October 24, 2025
Fight for Life In The News, News
For Immediate Release
(INDIANAPOLIS) – October 24, 2025 – Fight for Life Foundation (FFLF) with the support of a $20,000 grant from the Indianapolis Colts’ Kicking the Stigma, has activated a new initiative to provide nearly 50 educators with free mental health counseling sessions in partnership with Ellie Mental Health and Growth & New Horizons.
Through this effort, 46 educators—on a first-come, first-served basis, with guaranteed allotments for four selected schools currently implementing FFLF’s Building Dreams program—will each receive 10 counseling sessions at no cost to the school or educator. Educators may opt in, choose their provider, counselor, and whether sessions are in-person or virtual, giving them flexible, personalized care. The Kicking the Stigma investment directly supports 20 educators.
“We are grateful for the Indianapolis Colts and Kicking The Stigma for their investment and innovative approach around helping communities truly end the stigma surrounding mental health,” said Marlin Jackson, FFLF President and CEO, and former Indianapolis Colt. “If we invest in the educators, who are on the front line, they have more to invest in the students and increase academic achievement.”
Launched by the Colts in 2020, Kicking the Stigma is the team’s effort to raise awareness about mental health, reduce the shame too often associated with mental illness and expand access to care. Since then, the initiative has committed millions of dollars to support nonprofits, schools and community programs dedicated to mental wellness across Indiana and beyond.
”Teachers give so much of themselves every day. “We were pleased to award a Kicking The Stigma Action Grant to support Fight For Life’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of educators and students, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Brett Kramer, Director of Kicking the Stigma.
The program’s launch aligns during Emotional Wellness Month and “fall break”, a time when many schools, colleges and universities are reminded that no one can pour from an empty cup.
Recent research underscores this reality. The 2023 State of the American Teacher Survey found that throughout 2021 and 2022, teachers were twice as likely as other working adults to report frequent job-related stress and difficulty managing it.
“Educators are excited about the offering, and some have even requested to begin before the official October 16 launch date,” Jackson said. “That urgency underscores the very real need for support in our schools.”
This aspect of Be A Blessing teacher supports is another step in the organization’s ongoing commitment to strengthen schools, communities, and the educators who shape young lives.
“Together, we’re helping students – the whole child – fight for quality in life,” Jackson said.
Building Dreams is a cornerstone program of Fight for Life Foundation that helps youth serving organizations create an infrastructure to build relationships while also monitoring social emotional needs and behavior. It is also a pathway to FFLF’s “Be A Blessing” Program, which provides resources and support to students, families, and educators who are using the platform.
Though 14 locations use the program, the four schools that qualified for this program are: Frederick Douglas 19, George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academy, Phalen Leadership Academy 48, and Sankofa School of Success. These four partners were chosen because they have been collaborators in the development of the Building Dreams technology.
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About Fight for Life Foundation (FFLF)
Founded in 2007 by former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson, Fight for Life Foundation helps youth develop the social and emotional skills needed to succeed. Now an independent 501(c)(3) organization, FFLF serves thousands of youth and supports schools and youth-serving organizations through its award-winning programs.
In 2018, FFLF launched Building Dreams, a digital, evidence-based platform that helps schools monitor wellness, support positive student behavior, and foster emotional regulation. The program engages students with gamified tools for goal-setting, decision-making, and building healthy wellness habits. Building Dreams also connects school staff to students’ behavioral, safety, and well-being information, helping address absenteeism, mental health, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), while remaining FERPA and HIPAA compliant. Building Dreams is also a pathway to FFLF’s Be A Blessing Program, which provides additional resources and support to students, families, and educators using the platform. Learn more here.
Marlin Jackson is a former Indianapolis Colt and founder of Fight for Life Foundation. A University of Michigan graduate, Marlin is a social entrepreneur and lifelong learner who views every experience as an opportunity to grow. His journey from collegiate and professional football to nonprofit leadership shaped his disciplined, structured, and purpose-driven approach to life and work. Throughout his career—as team captain at Michigan, a Super Bowl-winning NFL player, sports analyst, and now President of multiple ventures including Fight for Life Foundation, Revive Investments, and MarlinJ28—Marlin has demonstrated leadership, resilience, and a passion for impact. He is deeply committed to faith, family, and helping others succeed. Marlin and his wife, Nikki, live in Indianapolis with their three sons: Camden, Kingston, and Kash.
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