Why I Started Also-Me

In June of 2007 my oldest son, who was 16 at the time, was unwilling admitted to Philhaven, a local psychiatric hospital, as a result of threats of suicide.

I had known, for a long time, that Alec was struggling but he refused to talk about it with me. When I finally was able to get him to speak with a professional he wasn’t honest about what he was feeling and thinking. He did everything possible to hide his torment from everyone around him. Now it was finally coming out. He had major emotional issues to deal with. It was frightening news for all of us.

Unfortunately, this would take a significant turn for the worse. During our second family therapy session my son confessed to the murders of one of his closest friends and his parents. This tragedy had been an unsolved crime for the past 30 days and had brought a collective sense of fear over the entire community. I was faced with circumstances and a decision no father can ever imagine. I turned my son in for the murders of three innocent people: my son’s friend whom had been in my home often, his father and his mother who had welcomed my son into their home many times. The lives of so many had been unimaginable changed forever. The following days, weeks and months were an experience that has reshaped me as a father, husband and man. I wondered. What good could ever come out of this situation?

In response to this event I have started a non profit out reach, ALSO-ME. The goal is to reach youth and anyone else that is struggling, before it is too late. If I can help just one person or family it will be worth it. The name originates from something my youngest son said when he was a small child. Instead of saying, me too, he would say “also me”. This little phrase stayed with me throughout the years. When I decided to begin to build an organization to help youth it seemed like the perfect name. Every one of us faces struggles, hardships, doubts and challenges in our lives. If we are in a room full of people we can look at any one in the room and say, me too or ALSO ME. I hurt, have doubts, fears, feel alone, want meaning and a purpose and need to be loved. ALSO ME! We are not alone.

Many people are not comfortable talking to some one they know, don’t know where to turn, think they have to do it alone or don’t think any one will understand. Help is out there, people do care and you can get help.

The goal is to make ALSO-ME.org the most comprehensive site of resources, positive messages, faith and help for youth on the internet and at the same time make it a site people will want to visit. It is a lofty goal but if I shoot for the moon, even if I miss, I’ll land among the stars. I believe a relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ is vital to any healing process. However, the site includes both faith and non faith based resources so that anyone can find a path to help and healing. You will find resources (such as web sites, help lines and various organizations) for help with depression, addictions, abuse, grief, questions about faith and much more. There are music videos, short stories, recommended books, quotes and other inspirational, funny and useful items. The goal of ALSO-ME is, “Let None be Lost”.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
Waldo Emerson

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you."
Isaiah 41:13

Mission Statement

To deliver messages of help, hope and faith in a way that calls us to positive action in our lives. This action may be to help others and/or ourselves in ways we never before realized were possible, on the path to joy, purpose and meaning.

You’re not alone.

What Others are Saying

“I finally took time to visit your website and I must say I was overwhelmed and touched with the out pour of compassion and sincerity that I felt in viewing it…I will certainly forward this and recommend it to anyone that I feel might benefit from it…” — Dee

“After checking out the Also-Me website I just keep thinking that the possibilities are endless and that there are so many people who could benefit from it.” — Steph

“It’s cool.” — Cameron

“I was present during the testimony you gave about your life altering family events. Your strength and ability to bring that story to others as well as providing a place for young adults… is a tribute to your belief that we can all help each other… I am sorry for your tragedy but your strength brings us hope and strength to others like me. If any good can come out of such a tragic event, you have done that.” — Cindy