LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — “People everywhere are dying from the thoughts they have,” says Brandarius Johnson, recalling one of the darkest moments of his life.”

Brandarius continues: “My introduction to mental health came from the suicide of a good friend. He was faced with a life without his first love and one of life’s most difficult questions.”

How could he save others from despair?

He transformed this pain into a new goal and shifted his passion for football to emotions.

The non-profit organization Heart 2 Give was founded with a focus on resilience and mental well-being through school conversations as part of their vision for a “Be the Hope” school curriculum.

Retired school counselor Linda Harris is on her team: “There are two prerequisites for children to learn. They must feel safe and connected. If these two things are not present, they cannot and will not learn.”

UNLV social work students Susie Moss and Kiarra Campbell provide more insight into their work as they put what they learn into practice. “Many kids lack the foundation at home,” Campbell says.

“It’s all about teaching children how to lead by example so they can give hope to others,” Moss says.

Heart 2 Give wants to remind people to be hopeful and remember that there is support available, from schools to t-shirts.

“We are ready to help wherever we can,” says Harris.