, our goal is to make support and education easy to access and meaningful for those who need it most.
Looking ahead, our vision is big: we want to help create a world where asking for help is seen as strong, not scary—and where kindness isn’t just nice, it’s essential to how we care for mental health. This is the movement we’re building. One conversation, one connection, one act of kindness at a time.
What is one crucial piece of information you wish more people understood about those struggling with mental illness?
It’s okay not to be okay—because health is health. We’ll be caring for both our physical and mental health for the rest of our lives. Just like we’ve all had colds—and will again—we know when a cold turns into something more serious, like bronchitis or pneumonia, it’s time to seek professional help. Why? Because what we’re doing on our own isn’t enough.
The same goes for our mental health. We all experience sad or difficult days, and we will again. But when those tough days become something we can’t manage on our own, it’s just as important to reach out for professional support.
Mental illness is not a choice or a personal failure. Many people are fighting invisible battles, and a little compassion can make a world of difference. Let’s always remember: everyone deserves support, understanding, and kindness.
For more info please email [email protected] and check out the Mental Health Matters Coalition website with an extensive resource page. We invite you to also save the date for our third annual Mental Health Matters Arizona Conference on Sat., September 27th. https://www.kidinthecorner.org
