“We have seen first hand the personal struggles of teens and young adults plagued with mental health related challenges. At the Ruderman Family Foundation, we feel a responsibility to bring awareness and resources to these issues. Our goal is to facilitate changes in our communities that will provide better and healthier futures for those struggling with mental health.”

-Sharon Shapiro, Trustee and Community Liaison

Our Mission

The Ruderman Family Foundation seeks to end the stigma associated with mental health challenges among young adults by partnering with leading higher education institutions, innovative organizations and field experts advocating for youth mental health in Massachusetts. Through supporting research and strategic initiatives, the Foundation believes that raising awareness and providing access to mental health resources can change public discourse and our society’s culture around mental health.

Partnerships

Collaborations with researchers, practitioners, institutions, thought leaders, field experts and other donors informing the Foundation’s strategy.

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Resources

Research, publications, and media outreach supporting the Foundation’s strategy.

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Events

Online and in-person events contributing to the public dialogue, professional development, awareness raising, and citizen mobilization.

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Mental Health Advisory Committee

Distinguished advisors from across the mental health ecosystem guiding the Foundation’s grantmaking.

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If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.

If you feel suicidal or you’re in a crisis situation and need immediate assistance, people at these hotlines in the U.S. are there to help.

See more crisis resources
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
Substance Abuse Hotline (SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Let’s Talk About it: Authentic Mental Health Storytelling Through Filmmaking

A conversation on how mental health has shifted into the mainstream over the past decade, and how filmmaking, storytelling, and advocacy continue to shape public understanding, expectations and meaningful progress.

Panelists:
– Nadine Crocker, Actor, Writer, Director and Producer
– Vernon L. Davis, Former NFL Player, Actor, Advocate and Author
– Jon Sherin, M.D., Ph.D. Vice Chair, UCLA Psychiatry, and former Director, LA County Department of Mental Health
– Courtney B. Vance, Actor, Producer and Author
Moderated by Tamika Lewis, Licensed Therapist and Mental Health Practitioner

We would like to hear from you.

While the Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, we do accept general inquiries related to mental health, Israel-American Jewish relations, and philanthropic strategies, media inquiries, and new links for our resource page.

Contact Us