By GAGE WILSON
For Glasgow News 1
The Barren County Family YMCA in partnership with Caverna Independent Schools will host a Mental Health Night on Friday. It continues an effort by the district to place greater focus on the emotional well-being of its students and families.
For Liz Hamilton, that mission is deeply personal.
Hamilton’s son, Le’Braun Hamilton, died by suicide in November 2024 after serving in the United States Marine Corps. He was 19 years old.
“He graduated on June 6, 2023,” Hamilton said. “And he was set to join the Marines June 11.”
Hamilton said her son completed Marine Corps training that September before being stationed in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where he quickly advanced to the rank of lance corporal.
“He was very strategic in everything he did,” she said.
But not long after entering military service, Hamilton said she began noticing changes in his behavior.
“The things that he went through and the things that they put them through, he became closed off,” she recounted. “We just thought that was the process of becoming a Marine.”
Looking back, Liz said many of those changes were warning signs.
“A lot of that stuff you don’t recognize until after,” she said. “The isolation, appearance changes and their attitude changes – look for those types of signs.”
Since Le’Braun’s death, Liz, alongside family and close friends, has worked to turn that loss into outreach through the creation of Le’Braun Cares Inc., an organization aimed at connecting individuals and families with mental health and substance abuse resources.
She noted that the two struggles often overlap, particularly among young people facing emotional distress.
Meanwhile, Caverna Schools has continued expanding its own mental health initiatives, hosting multiple awareness and support events throughout this school year, with additional programming already planned for next school year.
Friday’s Mental Health Night is open to all Caverna students and their families and will begin at 6 p.m. at the Barren County Family YMCA, located at 1 YMCA Way in Glasgow.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.
Key Facts
– Barren County Family YMCA and Caverna Independent Schools are partnering on a Mental Health Night.
– The event is Friday, May 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. at 1 YMCA Way in Glasgow.
– All Caverna students and their families are invited to attend.
– Organizers say the district is expanding its focus on emotional well-being after youth deaths.
– The event will highlight warning signs, mental health and substance abuse resources.
– Community members are being reminded that the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.