About Us
The Damon and Stella Foundation for Mental Health (DAS), a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit organization.
Like the Bending Tree, we point the way to safe passage.
Our mission is to increase awareness of mental health issues and the societal stigma against seeking effective professional help. The DAS Foundation will do this through a variety of awareness campaigns and activities, and grants to other worthy mental health awareness nonprofits. Our current campaign is to increase awareness of the mental health issues that affect Suicide rates.
The Bending Tree
From the Utes of the West to the Cherokee of the East, Tribal Nations used the Bending Tree to mark a path to ensure safe travel for those who follow. The Damon and Stella Foundation for Mental Health is well aware of the perilous journey toward well-being and our campaign is to provide guideposts for those striving for a safe return.
Because the founders of the foundation are in the entertainment business we produced a series of PSA’s to be aired nationally thus beginning our journey towards mental health awareness. The Damon and Stella Foundation for Mental Health… Pointing the way to safe passage.
About Damon and Stella
Damon Ivey April 18, 1984- January 4, 2006 – A writer has said that life is not comprised of the date of birth and the date of death. Life is the dash that separates the two. Damon’s dash is so terribly short, but so very full of love and warmth. Damon was born to parents, Phillip and Marti, little brother of Justin and Jana, big brother of Dylan.
He grew up in Southern California, taking inspiration for his boundless artistic talents from his surroundings of the surf, the sun, and the snow. Those talents earned him an invitation to participate in art classes conducted at college campuses while a nine year old third grader. Damon loved challenges and, as a result of that love, excelled in photography, painting, pottery, and music. He stood out from all others and a huge gap exists which only he could have filled. His life’s gifts remain and he continues to touch and inspire us who loved him passionately.
Stella-rose Gail Barrett was born on November 19, 1969 and raised in the Appalachians of East Tennessee, Stella-Rose Gail Barrett’s legacy is one of care, creativity and strength. To all who called her friend, she was known to care deeply and humbly. To all who called her colleague, she was known to posses great skill in poetry and photography. To all of us who knew her, her strength in spending a lifetime fighting a mental illness was, and continues to be, an inspiration.
Stella was a beautiful mother and a great caregiver for all in need. A mentally challenged squirrel named Weebles (once rescued from a disregarding vet) remains a favorite family story. Weebles lived a full and happy life under Stella’s watchful eye, and we all experienced similarly loving attention. Though Stella struggled mightily against her illness, she kept it private, sharing only with family and intimate friends. She found strength in her art; words and images resonating as captured glimpses of the hope and beauty in everyday simplicity.
Eventually, the “brick wall” she spent a lifetime pushing against would not move, and she completed her suicide on January 2, 2006. While she did succumb to her disease, we stand in the wake of her inspiration and will, together, keep at that wall, one brick at a time.
