TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – A mother mourning the loss of her teenage son is pouring herself into helping support local youth and mental health services.
“This was created so that no one else is falling through the cracks,” said Danetta Walker, Jeremiah Porchia’s mother.
Walker’s foundation, Jeremiah Ezekial Porchia PAWS OFF, is dedicated to her son’s memory. The foundation had its first meeting on Friday.
Part of PAWS OFF’s mission is to be a bridge between local families and resources for mental health and youth.
Jeremiah himself was struggling with mental health. Late last year, he drowned in the Maumee River after going missing. He was only 19 years old.
Walker said during Jeremiah’s time on earth, he was passionate about making a difference and helping other young people.
Through PAWS OFF, Walker is using her talents to support what Jeremiah believed in. She is using her business knowledge to promote organizations that are making a difference in the community.
“I canvass, so I have that in my toolkit, I can do web designs, I have that in my toolkit to get the message out for youth services and mental health resources if that’s a need there,” Walker said.
In addition to helping organizations that are making a difference, PAWS OFF will serve as a central resource for families searching for local services.
“We’re going to sit there and say, here are the resources,” Walker said. “This is what’s happening at this organization.”
Those discussions about resources will happen in future PAWS OFF meetings, and more information will be posted on the foundation’s website.
It’s putting pain into purpose and keeping Jeremiah’s light alive.
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