Respect yourself.

Respect others.

Respect all.

Our Problem

Today’s youth are experiencing serious problems related to trauma, identity, and social relationships.

  • 40% of Indiana teens feel sad/hopeless (up to two weeks)

    • According to IYI, Region 3 (Adam’s, Allen, Dekalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley Counties) are rated the highest in this category.

  • 18% of teens reported seriously considering suicide

  • 25% of parents found it “very difficult” to obtain mental health care in Indiana

*All data recorded for the 2024 Kids Count Book from IYI

Our Solution

We want to improve the emotional intelligence of our youth through engaging, and empowering programming

  • In school curriculum

    • 3 middle school presentations: Respect in Friendship, Respect YourSELF, RespectYou & RespectME

    • 3 high school presentations: Relationships, Stress the Silent Toxin, RespectYOU (body image and eating disorder)

  • Powerful and empowering student events

OUR IMPACT

  • An increase of 20% of students feel more invested in their relationships (in spite of difficulties) after our presentations.

  • An increase of 25% of students feel “valuable” after our presentations.

  • An increase of 67% of high school students understand what consent is as a result of our presentations.

  • 85% of student feel more hopeful after our presentations.

RespectTeam programming impact since 2021 as it relates to number of students understanding how to set healthy boundaries in relationships.

Our HOW

  • We have strong, proprietary, evidence-based curriculum that teaches students the importance of self respect and respect of others. Students will learn crucial soft skills like empathy, interpersonal communication, and crucial concepts such as boundaries and consent (in high school).

  • We have two events throughout the year dedicated to empowering regional students. TeenSpeak is a unique event for students to share their own stories of strength to a community of their peers. The 360Award’s offers 5 $1,000 scholarships to students positively impacting their community through sacrificial leadership.

    Further, the understanding of our programming and curriculum increases the emotional competence of our youth, inspiring them to be advocates in the community.

  • The foundation of RespectTeam is helping our community develop relationally and mentally. We currently offer QPR and Suicide Prevention training for adults. We can’t forget our amazing youth leaders and need to be sure they are properly trained how to recognize red flag signs and encourage students through difficult times.

    *We will also be offering this training for our teens very soon.

What Our Students Are Saying

  • “I learned how to respect myself and others… and if I am ever feeling down I now know there are people I can talk to…”

    Middle School Student

  • “They told me I am loved”

    High School Student

  • “[RespectTeam] educated me on topics that get swept under the rug…”

    High School Student

  • “I really connected to the presentation… I connected to it on an emotional level and felt understood. Thank you.”

    High School Student

What Our Teachers Are Saying

  • "I loved it. I loved the Diamond analogy. I think that the students understand as best as they understand most things. Thank you for what you do!"

    Brienne Konopacki

    4th GradeTeacher

    Shambaugh Elementary

  • “Thank you for coming and talking to our class about respect. I think the activities were perfect for second grade. Your actives were hands on and allowed students to move, while also learning about respecting the differences between themselves and others. I hope that you would consider coming back again.”

    RACHEL STEPHENS TEACHER AT SHAMBAUGH ELEMENTARY

  • DeKalb Middle School is very fortunate to have the opportunity to engage our students in the RespectTeam’s programs, which are delivered in our health classrooms. Each year, we continue to invite the RespectTeam to present to our students because these programs benefit teens in so many ways. The RespectTeam staff help them to discover their personal strengths, passions, and personality traits. They teach them to communicate effectively with others. The students learn about healthy and unhealthy relationships, and they learn about what to do and who to contact if they are struggling with all kinds of issues, including mental health.

    Scott Wessell

    Dekalb Middle School

#GivingTuesday Bingo!

We already have the center square taken! Claim your square now, and make a BINGO!

Giving Tuesday is now less than 20 days away! This special day is all about coming together to support the organizations and causes that matter to us. And we're thrilled that you're a part of the RespectTeam family!

Over the next 20 days, we're setting our sights high with the goal of adding 25 one-time gifts to support our programs and services. However, this time, your donation may be met with a company match! 👀 More specifically, matched not just once…not twice…but potentially 5 times!!! So, in other words, your gift of $100 could lead to $500!!! 😱 ⚡️ If every single square is donated, and thus met with a match, we have the opportunity to raise up to $15,000 by the end of the year.

*(This is a great opportunity to give for an additional tax write-off with the calendar year coming to a close.) 

Your donation today will be used to help schools receive free in-class programming, increasing students emotional intelligence, and improving students relationship to self and others, and will make a real impact in the lives of those we serve.

Some instructions with RT Bingo:

  • When you pick a gift square, mark it off and send it back to us so we can update the card, and you can pass it on to friends! 

  • The supporters that make a BINGO will receive a prize (including a free ticket to TeenSpeak 2025!!!!!). 

teens working together

Important Conversations

Whether you’re having these conversations for the first time, we all start somewhere. Stay connected to RespectTeam by listening to some of our speaker’s personal stories, and learning more about resources available to you or someone you may know.

Our Legacy Partners

  • The Lutheran Foundation

  • The DEKKO Foundation

  • Community Foundation of Fort Wayne

  • PNC Charitable

  • Eric A. Baade and Mary C. Baade Charitable Purposes Trust (Wells Fargo)

  • Drug & Alcohol Consortium Allen County

  • Fort Wayne Children’s Foundation

  • Health First Allen County (Allen County Department of Health)

  • Don Wood Foundation

“These presentations will inspire a generation of emotionally intelligent people, and compassionate community members that unify and proclaim, “It’s not the hope that kills ya… it’s the hope that HEALS ya…”

— Jordan Kerner (Executive Director)